This was a dream of a commission from LOVE Creative, pushing the boundaries of botanical illustration forwards through visual and creative story telling. ‘Five Hundred Cuts’ Botanical Rum distilled by BrewDog is the first of its kind to have used a long list of botanical ingredients to give it a unique flavour and punchiness and making it a stand out bottle on any bar tenders shelf.

Both labels tell the story of Elizabeth Blackwell, who during 1734 was left alone in London after her deadbeat husband was incarcerated, life was looking pretty grim. This industrious Aberdonian refused to be beaten, instead creating a go-to -guide for herbal medicine, drawing, engraving and colouring 500 botanicals (or cuts). With an overnight success of her book ‘The Curious Herbal’, Elizabeth was able to free her spouse. Alas for Alexander, the final cut came a few years later- when his head was cut off for treason.

Full of zest and life ‘Five Hundred Cuts’ is a tribute to Lizzy’s unbreakable spirit…. the original spice girl.