Isle of Harris – The Hearach (70cl, 46%)

The Hearach is a single malt from the Isle of Harris, made with water from the Abhainn Cnoc a' Charrain and 100% Scottish Concerto barley, lightly peated at 12-15ppm with peat cut by hand at Cleite Mhòr in South Harris. Fermentation runs for up to five days. It is bottled at 46% ABV in a 70cl bottle, without chill-filtration or added colour. Maturation lasts at least five years in Fino butts, first-fill bourbon casks and oloroso sherry casks. The nose brings beach bonfires, orchard fruit, ginger, vanilla and floral honey. On the palate are Scottish tablet, apples, nutty malt, clotted cream and gentle peat smoke, followed by a bright, delicately smoky finish.