There has been a landmark moment in the Hebrides, as the Isle of Tiree Distillery launched what’s claimed to be the first legal single malt produced on the island for over two centuries.
The distillery, founded in 2019 by musicians Alain Campbell and Ian Smith, is one of the smaller facilities in Scotland, producing just 2000 litres of pure alcohol a year.
To put that in perspective, other recently launched island distilleries have had capacities of around 200,000 litres per annum when they launched, with larger distilleries producing millions – or even tens of millions – of litres every year.
The distillery’s first release of single malt was limited to just 800 bottles, with the whisky bottled at 47% ABV.
Tasting notes provided by whisky expert – and frequent SLTN Awards independent judge – Caroline Dewar describe the liquid as having notes of candy sweetness, wax and honey on the nose and spicy pepper, herbal notes and ginger on the palate.
“This is an important moment in the island’s history as we reconnect with an industry that was once such an important part of island life,” said Smith.
“As well as providing local employment, we hope that our distillery will encourage visitors from all over the world to come to our home on Tiree.”
Campbell added that he was ‘immensely proud’ to bring whisky distillation back to Tiree.
“We have strived to keep our production methods true to our ancestors – we use most traditional methods along with grain, water, fire and gravity,” he said. “That’s all we need.”
