First single malt whisky from the Isle of Harris Distillery
From October, The Hearach will also be available in Germany and Austria
It won't be long before another new Scottish distillery presents its single malt for the first time: "The Hearach" is what the Isle of Harris Distillery calls its whisky, named after the inhabitants of the Hebridean island.
In 2015, the distillery in Tarbert started production and initially made a name for itself with its maritime Harris Gin. In parallel, since December 2015, they have also been storing new make for the future Isle of Harry Single Malt Whisky. Its character varies between lightly and moderately peated. The casks are stored exclusively on the island.
The distillery calls itself "The Social Distillery" and is now able to offer jobs to almost 50 people on the island, which is affected by rural exodus. With just under 2,000 inhabitants to offer Harris, that is a large proportion. In addition to production, the distillery also focuses on boosting tourism on the island of the Outer Hebrides.
Isle of Harris The Hearach available from 9 October in Germany and Austria
The distillery itself does not ship orders outside the UK through its shop, wich will offer the new whisky from September 23, 2023, but Alba Import will bring the whisky to Germany and Austria retailers. Corinna Schwarz, Managing Director of Alba Import, says: "We are happy to finally introduce the first single malt from Isle of Harris Distillery. For us, after Wolfburn, Kingsbarns and Clydeside Distillery, it is the fourth whisky distillery within a few years that we can accompany on its first release. THE HEARACH is an excellent addition to our portfolio as a heavy island malt and Isle of Harris Distillery truly deserves the attribute `Vibrant Stills`."
The design of the bottle is still being kept under wraps. Those who want to be present at the launch of Isle of Harris The Hearach can join the festive ceremony via live stream on the distillery's homepage on 22 September at 14:30 GMT. Alba Import is planning the start in Germany and Austria for 9 October 2023.
Gentle peat smoke, roasted malt and apple compote
The Isle of Harris The Hearach First Release will be released without chill filtering at 46% vol. The peat content is given in the current press release as 12-15ppm. Ex-bourbon, ex-oloroso and ex-fino sherry casks were combined for it. The youngest whiskies proportions are four years old, while the majority have already matured for seven years.
Master blender Shona MacLeod describes the HEARACH First Release as presenting many nuances of flavour that everyone can taste something different. Gentle peat smoke on the first sip, reminding on a fireplace at home, joined by a roasted malt note. She can also taste homemade apple compote and has the smell of dunes and beach flowers in her nose. Various spices emerge as well as a nice sweetness of candied ginger, vanilla and honey. Finally, a creamy note of whipped cream and the taste of fresh leather linger on her palate.
Images: Isle of Harris Distillery via Alba Import
