In the starry shade of dim and solitary loveliness we learned the language of another world.

While the lunar luminance lit your sleeping faces The Botanist was refined on Islay.  Crows Nest Films have once again succumbed to the siren song of Bruichladdich and we are fortunate indeed to be at Loch Indaal's rocky shore with Allan Logan and Adam Hannett while this exquisite gin is distilled.  Captain Carney has been watching over the transformation as Ugly Betty distills 22 native botanicals to make Islay's first and only dry gin, The Botanist.   The Islay gin is slow distilled in a Lomond pot-still named Ugly Betty, which was rescued from Inverleven.  The hand-foraged natural riches, including Lady's Bedstraw flowers and bog myrtle leaves, enjoy a slow simmer at low pressure in the copper still, and when better than on a cold moonlit night.  Then the precious botanicals are slowly and gently coaxed into releasing their complex signature aromatics.  Those of you who have tasted this magnificent drink will instantly recognise the benefits of the achingly-slow 17 hour distillation.

As always it's about more than just the shoot.  Islay is home to some of our very dearest friends and it is a rare and beautiful treat to luxuriate in the company of these fine Ileachs.