Because the sugar kelp is such an unusual botanical, the gin was developed at the International Center for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh where they could experiment and adjust until they had the right amount and combination with the other botanicals. They ended up with actually letting the sugar kelp macerate and then remove it before the distillation as it’s flavor would drown the other botanicals flavors. The Botanicals So I was looking through my 2017 Best Nine and 4 (actually 5 if you count my gin tasting post as well) featured the beautiful Isle of Harris Gin. You guys really like this gin! A long time ago I announced that I would make a review of it so I guess now it’s time for a review of Isle of Harris Gin. The island have just under 2,000 residents where the majority is earning their income from tourism. Anderson wanted the distillery to add 20 new job positions for the island and therefore he also calls it a social distillery since it’s helping the community on the island. The juniper is present but not overpowering leaving room for some of the other botanicals. There is a clear fragrance of citrus fruits, a scent of pepper from the cubeb pepper but also some floral notes. A very soft and pleasant experience. The palate

pretty, pink Sour gin cocktail recipe is a Bakewell tart This pretty, pink Sour gin cocktail recipe is a Bakewell tart

Betty’ is our 600 litre spirits still, used to make our award-winning Shining Cliff Gin and our Derbyshire Cask Aged Rum. Named after the ancient ‘Betty Kenny’ yew tree found in Shining Cliff Woods. We regularly offer placements and internships for young people to help them explore potential career paths, and we've developed our current distilling team through formal apprenticeships and training. However, they didn’t want to empty the island for resources and therefore looked for a botanical that they could use that was sustainable. Being in the spirit of using and helping the community on the island the distillers got help from a local botanist and ended up using sugar kelp sourced just outside the coast from a local diver. SHINING CLIFF GIN The inspiration for our Shining Cliff Gin lies right behind our Distillery – the ancient woodland of Shining Cliff Woods – from the botanicals we’ve chosen to the bottle design. As well as creating jobs, we work hard to tell our island's story and encourage people to connect with our island. As a leading visitor destination in the Outer Hebrides we strive to bring others closer to this special place and inspire them to visit.Personally I would have liked some more of the maritime scent and flavors that makes this gin unique and therefor I can’t give it top score even though this gin is one of my favorite gins. Rating

Gin - The Gin Cooperative McLean’s Gin - The Gin Cooperative

From distilling and blending, to marketing and hospitality - there are a wide variety of skillsets and development opportunities available to local people as we create two beautiful Outer Hebridean spirits and bring them to the world. We try to work closely with other local organisations, enterprises, and businesses to support each other's work through creative ideas and collaborations when we can.The very classic botanicals are distilled in small copperstill “The Dottach” where Isle of Harris Distillers LTD. try to capture the raw nature on the island and especially the maritime influences of the seas. Bottle and label design We wanted to create a style of gin that reflects this beautiful location, and the woodland and hedgerows we pass every day. And some things were destined to be, such as rosehip, which was flourishing on the roof of our once dilapidated research & development bunker. So Anderson really loves whisky and Isle of Harris Distillers LTD. is first and foremost a whisky distillery making a single malt whisky called The Hearach. But making a single malt whisky takes minimum 3 years before the can call it a single malt whisky so one way to get a cash flow (like a lot other whisky destillers) is to make a gin and the 4 distillers therefore agreed to develop a gin that was true to what Anderson had felt in love with in the island. Isle of Harris Gin from the top where you can see the coordinates to the distillery

Bakewell Gin | Master of Malt

The gin is soft and smooth with a citrus profile but soon to be taking over by a peppery-warmth as the gin leaves you mouth. Slowly the juniper takes over before it goes over to a herbal and sweet finish with hints of vanilla. Your mouth is left with hints of the maritime sugar kelp and pepper. Gin & Tonic

PLAY A PART IN OUR PLANS

We donate prizes to many local raffles and fundraisers, sponsor equipment for our local football club Harris FC, and always try to use local suppliers and services in our work. Serve it all in your favorite glassware. I usually use a lowball glass from Frederik Bagger. Gin and Tonic with a slice of red grapefruit Conclusion and rating