
Isle of Harris Sugar Kelp Infused Gin (750ml)

K&L Buyer
Review Date: 07/2021
Never judge a book by its cover, they say, unless it’s gorgeously appointed and unrivaled in its beauty, I’d add. There is no question that in the booze business, your bottle is nearly as important as the stuff that goes in it. Indeed, it was the striking package that drew my eye to this product on the backbar of a Glasgow pub five years ago. I asked to see the bottle and realized that this was not some crass, overdesigned marketing exercise. This was a legitimate and thoughtfully crafted Scottish gin with a character unlike any other I’d tasted. One sniff out of that bottle and I knew I needed to have this stuff – EVERY DAY if possible, but for one massive hurdle. The tiny distillery on the far-flung island in the outer Hebrides was already struggling to keep up with local demand, and the incredible care in the design of the bottle meant that creating a bottle suitable for the US market, which only recently allowed the sale of spirits in 700ml bottles, was next to impossible. So, we waited. I staged a relentless campaign with emails and phone calls to the distillery to make clear our interest. And when this special product final popped up with a small distributor, I bought every single bottle they had on hand. I’ve called this the next great Scottish Gin, and I truly believe that. It offers a complex expression of flavors that are perfectly balanced and wildly appealing. The nose is an ever-evolving explosion of aromas beginning with an ocean breeze. This sensation of being near the sea is so distinct, one must experience it to understand. On second nosing, a flutter of citrus and a deep whole pepper note give way to a bright piney character before the sweet, earthy aromas of licorice, Orris, and cassia come online. The underlying sweetness balances the subtle salinity perfectly on the palate. Of course, no sugar added here, and perhaps it is psychosomatic, but the sugar kelp seems to give it a voluptuous richness that balances the savory perfectly. And while this is slightly lower proof than I usually like in a gin, the texture and balance seem to be perfectly suited for the gin's character. Altogether one of my favorite products to drink, hands down from any category. Plus, that bottle is so beautiful.
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Notes
The plan to build a new distillery in this remote place wasn't an obvious one, but founder Anderson "Burr" Bakewell believed the unique feel of this special island could be captured, quite literally, in a bottle. The rare and elusive spirit of the Isle of Harris, which had historically drawn a special type of soul to it, was dwindling. The population slowly diminished, drawn away by modernity and the promise of prosperity on the mainland. Burr Bakewell gathered a group of like-minded individuals, who believed that the Isle still had much to give its people and the outside world, to bring his dream to life. It took seven years for the dream to come true, and on September 24th, 2015, the distillery opened. They created this incredible product as the inaugural release, using the gifts the Isle had bestowed upon its residents. The gin, distilled and bottled entirely on the island, is built around sustainably harvested Sugar Kelp. Local diver and seaweed expert Lewis Mackenzie harvests each batch for its starring role in this fabulous production. Offering a complex maritime influence, the unusual main botanical is supported by eight more classic gin flavors: juniper, cassia, coriander, angelica, bitter orange peel, cubeb, licorice, and orris roots. The gorgeous look of the Harris Gin bottle is as unique as it is inviting, but once you've tasted it, you'll see why many believe this to be the next great Scottish gin.
Product Details
Origin: Islands Other - Scotland, Scotland
Type/Varietal: Gin
Alcohol Content: 45%
SKU: #1538190