Isle of Harris ups ABVs for travel retail exclusives
Scotch whisky and gin maker Isle of Harris Distillery has unveiled two new spirits for travel retail: Tidal Strength Gin and The Hearach Croft Strength.
The two new expressions from the Isle of Harris Distillery will initially be available from 2 July at three Scottish airports: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
According to the distillery, the new expressions target travellers looking for ‘something new, exclusive, and deeply rooted in the elemental nature of Harris’.
Managing director of Isle of Harris Distillery, Simon Erlanger, said: “These two new spirits reflect the strength and character of our island home. Whether it’s the crofts enduring Atlantic winds or the tidal forces shaping our shores, there’s a rugged charm here that we wanted to capture.
“With Croft Strength and Tidal Strength, we’re offering travellers a chance to experience the wilder, more elemental side of Isle of Harris spirits – perfect for gifting or enjoying at home.”
Isle of Harris Tidal Strength Gin is the first innovation on the original gin since its creation in 2015.
Offered at 49.5% ABV, the expression offers an elevated botanical complexity and maritime character with notes of juniper, stronger fruit and floral notes compared to the original, with citrus and a slightly spicy finish.
Tidal Strength is infused with hand-harvested sugar kelp from local sea lochs and distilled in small batches in the Outer Hebrides.
The new gin is said to be ideal for cocktails such as a Martini and Negroni, and has a recommended retail price of £35 (US$47).
The Hearach Croft Strength is a higher alcohol version of the distillery’s flagship single malt Scotch whisky.
Bottled at 52% ABV, the whisky is made with 100% Scottish barley and aged in ex-Bourbon barrels and oloroso and fino Sherry butts.
The lightly peated non-chill filtered expression displays aromas of soft smoke, caramel, poached fruits, and warming spices. On the palate, the whisky offers spice, wood, and fruit notes.
The Hearach Croft Strength retails for £65 (US$87).
Both releases will be available at additional UK airports later this year.
Last year, the distillery added a second permanent expression to its The Hearach single malt whisky range.
Earlier this year, Isle of Harris Distillery announced its plans to cut jobs and production due to “challenging headwinds”.
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