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There’s a delicate shift throughout the Isle of Harris as we sense the seasons transition from summer season into autumn. Because the solar begins to cling extra intently to the horizon, and the seabirds sail overhead as they return south from their Arctic breeding grounds, the colours of the panorama begin to fade from vibrant greens and purples into gentle browns and amber-golds. It’s change into one thing of a practice right here in Harris that because the pure world begins hunkering down for winter, the folks of this place put together to rejoice. One 12 months in the past, this meant family and friends flocking to affix us on the Isle of Harris Distillery as we toasted a historic second, launching as we did the primary (authorized) single malt whisky from this Outer Hebridean isle. Collectively, in true island spirit, we introduced The Hearach to life with a now legendary group ceilidh.
This 12 months brings the subsequent chapter in our ongoing journey, because the second expression of The Hearach arrives, this time 100% matured in Oloroso sherry casks to be shared on cabinets all the best way from our distillery store in Tarbert to the specialist shops of America, France, Germany and past. So, what makes Isle of Harris Distillery totally different? What’s the new Hearach expression? And what are you able to, as drinkers, anticipate from the distillery sooner or later?
A Neighborhood’s Satisfaction
In Harris, there’s a deep connection not solely to the land and sea however to a shared future, a bond that’s mirrored in the best way the group helps the distillery’s aspirations. The launch of The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured doesn’t simply mark a business milestone at this second; it’s a testomony to our mixed dedication to guard a singular place and lifestyle for the generations to come back.
The distillery started as an endeavor stuffed with promise again in 2015, with a foundational purpose of offering sustainable employment on an island that has slowly seen its inhabitants decline in numbers as younger folks left to seek out work and search their fortunes removed from our shores. Practically ten years later we’re proud to see that purpose is being realised because the distillery has grown into an emblem of sustainable success that now employs 45 locals year-round from an unique staff of simply 10.
The inaugural Isle of Harris Gin has already established a splendidly loyal following worldwide and The Hearach’s sell-out launch success of 2023 proved an auspicious begin to the whisky chapter of the story. So, with this newest launch, there’s a sense of quiet confidence that this newly arrived expression can maintain equal promise.
Like its predecessors, this really Outer Hebridean whisky, distilled, matured, and bottled fully in Harris, captures one thing of the elusive essence of this lovely and elemental place, the place each drop of spirit is being made by a younger staff of home-grown, educated from scratch, native distillers.
The Origins Of The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured
Inspiration for The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured whisky was discovered within the far southwestern nook of Spain the place the traditional area of Andalusia lies. Right here amongst sizzling and dusty hills of Huelva, the folks of sherry-makers José y Miguel Martín ‘cooper’ casks with age-old craft and care earlier than they’re despatched to their wineries in Jerez.
We first visited this historic a part of the world again in 2015 to start our relationship with this extremely revered household enterprise and have been proud to supply our specifically chosen Oloroso butts instantly from them ever since.
The journey from Harris to this historic area was an extended one, however within the creation of The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured, these many miles now appear to fade away. This whisky now firmly connects the Isle of Harris folks with the sherry-makers we discovered right here, who’ve utilized their very own group’s craft to the casks that now home the distillery’s spirit.
This partnership is greater than only a enterprise association, it’s a gathering of minds and traditions. Each communities, although separated by seas, share an appreciation of life, music, historical past, and the pure components that form their merchandise. The result’s a whisky that feels as if it was at all times meant to be—a harmonious mix of distinctive and age-old cultures, distilled right into a dram that carries the quiet tales of each Harris and Andalusia.
Isle Of Harris Distillery & José y Miguel Martín, A Style Of Sherried Custom
José y Miguel Martín’s Oloroso sherry is a dry, darkish, and nutty fortified wine and its affect on the wooden in flip imparts an unmistakably daring richness to our spirit when the casks lastly attain Harris and start maturing our island whisky removed from their unique house.
There’s a welcome heat in a dram of The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured that may call to mind the October solar in Spain, however in Scotland feels extra like firesides on a crisp autumn evenings. As the sunshine begins to fade, our whisky reveals itself in layers—cinnamon, orange peel, white chocolate, and delicate woodsmoke. It’s a dram that unfolds slowly, very like the island itself, rewarding a extra affected person strategy to proceedings.
Wanting Forward At The Isle of Harris Distillery
As we transfer deeper into autumn, there’s a way of anticipation on Harris—a sense that the perfect is but to come back. The launch of The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured is a second to rejoice, not only for the distillery, however for everybody who has watched and supported its progress. It’s a whisky that embodies the island’s resilience, its magnificence, and its capacity to attach with the broader world whereas staying true to its roots.
In order the times shorten and the evenings develop chilly, we invite you to savour the spirit of Harris. Merely, pour your self a glass and lift it to the island’s previous, current, and future and, for a second, be right here with us.
The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured
The Hearach Oloroso Cask Matured from Isle of Harris Distillery is married in batches of round 12,000 bottles for no less than 16 weeks following maturation in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks. It’s flippantly peated (15 ppm) and bottled at 46% ABV. You should buy the whisky on the Isle of Harris web site for £75. We will ship all through the UK.
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