Isle of Harris Distillery

Planning for the distillery began in 2011 under Bakewell's leadership. Construction started in spring 2014 after securing £2.8 million in government grants as part of the £10 million total investment. The distillery opened to the public in October 2015 and began distilling on 17 December 2015.

In its early years, gin became the primary revenue driver while the whisky matured. Isle of Harris Gin — made with sustainably hand-harvested sugar kelp as its signature botanical — established itself as one of the most distinctive gins produced in Scotland, winning a Gold Award at the World Gin Awards in 2021 and earning significant international distribution.

The first whisky, The Hearach (Gaelic for "a native of Harris"), was released in September 2023 after eight years of distilling and maturation on the island. The release represented the culmination of the distillery's founding ambition: to distil, mature, and bottle a single malt entirely on Harris. The Hearach's arrival was a landmark moment for the Outer Hebrides whisky scene.

The distillery operates two copper stills manufactured by Frilli Impianti of Siena, Italy — a wash still of 7,000 litres and a spirit still of 5,000 litres. Annual production capacity is approximately 230,000 litres. Water is drawn from the Abhainn Cnoc a'Charrainn, a clean, fast-flowing burn sourced from the island's rain-washed moorland. Sugar kelp for the gin is sustainably hand-harvested from the local waters in spring and then carefully dried before use as a botanical.

Isle of Harris Gin (43% ABV) is defined by its sugar kelp botanical, which imparts a distinctive oceanic and slightly sweet character to the spirit. Alongside juniper, coriander, angelica root, and cassia bark, the kelp creates a deeply maritime expression — clean, coastal, and elegantly complex. The bottle's striking deep blue colour has made it one of the most visually recognisable gins on the market.

The Hearach Single Malt (46% ABV) is distilled, matured, and bottled entirely on the Isle of Harris. Its character reflects the island's maritime environment — Atlantic coastal air, the influence of the Hebridean climate on the ageing spirit, and the pure island water source. Expect honeyed malt, coastal salinity, gentle fruit, and a long, warming finish. Non-chill filtered and naturally coloured.

The Isle of Harris Distillery operates a visitor centre in Tarbert, open throughout the year. Guided tours take visitors through the distillery, explain the social mission, and include tastings of both the gin and The Hearach whisky. An extensive on-site shop stocks the full spirits range, merchandise, and Harris-produced gifts. An online shop is available at harrisdistillery.com. The distillery is accessible by ferry from Skye or by CalMac ferry services to the Outer Hebrides. Booking tours in advance is recommended during the summer season.