The Isle of Harris Story: Distilling Community, Place & Purpose | The Whiskey Wash Podcast

In the debut episode of The Whiskey Wash Podcast, Mark Littler speaks with Simon Erlanger, Managing Director of the Isle of Harris Distillery. They explore how this remote island distillery has become a powerful symbol of community regeneration, blending world-class spirits with a deep sense of place and purpose. From building in one of Scotland’s most isolated regions to crafting spirits without tasting notes, this is a story of people, passion, and quiet perseverance.
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In this first episode of The Whiskey Wash Podcast, Mark Littler speaks with Simon Erlanger, Managing Director of the Isle of Harris Distillery. This conversation goes beyond tasting notes to explore the deeper story of how a small island distillery became a symbol of regeneration, community, and quiet determination.

We talk about:

– The origin of the distillery and its role in reversing population decline

– The challenges of building and operating in one of Scotland’s most remote regions

– How design, people and purpose shaped both the gin and whisky

– Why they chose not to release tasting notes

– Thoughts on peat, sustainability, and the future of whisky

– Perfect ways to serve Isle of Harris spirits

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Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast, brand-builder, or just someone who enjoys a good story, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Mark Littler

Mark Littler is the owner and editor in chief of the Whiskey Wash. He is also the owner of Mark Littler LTD, a prominent whisky and antiques brokerage service in the United Kingdom. Mark is a well known voice in the whisky industry and has a regular column at Forbes.com and has a popular YouTube channel devoted to everything whisky.

Mark completed the purchase of The Whiskey Wash in late 2023.

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