Scotland’s Barra readies to release its ‘first’ spirit

A 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 Barra

Crafted 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.