The Spirit of Harris in a Bottle

Lovely colourful tweed is not the only product to catch the essence of the Outer Hebrides.

Since 2015 The Isle of Harris Distillery has put the spirit of the largest island of the archipelago in a bottle with its award-winning Isle of Harris Gin and The Hearach single malt whisky.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary the distillery has released The Hearach Decade Edition, the first whisky made using peat hand-cut from the Isle of Harris itself. In a limited edition of 2,357 bottles, this single malt promises a unique character of a smokier, spicier expression.

Peat is a part of the fabric of Outer Hebrides life. It is free to crofters and local families with the right to use it. Many cut their share from peat banks up to 4,000 years old and 20 feet thick, stacking it into sculptural piles that dot the landscape each summer. The windborne scent of a peat fire is one of the strongest reminders of home for many Hebrideans.

For the Hearach Decade Edition the same peat is used to dry the malted barley, giving the spirit a subtle, smoky character, bringing quiet depth and warmth rather than dominating the dram. The softer island notes shine through, making this a fine introduction to newcomers of peated single malt Scotch whisky.

The Hearach Decade Edition (46% ABV, £75) will be available exclusively online and at the distillery shop in Tarbert as part of the Hebridean Whisky Festival celebrations from 10am on Friday 12 September 2025.