Description

Isle of Harris Scottish Gin (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 45%           Age: No Age Statement           Country: Scotland

The Gin

Isle of Harris Gin is more than just a spirit; it is “The Social Distillery’s” tribute to the rugged beauty of the Outer Hebrides. Distilled in a small copper gin still affectionately known as “The Dotach,” this ultra premium gin is bottled at 45% Aalc/vol to ensure its complex botanical oils remain vibrant. The defining feature of this gin is the use of hand harvested Sugar Kelp, sustainably gathered by local divers from the deep underwater forests of the island’s sea lochs.

In a move rarely seen in gin production, the distillers remove the “heads” and “tails” of the run entirely, keeping only the “purest heart.” This expensive and meticulous process results in an exceptionally smooth, luxurious texture that lacks the harsh “burn” found in commercial gins. Every bottle is hand sealed with a paper label bearing the distillery’s exact geographical coordinates, and the iconic “rippled” glass bottle is designed to evoke the wind swept sands of Luskentyre beach.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: A well defined juniper core and fresh pine needles lead the way, immediately followed by the bright, zesty aroma of bitter orange, lime, and grapefruit. Beneath the citrus lies a complex floral layer of rose and wallflowers, grounded by a distinctive dry, maritime scent of sea spray and crushed green herbs.

Palate: The mouthfeel is remarkably soft and “fat” due to the sugar kelp. Refreshing flavours of bitter juniper and pine are perfectly balanced by sweet fruit notes of mango and pink grapefruit. Mid palate, a peppery warmth from cubeb and coriander develops, creating a savoury, flinty profile that feels like a coastal forest in a glass.

Finish: Long, clean, and elegant. As the vibrant citrus and juniper notes fade, they leave behind a gentle trail of sweet vanilla and black pepper, accompanied by a final, lingering reminder of the cold Atlantic sea.

The Distillery

The Isle of Harris Distillery, founded in 2015, is a “social distillery” with a mission to curb the island’s population decline by providing sustainable, local employment. Located in the harbour village of Tarbert, a peat fire is kept burning in the entrance daily to symbolise the warmth of a Hebridean welcome. Interestingly, the team is one of the youngest in Scotland—with an average age of 25—trained from scratch to rely on their senses (“by hand, by eye, by nose”) rather than computers. This human touch ensures that every batch of gin is a literal piece of Harris heritage.

Overall Review

Widely considered the new benchmark for modern Scottish gin, this is a masterclass in maritime spirits that is as beautiful to display as it is to drink. Critics worldwide agree it is one of the few gins that truly excels when sipped neat, though it makes a legendary G&T with a slice of red grapefruit.