DISTILLERS are inviting people from across the world to witness the inaugural dram of The Hearach, the first single malt Scotch whisky released from the Hebridean isle of Harris.
The Tarbert-based distillery will be hosting a live stream on Friday, September 22 via its website to allow the public to join the ceremony and be part of the occasion.
The Hearach, named after the Scottish Gaelic name for a native of Harris, has been crafted by a local team in Harris.
Opened in 2015 with a team of ten locals, the business is the biggest private employer in Harris with 48 full-time staff.
In the first reveal of the bottle, live Gaelic singing performances will mark the occasion, alongside speeches from a number of the team, before the first dram is tasted.
Commenting on the occasion Simon Erlanger, managing director at Isle of Harris Distillers, said: “The Hearach has been many years in the making, so we’re delighted to be able to share it with the world later this month. A delicious single malt, it encapsulates the feel and flavour of life on Harris, bringing the island to lovers of fine spirits in much the same way as our ever-popular gin does.
“Most importantly though, as with our gin, it has been created with the future growth of the island in mind – from employment opportunities to wider support of the island economy. We look forward to marking the occasion in true Harris style, with a cèilidh joined by friends from near and far.”
The first seven batches of The Hearach single malt will be available to purchase on Saturday 23 September at 10am, both online via the Harris Distillery website and at the distillery itself.
The whisky will then be made available from October in bars, restaurants, and specialist retailers across the UK and in over 20 countries globally.
With queues anticipated at the distillery on 23 September, visitors are advised to dress for the island weather but "will be kept warm with entertainment from the distillery team".
