Scotland’s Barra readies to release its ‘first’ spirit
By Annie HayesA new independent spirits producer on the Scottish island of Barra is readying to roll out Barra Gin, containing ‘superfood’ carrageen as a botanical.
Carrageen is harvested from the shores of BarraCrafted by Isle of Barra Distillers, the liquid contains 17 botanicals in total, with a key focus on carrageen, a type of red algae that grows on the shores of the Atlantic ocean.
Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, carrageen is harvested from the coast of Barra – which lies in the Outer Hebrides – after the spring tides, when the water is furthest from the shore.
Isle of Barra Distillers has commissioned Glasgow-based design agency D8 to create the bottle and packaging, which are now in the final stages.
For the first 18-24 months Barra Gin will be distilled in London. Plans for a distillery build are in the pipeline, with further information to be announced in the coming months.
Michael Morrison, founder, Isle of Distillers, said: “From the outset the Isle of Barra Distillers looks to capture the essence of this beautiful island and bottle it so it can be shared between friends. All going well – and things are – we hope to have the gin ready to sell late-summer.”
Barra Gin will be available through an online store as well as selected retail outlets.