Isle of Harris Distillers has announced the release of its long-awaited single malt Scotch whisky, The Hearach.
Described by the brand as “the first legal dram from the Outer Hebridean Isle of Harris,” The Hearach single malt whisky, handcrafted by a team of locals from Harris, has been distilled, matured (in first-fill bourbon, oloroso and fino sherry casks), married and bottled (at 46% ABV) on the island.
The whisky, besides being made available through the distillery, will be available from October in specialist retailers and bars across the UK and in over 20 countries globally.
The bottles will be accompanied by the personal tasting notes of someone from Harris, with different batches offering slightly different tastes depending on the marrying period and variations in individual casks.
“We’ve always said that the whisky would be ready when it’s ready,” said Simon Erlanger, Managing Director of Isle of Harris Distillers Ltd, in a prepared statement, “so it’s a big moment to finally announce the launch of The Hearach, which will be on the distillery’s eighth birthday. Eight years ago, we hosted the biggest ceilidh the island has seen – at this one we’ll have a historic dram to toast the island with!
“We’re looking forward to sharing more of the flavour of Harris with consumers across the world – from those who already know and love our gin, to those who are new to the brand.”
Conceived by Anderson Bakewell, who has a 50-year relationship with Harris, the distillery opened in 2015 to act “as a symbol of hope and optimism for the Harris community.” Starting life with a team of just 10 locals, today the distillery numbers some 48 full-time staff.
Shona Macleod, Blender at the Isle of Harris Distillery, had this to say in official tasting notes on The Hearach:
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“I get a gentle peat smoke on the first sip which reminds me of island home fires burning when I was growing up. It comes along with a toasted maltiness. I can also taste homemade apple sauce and smell machair flowers, particularly white clover which springs up on our west coast every summer.
“Mixed spices appear, and an old-fashioned sweetness from things like candied ginger, vanilla, and honeycomb. Finally, there’s a long, clotted-cream note, mixed with a lasting sense of new leather.”
For more information on The Hearachor the Isle of Harris Distillery, visit www.harrisdistillery.com.
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