Isle of Harris Distillers Ltd.

History

Isle of Harris Distillery is located in Tarbert on the Isle of Harris and is home to Isle of Harris Gin as well as The Hearach single malt whiskies. The company builds its narrative around the connection between the island and the outside world, which is reflected in collaborations and releases such as The Hearach of Château Biac, a whisky matured in special ex-sweet wine casks from Château Biac in France. Their approach highlights community, sense of place, and openness about production.

The story of the Château Biac collaboration describes how Tony and Youmna Asseily (owners of Château Biac in Bordeaux) wanted to age some of their French oak in Harris’s spirit, which led to a unique chain in which the island’s spirit is utilized in special ex-sweet wine casks.

Their product range spans from the first Hearach Single Malt to further releases such as Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask Matured and Hearach Decade Edition, which bring peaty notes and collaborations to life. The distillery emphasizes its approach to transparency in whisky production and focuses on connections — For, With and From Harris — as well as a strong grounding in the local community and sustainability.

Production / Manufacturing

The distillery is located in Tarbert on Harris and produces both gin and whisky. Whisky production is characterized by:

• Bottling at 46% ABV without chill filtration and without artificial color.

• Maturation in a mix of first-fill and other casks, including Bourbon, Oloroso and Fino butts.

• Blended spirits, which after aging are married in batches to achieve harmony (typically around 12 weeks for The Hearach).

• Sale of whisky in the district with a clear focus on 100% Scottish barley and water drawn from Abhainn Cnoc a’ Charrain on Harris.

• The fermentation times are specified: 40% Medium (approx. 70 hours) and 60% Long (approx. 120 hours).

• The facility includes 8000 L washbacks, 5000 L spirit still and 7000 L wash still (for the Hearach line).

Gin production also takes place on the Isle of Harris, including with a Dotach still and an approach that focuses on sugar kelp as a key botanical element, which is unique to the island ecosystem. Their approach is supported by openness around the whisky’s ingredients and production methods.

Products / Whisky Series

The Hearach Single Malt

The Isle of Harris’s first historic single malt. Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and without artificial colors. Aged in a combination of first-fill ex-Bourbon casks, Oloroso and Fino butts, and then marriages in batches for at least 12 weeks to bring harmony to the drink.

• Tasting note (notes from the local blenders): peat smoke, roasted malt, applesauce and machair-associated flowers; a balance of sweetness and spice with a long finish.

The Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask Matured

700 ml, 46% ABV, non-chill filtered. Aged in first-fill Oloroso butts from Jerez, which gives a rich, spicy and nutty character with a pronounced sherry influence.

• Tasting notes (inspired by Assist. Blender): aromas of cinnamon, orange zest and cloves; green herbs and white chocolate; flavors of wood smoke and walnut shells; finishes with leather and licorice.

The Hearach Decade Edition

700 ml, 46% ABV, age 6 years, non-chill filtered. Made using Harris-peat and a blend of Ex-Oloroso butts, Heaven Hill and Bourbon barrels. The peat thread is clearly integrated into the complex palette of floral notes, spices and malt sweetness; the finish is long and creamy.

• Tasting notes: caramelised oranges and dried citrus fruits; Harris-peat gives a dry, smoky profile that harmonizes with spices and sweetness.

• Cask types: Ex-Oloroso butts, Ex-Heaven Hill, Bourbon Barrels.

• PPM: 40–44; Cask age: 6 years.

The Hearach First Fill Oloroso Cask Matured (Batch 1)

700 ml, 46% ABV, non-chill filtered. As above, aged in first-fill Oloroso butts, which gives a rich and spicy profile with notes of cinnamon, sweet orange and leather at the finish.

Visits / Experiences

The distillery offers various experiences and tours:

• Isle of Harris Gin Experience: behind the scenes in gin production, followed by a tasting of Isle of Harris Gin.

• The Hearach Experience: guided tour of the production areas focusing on Hearach’s distillation process and bottling, including a tasting of The Hearach Single Malt and a Hearach Oloroso Cask edition.

• Tour offers and online booking via their website; the distillery doors are open five days a week, and tours are arranged with local hosts.

Philosophy

The distillery highlights transparency in their whisky production: clear information about ABV, filtration and color, as well as details about fermentation and cask aging. They also describe a strong local engagement and a culture of openness: For, With and From Harris, reflecting their approach to sharing history, craft and the island’s natural beauty. In addition, a local and sustainable approach is emphasized, for example by using 100% Scottish barley and water from the local source, and a focus on supporting the island community with small local jobs.

Notes on Ethical and Environmental Elements

The distillery communicates a clear strategy to reduce packaging and avoid unnecessary consumer waste, including mention that Hearach Single Malt no longer comes in presentation boxes as part of an environmental-friendly initiative.