Whisky Focus - Isle of Harris The Hearach Croft Strength Travel Retail Exclusive

From 2nd July, UK travellers can experience the untamed spirit of the Outer Hebrides with two new releases from Isle of Harris Distillery, available exclusively through Travel Retail at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow airports.

Said to be inspired by the wild, elemental landscape of Harris—where winds, sea, and weather shape everyday life—the distillery introduces Isle of Harris Tidal Strength Gin and the Isle of Harris The Hearach Croft Strength single malt Scotch whisky. Both are higher-strength expressions crafted to capture the island’s raw beauty in every sip.

The Hearach Croft Strength, at 52% ABV, is said to be a robust take on the distillery’s signature single malt. Named after the traditional Harris crofts, it pays homage to the island’s resilient way of life. Crafted from 100% Scottish barley and pure Hebridean water, and matured in a combination of ex-bourbon, Oloroso, and fino sherry casks, this lightly peated whisky is said to offer layers of soft smoke, caramel, poached fruit, and warming spice—finishing with a smooth, enduring sweetness.

For the gin drinkers amongst you, Tidal Strength Gin is the distillery’s first major evolution of its award-winning gin since its 2015 debut. Bottled at 49.5% ABV, it is said to deliver a bolder expression of the original, with intensified botanicals and amplified coastal character. Infused with hand-harvested sugar kelp and distilled in small batches, this gin offers pronounced juniper dryness, vibrant fruit and floral notes, and a spicy citrus finish—perfect for spirit-forward cocktails like the martini.

These exclusive launches mark the beginning of a partnership with SipWell Brands, appointed earlier this year as Isle of Harris Distillery’s global travel retail distribution partner. Together, they offer travellers a rare opportunity to explore deeper, stronger expressions of Harris’s iconic spirits—crafted for those seeking something distinctive, rooted, and truly of the island.

Simon Erlanger, Managing Director at Isle of Harris Distillery, said: "These two new spirits reflect the strength and character of our island home. Whether it’s the crofts enduring Atlantic winds or the tidal forces shaping our shores, there’s a rugged charm here that we wanted to capture. With Croft Strength and Tidal Strength, we’re offering travellers a chance to experience the wilder, more elemental side of Isle of Harris spirits - perfect for gifting or enjoying at home."

Isle of Harris Tidal Strength Gin (49.5% ABV, RRP £35) and The Hearach Croft Strength (52% ABV, RRP £65) will be available exclusively at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow airports from 2nd July 2025, with more locations to follow.

If you have no travel plans in the near future you will also find the current Isle of Harris domestic whisky range including the 46% ABV expression of The Hearach available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

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