The Botanist: Islay
Islay
ISLAY IS A REMOTE ISLAND IN THE Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland
The Island
Islay is known as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ because of its fertile land. It is both greener and flatter than many of the other Hebridean islands. It still boasts some high moorland and hills, the highest being Beinn Bheigeir (Ben Vicar) at 491m.
Islay’s diverse landscape is due to its underlying geological structure. The lower-lying fertile land is underlain by limestone and mica schists, while hard quartzites form the rugged uplands.
Scroll through to find out the influence that 'place' has on The Botanist.
The Islay landscape
Islay's varied geology supports a range of natural environments, from heather moorland, peat bogs, wetlands and salt marsh to deciduous and coniferous woodlands, rich grassland and scrub forest.
The climate is relatively mild with Islay being warmed by the waters of the gulf stream.
This unique and varied landscape and climate contribute to the abundance of botanicals that grow on Islay. Their flavours and scents are the inspiration behind The Botanist.
Our Distillery
The Botanist is made at Bruichladdich Distillery on the banks of Loch Indaal on the Isle of Islay. The distillery has been an integral part of the community at Bruichladdich since it was built in 1881. Bruichladdich, which is home to three single malts along with The Botanist, is located on the Rhinns of Islay on the West of the island.
