Few gins capture a sense of place like The Botanist, which is why it has a permanent home on the Camp West shelf. Made at the Bruichladdich distillery on the Scottish island of Islay, it is built around 22 wild botanicals hand-foraged from the island itself. For an outdoorsy, cabin-inspired bar like ours, a gin literally gathered from hills, meadows, and shores feels right at home. It is a thoughtful, complex pour we are always happy to introduce to curious guests in West Seattle.
About the Distillery
The Botanist is produced at Bruichladdich, a distillery on Islay better known for its single malt whisky. Two professional foragers roam the island between spring and fall, gathering the wild botanicals that define the gin. It is distilled in a Lomond pot still affectionately nicknamed “Ugly Betty,” using a slow, gentle simmer that coaxes out the delicate aromatics of so many ingredients.
Botanicals & Style
The Botanist layers 22 wild, hand-foraged Islay botanicals over nine classic gin botanicals, for a remarkably complex herbal profile. The foraged additions include local plants such as apple mint, bog myrtle, and lady’s bedstraw, gathered across the island’s hills, meadows, and shores. The result is an aromatic, layered Islay dry gin that is floral and herbaceous while still keeping juniper at its core.
Tasting Notes
The nose is intensely floral and herbal. The palate is complex and layered, with mint, citrus, and a wash of meadow herbs over a firm juniper base, finishing long, dry, and aromatic. It rewards slow sipping and reveals more with every taste.
How to Enjoy It at Camp West
The Botanist makes a stunning gin and tonic, especially with a sprig of fresh herbs to echo its foraged character. It also shines in a botanical-forward martini or a garden-style cocktail. Ask your bartender to lean into its herbal side. A pour of The Botanist is $12.
FAQ
Where is The Botanist made? It is made at the Bruichladdich distillery on the island of Islay, Scotland.
How many botanicals does it have? It features 22 wild, hand-foraged Islay botanicals layered over nine classic gin botanicals.
Find a seat and explore it with us. Book a table, browse the full gin list, or check out the beverage menu.