The Isle of Tiree, once known as the “Land of Barley,” has rekindled its centuries-old whisky heritage with the release of its first legal single malt in over 200 years.
The historic launch comes from Isle of Tiree Distillery, one of Scotland’s smallest whisky producers, crafting just 2,000 liters of pure alcohol annually through traditional production methods.
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Isle of Tiree Distillery
Founded by folk musicians Alain Campbell and Ian Smith, the distillery represents a revival of the island’s rich distilling tradition, which once boasted 50 illicit distilleries before the 1800s.
However, since the closure of these illicit distilleries, whisky-making has not been undertaken on the island. That was until 2019, when the stills were lit at the Isle of Tiree Distillery.
Campbell and Smith are proud to relight the fire. According to a brand press release, “Each part of the process is handcrafted using methods of the past but with an enthusiastic vision for the future of the island.”
A Return To Tradition
Speaking about the traditional methods employed at the distillery, Alain Campbell said: “We created our distillery to bring whisky production back to the island and this will be the first single malt whisky from Tiree in over 200 years. The distilling heritage of our island has inspired us since we were kids and we are immensely proud to bring whisky back to Tiree.
“We have strived to keep our production methods true to our ancestors – we use most traditional methods along with grain, water, fire and gravity – that’s all we need.”
“We hand mash laureate malted barley in mesh mash bags – hoisted high on wooden blocks to lauter clear the wort into our oak mash tun. This is followed by an extra-long fermentation in our oak washbacks. First distillations take place in our wide copper washstills, followed by carefully distilling the spirit in our 300L spirit still. And then age our whisky in small casks and our maturation happens right on the rocky Tiree coastline.”
“This is an important moment in the island’s history as we reconnect with an industry that was once such an important part of island life,” added Ian Smith, co-founder of Tiree Whisky Company.
Limited Release and Community Impact
The inaugural release of Isle of Tiree Single Malt Scotch Whisky is limited to 800 bottles, priced at £199.99. Following a successful pre-sale where 400 bottles sold out in under two hours, the remaining allocation is expected to generate significant interest among collectors and enthusiasts. You can purchase your bottle here.
The distillery will auction the first 10 bottles starting January 31, with 10% of proceeds benefiting local island charities, demonstrating their commitment to community support.
Isle of Tiree Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes
Provided by Caroline Dewar.
Appearance: Pale, glowing amber with tawny highlights. Sherry cask and virgin oak influences showing in colour. Tears swift and close at first showing youth, then a little stickier and slower.
Nose: Candy sweetness from the bottle. In the glass, fresh with light vine fruit, a touch of wax and some honey; earthy with some sweet spices including ginger and cinnamon. A little toffee, sweet oak and soft dark sugar. With water, a little less fruit and more wax at first. More ginger; wax floor polish; spicy florals. A faint waft of Fisherman’s Friend and varnish. Savoury spices too. From the dregs in the glass, more waxiness and aromatic spices and florals.
Palate: Medium mouth feel, slight viscosity. Spicy, waxy, peppery and a little vinous with a bit of struck match and varnish-like fumes catching in the throat. Drier, herbal notes and some ginger.
Finish: Medium length with tingly spices and herbs. Slightly mouth-drying but also sweet wood notes and wood tannins.