In February I wrote that things were getting ugly at Bruichladdich. At that time the Bruichladdich Distillery managed to get a Lowmand Still which was later installed at the distillery. In April, the first, the Laddieblog announced that they were going to distill gin but many thought this to be a april fools joke but no, gin has been distilled on Islay for the first time, a week ago on a Sunday. The managed to distil a genuine, artisanal Islay gin, flavoured by an unprecedented 31 botanicals from which 22 were harvested from Islay. And guess which still they used? Right, it was Ugly Betty operated by master distiller Jim McEwan. “Ugly Betty”, the original and only Lomond still, was used for the first time in 30 years. Having been saved from a scrap yard it was specially adapted, including for the infusion of botanicals by alcohol vapour in the still neck. Running at an exceptionally low pressure, the still ran for a surprising 15 hours at a steady, gentle simmer, producing maximum flavour and texture. Continue reading....

Jim McEwan said: "I was a bit apprehensive because Ugly Betty and I hadn’t danced together before, but I was confident we could pull it off. You form relationships with stills because they all perform differently – some are cantankerous and others are easy. In the end it went like a Rolls Royce". Jim Continues "This is no re-badged, centrally-produced, gin. It has real Islay provenance, authenticity - even historical precedence. It has an amazing flavour with a dryness that comes from a spirit distilled exclusively with botanicals - no essences, oils, flavourings or sweeteners. We are rather proud of this." 2,500 cases (6/1) of the first release will be bottled at Bruichladdich at 46% with Islay spring water, with out chill-filtration, and will be available from the end of September. It is expected to retail at around £29.

Tag: bruichladdich gin still