The rise of gin sees no end. Lots of different choices surround us, and everyone has a different gin recipe. I remember making gin in London a couple of years ago. I really enjoyed the process, and I think I still have my recipe somewhere…
The other day I was introduced to Isle of Harris, a new gin from the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, has just landed in London, from the most remote located spirit producer. Infused with local hand harvested and sustainably sugar kelp and made with other eight meticulously chosen botanicals this gin capture the local maritime spirit.
Where is the Isle of Harris?
‘Harris is the southern part of the Scottish Hebridean island of Lewis and Harris. It’s known for sandy beaches like Luskentyre and Scarista on the west coast, and for rugged mountains in the north. In the east is an area of miniature fjords called the Bays. The 16th-century St. Clement’s Church in the village of Rodel has three richly carved tombs. Harris is also the original home of Harris Tweed, a luxury handwoven cloth.’
In late 2015, the Isle of Harris Distillery opened in Tarbert; this new ‘social distillery’ is the first one on the Isle of Harris.
The Isle of Harris Distillers is improving the local social, financial landscape by employing young and more experienced labour alike. Their aim is to create an enterprise that will prosper over the generations to come.
Tasting Isle of Harris Gin
Gin is clear alcoholic spirit distilled from grain or malt and flavoured with juniper berries and other botanicals. This gin is made in a small copper still called ‘Dottach’ .
Isle of Harris gin has a sharp juniper note with pine needles, followed by bitter orange, lime and grapefruit. A sophisticated floral note of roses, green herbs, coriander and gooseberry supported by mixed spices.
On the palate – a fresh, clean, well-balanced juniper and pine gin with the underline of fruity citrus flavours and crushed coriander. It has a distinctive smooth dry and ‘flinty’ taste.
Its finish is long and clean with juniper, and citrus peel notes that fade away leaving the sweet vanilla and black pepper and a faint sugar kelp as a reminder of the sea.
The Isle of Harris suggested serving
It was recommended ‘on the rocks’ with an addition of a few drops of their own sugar kelp aromatic water, with a wedge of pink or red grapefruit or lime. Served in a long glass, with ice and with a good quality tonic water.
For those with a more creative mind, this Gin is actually splendid in cocktails too inclusive Martinis!
Here is another suggestion from the Isle of Harris folks:
THE HARRIS SERVE
50ml Isle of Harris Gin
3-4 drops of Sugar Kelp Aromatic Water
Walter Gregor’s Scottish Tonic with Quinine
Ice
Red or Pink Grapefruit
‘We like to ‘build’ our favourite serve, savouring the smoothness of the Isle of Harris Gin unadulterated before any additions are made. So pour a good measure into a wide rimmed glass and sip neat. If you want to enhance the maritime elements of the spirit, add a few drops of our Sugar Kelp Aromatic Water to taste. Then introduce ice, large blocks if possible to avoid dilution, and taste once more. If you feel tonic is required, add just a splash, try not to drown the gin flavours. Finally rim the glass with a wedge of Red or Pink grapefruit showing plenty fruit flesh and add a slice to your final drink. Enjoy!’
To Buy Isle of Harris gin and sugar kelp water: http://www.harrisdistillery.com/shop
The Social Distillery:
‘For And By The People Of Harris’ www.harrisdistillery.com
Ambassador Opportunity:
Anyone interested in the role can find out more at
facebook/isleofharrisdistillers
Disclosure: I was a guest at Isle of Harris gin event. All opinions are my own.
