[Event]
Headed over to Chocha Foodstore along Petaling Street in downtown Kuala Lumpur on 16 July 2019 for an exclusive and intimate luncheon with The Botanist Gin and their Brand Ambassadors, Chloe Wood and Rick Joore.
A sensory introduction to the brand preceded the eclectic lunch with Chocha’s fusion dishes served alongside some bespoke The Botanist cocktails. It was certainly an interesting experience and an opportunity to get up close and personal with the brand ambassadors who were happy to share their knowledge on the brand.
The Botanist is Islay’s first and only dry gin. Now Islay is mostly known as one of the top producing regions of peated whisky so it’s rather unique to have a gin being made on the island. The Botanist features 22 hand-foraged botanicals which delicately augment the spirit’s nine core ingredients of berries, bark, seeds and peels, producing a rare expression of the heart and soul of the remote Scottish island.
The Botanist was created by former Master Distiller Jim McEwan of Progressive Hebridean Distillers Bruichladdich, and began with a proud fascination with the hills, woods and wetlands of Islay. Always one to challenge convention, McEwan wanted to explore the world of gin – specifically how his native paradise could play a part in the conception of the spirit.
“We have always believed in innovation and progress, in being unafraid to do things differently,” say McEwan. “We had no prior experience with gin, but we were passionate, stubborn, and resolute – just like our Gaelic forefathers! We took a risk, and we rose to the challenge, and with The Botanist, we created a progressive, carefree spirit that brings you the magical melody of Islay in one sip.”
The layered complexity of The Botanist comes to life through a team of progressive Hebridean distillers and botanical scientists, armed with extensive knowledge about the aromatic herbs and delicate flora of the Scottish island, who handpicked all ingredients locally and sustainably in the heart of Islay. The 22 Island botanicals used in The Botanist all grow on different parts of the island and bloom at different times of the year, making the hand-foraging a challenging, but rewarding, endeavour.
In March, the foraging begins with young Birch leaves that impart a distinct nutty flavor; in May, the botanical scientists are on the lookout for the subtle touch of anise brought by Sweet Cicely, while in June, they must keep their eyes peeled for Water Mint and Wood Sage. Come August, the powerful flavours of Tansy and Chamomile will be ripe for picking, and the team must harvest late summer Heather for their lovely honeyed undertones.
Incredible care is exercised in the distillation process, as the precious botanicals are slowly and gently coaxed into releasing their complex, signature aromatics in The Botanist’s unique and cherished Lomond pot-still. The result? A delicious manifestation of passionate creativity and artisanal craftsmanship.
Chloe Wood, Asia Pacific Brand Ambassador for The Botanist adds “Malaysia used to be a haven for foraging with an abundance of natural herbs and spices – frequently used for Chinese medicine. While that is not popular in our day and age, I do hope that The Botanist will inspire its local bartenders and consumers towards sourcing for local ingredients and being creative with the way they garnish and serve their drinks. We really want The Botanist to encourage you to go out there and explore your surroundings!”
The Botanist is available in Malaysia at the following locations:
| Name of Location | Type |
| Mercato Pavilion, KL | Supermarket |
| Atlas Gourmet, Four Season KL | Supermarket |
| Jason’s Food Hall, Bangsar Shopping Centre | Supermarket |
| Aeon | Supermarket |
| Jaya Grocer | Supermarket |
| Village Grocer | Supermarket |
| Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara | Bar |
| Shangri-La Hotel | Bar |
| Hotel Majestic | Bar |
| MAZE Gin Parlour & Coffee Saloon | Bar |
| W.I.P Café & Restaurant | Bar |
| Suzie Wong | Bar |
| Troika Sky Dining | Bar |
| PS 150 | Bar |
| Mrs Jones’ Parlour | Bar |
| JungleBird | Bar |
| Bar Trigona | Bar |
| W Hotel | Bar |
| SkyBar Traders Hotel KL | Bar |
| Marimbar, The Rooftop Bar, Pinnacle PJ | Bar |
| Boozeat | Online |
| Whisky.my | Online |
The Botanist is imported and distributed in Malaysia by Remy Cointreau Malaysia. For more info, head over to https://www.remy-cointreau.com/en/
.
timchew.net 
0 comments on “Lunch with The Botanist Gin and their Brand Ambassadors, Chloe Wood and Rick Joore”