For this, "The Botanist", small-batch, artisanal Islay gin we use nine of the classic gin aromatics; orris root, cassia bark, coriander seed, etc and augment these with a heady harvest of 22 wild, native island botanicals, hand-picked by our expert foraging team from the windswept hills, peat bogs and Atlantic shores of this Hebridean island of Islay.

This truly seasonal and exotic cocktail is then slow "simmer" distilled in our unique and cherished Lomond pot-still, "ugly betty". Betty prefers to work at low-pressure and won't be rushed. 

So our precious botanicals are slowly and gently coaxed into releasing their complex, signature aromatics. This was a unique project for our head distiller, Jim McEwan. Jim says he had to "learn a new dance" with Betty, and none of us knew what to expect from that first, achingly-slow 17 hour distillation. The result: a highly distinctive, complex, floral gin with outstanding finish and impeccable provenance.

 In an age of re-badged industrial gins, the Botanist stands out as a truly artisanal, small-batch, hand-crafted labor of love and distiller's art. A breath of botanical Islay in every glass.

Caol Ila is one of Islay's best loved distilleries and this 12 year old is their entry level bottling.

This expression is light and fresh with that distinctive Caol Ila smoke and notes of zesty limoncello. A perfect introduction to the joys of Islay malt and the mercurial qualities of peat smoked whisky.

Stoli^® Vodka is a classically styled, exceptionally smooth vodka. Crystal clear in color with marshmallow, mineral and mild fruit peel aromas, a soft, supple entry leads to a smooth, medium bodied palate with pastry frosting, talc and citrus rind flavors.

It finishes with a clean, lightly sweet, sugar dust, wet straw and balanced pepper fade.

Red Label is Johnnie Walker's signature blend, the versatile one that has introduced their whisky to the world. Crafted from the four corners of Scotland, it crackles with spice and is bursting with vibrant, smoky flavours – followed by a mellow bed of vanilla, a fresh zestiness and the Johnnie Walker signature of a long, lingering, smoky finish.

Tanqueray No. Ten is a different expression from the TANQUERAY range of products. It is made with fresh citrus fruits in addition to other botanicals. Under the watchful eye and uncompromising senses of the Master Distiller, small batches of fresh citrus fruits and handpicked botanicals are distilled in the No. Ten Still to produce this exceptional luxury Gin.

The TANQUERAY? Perfect Serve?

1. First of all, take a fresh lime and cut it into wedges. 
2. Take one of these wedges and squeeze the juice from it into the bottom of your hi-ball glass. 
3. Next, fill the glass two thirds with premium quality ice and then pour in a 35ml measure of TANQUERAY® gin (43% ABV). 
4. Now, top up the glass with premium quality tonic and stir well. 
5. Finally, run a wedge of lime around the rim of the glass, so that the fresh smell and taste of citrus greets you as you drink, and for the finishing touch, drop a fresh piece of lime into your now perfectly made T&T.

Hendrick’s is something of a household name. Perhaps you've heard of it? This terrific Scottish gin is made using two different stills - the Bennett stillsteeps its botanicals overnight before distillation, while the Carter-Head has its botanicals in a basket up in the still neck, steaming them gently. It features the likes of juniper, cubeb berries, elderflower, chamomile, angelica, lemon peel, orange peel, coriander, yarrow and orris, alongside an infusion of cucumber and rose petal. If you're making a G&T with this, it just has to be garnished with a ribbon of cucumber.

Nose: Big, creamy aromas right off the bat, with a little zesty citrus, juniper, rose petal jelly and cucumber.

Palate: Astoundingly fresh notes of cucumber with juniper, oak, a touch more citrus and vanilla. Creamy and savoury.

Finish: A long, refreshing, floral finish.

Originated in 1862, Bacardi superior rum is the original, mixable light-bodied rum aged between one to two years in carefully selected oak barrels. After ageing, the rums are blended and passed through a second charcoal filtration to achieve maximum clarity and characteristic Barcardi smoothness. Barcardi Superior is clean in colour, smooth in taste and dry in flavour with impressions of vanilla and subtle aromas of almonds and tropical fruits. Its finish is dry and smooth.

ABV 37.5%

From Ardbeg...

Multi gold award-winning Ardbeg Ten Years Old. Revered as the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malt of them all. Unique on Islay, the purifier on the lyne arm of Ardbeg’s still contributes to our whisky’s incredible balance and complexity. Despite its smokiness, it displays an incredible fruity, floral sweetness – a true peaty paradox.

On the nose, aromas of smoky fruit and zesty lemon and lime are chased by the tang of bold menthol and tarry rope. With water, an oceanic minerality brings a breath of cool, briny sea spray.

An explosion of crackling peaty flavours is followed by the tastes of a wave of brine infused with smooth buttermilk and ripe bananas.

Hastings Distillers was formed in 2019 by Kate Galloway and David Ramonteu, an inspiring couple with a background in winemaking and an artistic philosophy of production. Their award winning spirits are inspired as much by artists such as Tolstoy, Steiner and Tuwhare as by their scientific backgrounds in winemaking. The pair created the wine brands Alluviale and DaDa in a prior lifetime, before travelling through Europe and decided to marry distillation with therapeutic herbs. The result is a range of spirits using foraged, organic and biodynamic botanicals, pure organic spirit and water. Learn more about their story, taste the products and take some home from a visit. 

Biogro Certified 

Hastings Distillers commitment to organics is shown in their Biogro certification, ensuring all aspects of their production (botanicals, alcohol, water, packaging) has been checked, audited and certified by New Zealand’s largest certification agency. 

Packaging

The transparent seal on their bottles is made from environmentally friendly, compostable cellulose. The bottles themselves and label paper are made by long established European manufacturers under EU environmental regulations.

London Dry

Historically, the term London Dry relates to the production methods. This dictates that the Gin must be made from pure 96% ABV neutral spirit of agricultural origin, all botanical flavour must be imparted through distillation and nothing can be added after, the Gin must be dry. While their Gins adhere to the law governing this term, they are a modern, unconventional interpretation of the classical style.

Tasting note: A bold and aromatic Gin containing 10 Organic botanicals, of which 9 are from Hawke’s Bay. Batch distilled in our 150L Arnold Holstein still and cut to strength with Kaweka spring water. Top notes of citrus and juniper. Angelica root and Kaffir lime bring floral hints and complex herbal notes.

Serving note: Perfect for a fresh Gin and tonic or a smooth addition to any Martini or cocktail.

All Hastings Distillers products are certified organic with BioGro New Zealand. 

To be enjoyed, to be savored. A palate pleasing shock to the system. Your taste's savior. 

LOOKS: Bright. Crystalline. 

SMELLS: Classic juniper, in an instant. Subtle floral hints of lavender & orange blossom follow close by. Deeper earthy tones of cinnamon bark & nutmeg arrive next, but be prepared for a fresh burst of multiple citrus to linger longer. 

TASTES: Full frontal assault to the palate, a juniper & orange zest mixture. Closely followed by sweet lemon, taking over your entire palate. Minimum heat, minimum burn. Frontal palate flavours dominate, with small floral notes on the back palate. Jasmine and lavender, quite delicious. 

FINISH: A warming numbness with continued juniper. Surprisingly long finish, coming back with waves of orange & mixed floral notes. Dry Gin, at its prime. 

Source: roguesocietygin.com 

GlenDronach is, quite simply, the go to distillery for sherry aged whiskies. This large, imposing Victorian distillery makes whisky to match and some of their single cask offerings are as dark as night and like drinking liquid Xmas pudding and crêpes suzettes.

This is the archetypal 12 year old, aged in ex-oloroso and PX sherry casks. The nose is rich and lifted with honey, caramel, treacle, vanilla sugar and prunes dominating. The palate is rich and rounded with dried fruit, sultanas and milk chocolate. A fantastic all-round whisky and a must for the cabinet at home.

Made using wild English grown sloe berries, steeped for several months with Haymans gin before being blended with natural sugar, Haymans Sloe Gin is a rich red liqueur with a smooth, bitter sweet fruit flavour.Source - www.hancocks.co.nz

Nose: Cream-toffee and honeycomb. Vanilla and other gentle oaky tones waft through. Brilliant. Palate: Subtle spices warm the palate only for the honey to calm things down again. Sweetcorn, and brilliant, toasty brown-sugared depth. Finish: Some deft rye; the oak adds dryness. Comment: A bourbon of stunning complexity that really has improved in the last year or so as the depth has intensified. Source: whisky.com

The Bureaucrats bring you a limited edition Black Doris Plum gin.
Juniper and coriander on the nose with fruity fragrances. To taste there
is a smooth full body plum with a hint of sweetness leading to delicate
spicy notes and a gentle sharpness to finish.

Appleton Estate Signature Blend is a ‘blended rum’, which means it is a combination of several rums of different styles and ages and does not have an age statement.

Perfectly balanced complex citrus, fruity and sweet notes, with subtle orange peel, dried apricot, fresh peach, and a hint of molasses and woody notes.