Harris Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Harris Single Malt is the eagerly anticipated whisky from the Isle of Harris Distillery, one of Scotland’s most exciting new distilling ventures. Founded in 2015 in the harbour village of Tarbert, the distillery was established with a dual mission: to produce a distinctive single malt that reflects the character of its Hebridean home, and to bring long-term economic opportunities to the island community. Known locally as The Social Distillery, it has already gained global recognition for its Isle of Harris Gin, while quietly laying down casks of its first whiskies.

The Harris Single Malt has been designed from the start to carry a strong sense of place. The island’s wild, maritime climate, with salt-laden Atlantic winds, dramatic temperature changes, and high humidity, plays a key role in shaping the whisky’s maturation. Water is drawn from the Abhainn Cnoc a’ Charrain, a stream flowing from the hills to the east of Tarbert, naturally filtered through peat and stone.

Production takes place entirely on-site, with a focus on craft, tradition, and sustainability. The distillery’s copper pot stills, designed by Forsyths of Rothes, produce a spirit with a rich, textural quality. Local peat is used in the malting process for some batches, giving a gentle smokiness that complements, rather than overwhelms, the natural malt sweetness. Cask policy has been carefully considered, with a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and wine casks used to layer complexity.

While the whisky is still in its infancy, early previews from the distillery suggest a profile that will combine maritime freshness with subtle peat smoke, orchard fruits, and soft spice. Given the climate and cask choices, the spirit is expected to develop depth relatively quickly, while still benefiting from extended ageing to build complexity.

The distillery team, led by experienced whisky makers and supported by local islanders trained in traditional skills, works with an ethos of transparency and authenticity. Every bottle is expected to be natural in colour and non-chill filtered, preserving the full body and character of the whisky.

In keeping with the distillery’s focus on community, the launch of Harris Single Malt will be a major event not just for whisky drinkers, but for the island itself. The release is likely to be limited and highly sought after, with early editions destined to become collector’s items. As with other island malts, such as those from Islay, Skye, and Mull, provenance will be central to its appeal, and the whisky will carry the hallmark influence of the sea.

Once available, Harris Single Malt will appeal to drinkers who appreciate modern craftsmanship rooted in tradition. Its style is expected to be approachable yet distinctive, a whisky equally suited to sipping neat, exploring with a splash of water, or enjoying alongside food such as shellfish, smoked fish, and Highland cheeses.

Our Harris Single Malt offering will feature the inaugural release as well as future limited editions, each telling a chapter of this young distillery’s story. For collectors, island whisky fans, and those seeking a spirit with genuine local soul, Harris Single Malt promises to be one of the most exciting new additions to Scotland’s whisky landscape in the coming decade.