Drink of the Week: The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin

Of the many bottles atop my home bar, gin holds the majority seat. But that’s not to say the spirit is necessarily my favorite. Rather, I’m fascinated by the sheer variety found within the world of gin and its ability to reflect geographical flora and flavors, as well as unique distillation or aging practices. Enter The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin. Since launching in 2010, the original Botanist Islay Dry Gin has become an industry favorite. Crafted at the Bruichladdich Distillery on the small, Scottish isle of Islay, The Botanist reflects the island’s terroir, using 22 locally foraged botanicals like mugwort leaves and heather flowers.

But head distiller Adam Hannett has long been experimenting with resting The Botanist in a variety of casks. And the new Cask Matured Gin Range marks the first release from the brand in more than a decade. The Cask Aged is a cuvée of about six different barrel types from multiple regions that has been aged a minimum of three years. At present, this expression remains an exclusive release in select bars and restaurants. However, the Cask Rested Gin is now available in retail.

Made from a cuvée of 16 different cask types and aged in Bruichladdich’s warehouse for a minimum of six months, the Botanist Cask Rested expression offers a delicious insight into the influence of the barrel. Light amber in color, the gin still presents bright and botanically forward, with the barrel contributing some complementary complexity with notes of vanilla and a subtle richness. Sip it on the rocks to appreciate the nuance, or experiment with it in a cocktail. It would stir up a killer Martinez or a gin Old Fashioned, or add depth to a classic Bee’s Knees. $59.99, kegnbottle.com