The Botanist is a celebrated Islay dry gin from the Bruichladdich Distillery on the Scottish island of Islay, and it is poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. We love this one for its layered, herbaceous depth — a gin that carries the whole landscape of an island in the glass.
About the Distillery
The Botanist is made at Bruichladdich, a distillery on Islay better known for its single malt whisky and its progressive, terroir-driven philosophy. The gin is the work of the late master distiller Jim McEwan, and it stands apart for its sense of place: a dedicated forager gathers wild botanicals across the island’s hills, bogs and shores through much of the year. A slow, low-and-gentle distillation coaxes out every nuance.
Botanicals & Style
The gin layers twenty-two wild, hand-foraged Islay botanicals over nine classic gin aromatics, juniper among them. The foraged additions read like a walk across the island — hawthorn and meadowsweet flowers, red clover, bog myrtle, mountain thyme, wild mint, heather and elderflower. The result is a complex, floral and deeply herbaceous gin that is aromatic and layered rather than austere, with juniper woven through a tapestry of wildflower and herb.
Tasting Notes
Expect a bright, fragrant nose of citrus zest, mint and wildflowers. The palate is silky and complex, with juniper, lemon peel and coriander threading through layers of herb and floral notes. The finish is long, earthy and gently spiced.
What to Pair It With
Its herbaceous, garden-like character is a beautiful match for our Mediterranean Salad and the briny snap of our Fresh Oysters. It also pairs gracefully with Our Hummus. Explore the full dine-in menu to round out your evening.
How It’s Served at Grappa
The Botanist is poured neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail at $13.
FAQ
Where is it from?
It is distilled at Bruichladdich on the island of Islay, Scotland, using botanicals foraged across the island.
What does it taste like?
It offers citrus zest, mint and wildflowers, with a silky, complex palate of juniper, herb and floral notes on a long, earthy finish.
Is it juniper-forward?
Juniper is present and classic, but it is woven into a broad, herbaceous tapestry of wild botanicals rather than standing alone.
When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
