Isle of Harris Distillers will launch its first single malt Scotch whisky later this month, on 22 September. The Hearach, the Scottish Gaelic name for a native of Harris, is the first single malt Scotch whisky ever released from the Hebridean isle and to celebrate the launch the distillery is live-streaming the event so that whisky lovers around the world can be a part of the ceremony.
Commenting on the occasion Simon Erlanger, managing director at Isle of Harris Distillers Ltd, said, “The Hearach has been many years in the making, so we’re delighted to be able to share it with the world later this month. A delicious single malt, it encapsulates the feel and flavour of life on Harris, bringing the island to lovers of fine spirits in much the same way as our ever-popular gin does.
“Most importantly though, as with our gin, it has been created with the future growth of the island in mind – from employment opportunities to wider support of the island economy. We look forward to marking the occasion in true Harris style, with a cèilidh joined by friends from near and far.”
The first seven batches of The Hearach single malt will be available to purchase on Saturday 23 September and the whisky will then be made available from October in bars, restaurants, and specialist retailers across the UK and in over 20 countries globally.
Opened in 2015, the distillery started life with a team of just 10 locals, and today the distillery family numbers some 48 full-time staff, making the Tarbert-based business the biggest private employer in Harris.
The distilling team is testament to the company’s commitment to the development of young people’s careers, with four distillers with an average age of 25 making whisky under the mentorship of head distiller, Norman Ian Mackay.