Harris Distillery rations gin amid bottle shortage

The first commercial distillery on the Isle of Harris has been forced to ration its first batch of island-produced gin due to the temporary closure of its specialist glass manufacturer.

Harris Distillery has been forced to ration its first batch of island-produced gin, Batch No.1 gin

Harris Distillery’s Batch No.1 gin has proved so popular that the company are running out of their unique glass bottles as they approach their first year anniversary.

In a blog post titled The Great Harris Gin Drought Of 2016, the distillery said its Yorkshire-based specialist glass manufacturer Stölzle has temporarily closed its factory in order to undertake a “major” furnace renewal.

The team at Harris Distilllery said they hope to end the drought by the end of September.

A statement on the Harris Distillery website reads: “The team at the Isle of Harris Distillery would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported our endeavour and helped bring new success and prosperity to this island community.

“We hope that this unexpected period of gin shortage may help you feel a little like a Hearach in inclement weather and perhaps a little absence will make the heart grow even fonder. Until the drought ends, here’s to enjoying the gin we have!”

From 24 August, Harris Distillery has introduced a “brief period of rationing” both at the distillery and online.

All customers are limited to one single bottle purchase at a time from August 24, and additionally, online postage costs will be reduced.

From September 1 the distillery will be taking pre-orders, which will be sent out free of charge as soon as full production resumes.