The Botanist Launch Distiller’s Strength Gin

Anyone who knows ONIN knows we love our gin—so naturally, we jumped at the chance to try the newest offering from The Botanist: their bold and beautiful Distiller’s Strength.

When you think of the Scottish Isle of Islay, your mind probably goes straight to peaty whiskies but The Botanist, produced at Bruichladdich Distillery, which is known for stunning single malts, is changing this. At 50% ABV, Distiller’s Strength is a luxurious higher strength gin. In fact, The Botanist have found that 50% is actually the perfect strength for both their gins and whiskeys. Although it’s just 4% higher than their Islay Dry, the difference in aroma and taste is striking.

Just like their Islay Dry, this gin is made with 22 hand-foraged botanicals from Islay itself. A base of juniper, cinnamon, and coriander gives way to layers of wild herbs—mint, sweet gale, wood sage, clover, wild thyme. This gives it an earthy, fresh character.

Distiller’s Strength leans more heavily into the juniper, but it’s also lighter and more herbaceous than the original. The higher alcohol content amplifies its citrus, spice, and herbal notes, which makes it a particularly well suited for cocktails. We were told it shines in a Martini or Negroni, and of course, we had to find out for ourselves.

The launch event this week was at Three Sheets Soho and sitting on the bar stools we were able to see the bartenders making the excellent cocktails. The dry martini is where Distiller’s Strength really shows off its clean, herbaceous character. The result was a classic, elegance and crisp cocktail. Negronis are still growing on me, as I usually find them too bitter but I found that Distiller’s Strength balanced things- it’s higher ABV cut through the sweet vermouth and Campari, which made the whole drink feel brighter and easy to drink. We enjoyed it so much we even went back for seconds. If you’re after a more classic g&t then the original Botanist Islay Dry is perfect.

I can’t finish this review without mentioning the bottles. They’re glass bottles with the names of the botanicals listed in Latin.