Isle of Harris Gin, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Hand-harvested sugar kelp gives Isle of Harris Gin a distinctive connection to its Outer Hebridean home, adding a subtle coastal dimension to juniper, citrus and warming spice. Distilled in Tarbert in a small copper still called The Dotach, this 45% ABV Scottish gin brings together nine botanicals in a smooth, layered spirit. Its maritime character unfolds gently, making it equally engaging over ice, lengthened with tonic or stirred into a dry Martini.

Product Details:

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 45%.
• Proof: 90 US proof.
• Botanicals: Sugar kelp, juniper, coriander seed, cubeb, cassia bark, angelica root, bitter orange peel, orris root powder, and liquorice root.
• Sugar Kelp: Sustainably gathered by hand from local sea-lochs by a diver.
• Distillation: Small-batch distillation in The Dotach copper gin still.
• Spirit Selection: Only the heart of the distillation is retained; heads and tails are removed from the process rather than recycled.
• Maturation: Unaged.
• Closure: Cork stopper.
• Head Distiller: Norman Ian Mackay.

Sensory Description:

Earthy juniper and pine introduce the nose, followed by bitter orange, lime and grapefruit. Floral impressions and crushed green herbs add detail beneath the citrus, with mixed spice and a restrained coastal note developing alongside them. The palate is smooth and rounded, balancing juniper’s bitterness with fruit flavours of orange, grapefruit and a little mango. Coriander and pepper bring definition to the long finish, where lingering citrus, gentle vanilla and a dry maritime impression remain.

Awards & Accolades:

• Double Gold Medals: International Spirits Challenge, 2024, Tasting Awards; New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, 2022.
• Gold Medals: San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2026; The Spirits Business Global Gin Masters, 2022; Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, 2022; World Gin Awards, 2021, London Dry category.
• London Spirits Competition, Gold and 94 Points: 2024. “A long, smooth finish rich in citrus, spice, and herbaceous notes.”
• London Spirits Competition, Gold and 93 Points: 2022.
• Silver Medals: International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2024, 2023 and 2021; San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2022.
• Design Recognition: International Wine & Spirit Competition Design Award Winner, 2023, Contemporary Design; Design Award Highly Commended, 2021.
• Packaging Gold: The Gin Cooperative Awards, 2022, Scottish Gin Packaging Award.
• Community Judges Bronze: The Gin Cooperative Awards, 2022.
• Finalist: The Gin Cooperative Awards, 2022, Scottish Gin of the Year and London Dry Scottish Gin categories.

Distiller’s Background:

The Isle of Harris Distillery opened in Tarbert in 2015 with a purpose extending beyond spirits production: creating skilled employment and supporting the future of its island community. Local distillers make the gin on Harris, using sugar kelp gathered from the surrounding waters to give the recipe a tangible connection to place. Head Distiller Norman Ian Mackay leads the current distilling team. The distinctive textured bottle echoes the island’s sea-shaped landscape, carrying that coastal identity from the spirit into its presentation.

Serving Suggestions:

Try a small pour around 12–16°C in a tulip-shaped glass, then add a little ice to explore how the citrus and spice develop. For the distillery’s classic serve, combine the gin with tonic, plenty of ice and grapefruit in a highball glass. A dry Martini with a grapefruit twist also suits its juniper and maritime character. Pair with oysters, smoked salmon, crab on toast or grilled scallops; cucumber sandwiches, salted almonds and lightly dressed fennel salad make lighter accompaniments.