Isle of Harris 'The Hearach' Single Malt Whisky

Introduction

The Hearach Single Malt is the inaugural whisky from the Isle of Harris, located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The spirit is produced by the Isle of Harris Distillery, which opened in 2015 in the village of Tarbert and is often referred to as 'The Social Distillery' for its commitment to creating sustainable employment for the local community. Founded by Anderson 'Burr' Bakewell, the distillery revived legal distillation traditions on the island for the first time since the 1840s, with every drop of spirit crafted by local residents known as 'Hearachs'.

Spirit Description

This single malt presents an amber gold colour in the glass. The nose is highly aromatic and complex, offering initial notes of tropical fruits like pineapple and banana, followed by fresh citrus, floral honey, and a distinct sea breeze minerality underpinned by a subtle waft of peat smoke. On the palate, the body is thick and lush, delivering a balanced profile of butterscotch, candy apple, and malted barley, accompanied by gentle peat, baking spices, and a hint of salt. The finish is long and elegant, characterized by a lingering creaminess, toasted oak, and a delicate, ashy smoke. It is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and matured in a combination of first-fill ex-Bourbon casks and Oloroso and Fino Sherry butts.