Isle of Harris Distillery has revealed the latest instalment in its annual Isle of Harris Gin Cèilidh Bottle series, introducing a handcrafted ceramic vessel finished in a rich Machair Green glaze inspired by the island’s coastal grasslands.
Launching at 10am on Thursday 18 June, just 900 bottles will be released, underlining the collectable nature of the series. Of these, 400 will be available for general sale online across the UK, while the remaining 500 will be sold exclusively through the distillery shop in Tarbert.
Now in its fourth year, the Cèilidh Bottle series has become a keenly anticipated annual release among collectors and fans of Isle of Harris Gin. Each edition reflects a different colour drawn from the island’s natural landscape, with the final choice determined by a vote among the distillery team.
This year’s Machair Green hue takes inspiration from the rare machair habitat found along Harris’ coastline, where windswept grasses and wildflowers bring the dunes to life during the summer months. The result is a colour palette unique to Scotland’s Western Isles, captured in ceramic form.
Each bottle is individually hand-thrown by potter Rupert Blamire, a long-time collaborator and friend of the distillery. The detailed production process takes several months to complete, with subtle variations ensuring no two bottles are exactly alike.
Designed with longevity in mind, the ceramic vessels are intended to be displayed, refilled and reused long after the gin has been enjoyed. Previous editions have been repurposed as vases, candle holders and decorative centrepieces in homes across the UK. To mark this year’s launch, the distillery is encouraging customers to share their own creative reuses on Instagram, with one selected entrant set to receive a Machair Green bottle.
The 350ml format has been chosen to encourage sharing, reflecting the sociable spirit of a traditional cèilidh and the long summer evenings of the Hebrides.
To accompany the release, the distillery is highlighting the Kelp & Cucumber Collins as its recommended serve. The cocktail pairs Isle of Harris Gin’s signature Sugar Kelp botanical—sustainably harvested from local sea lochs—with fresh cucumber notes, creating a light and refreshing drink that mirrors the maritime character of the spirit and the green tones of the bottle.
Ron MacEachran, Executive Chairman of Isle of Harris Distillery, said: “The windswept plains of machair are a defining feature of our island’s landscape in summer. This year’s Cèilidh Bottle captures that unmistakable sense of place in a colour that immediately transports us to Harris at this time of year, as islanders and visitors gather among the dunes and beaches to enjoy the long summer days.
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“The series has become a meaningful tradition for us and for many people who now collect each release. Beyond the gin itself, these bottles celebrate craftsmanship, creativity and the connection between our spirits and the island landscape that continues to inspire them.”
Online orders will be presented in a premium gift box featuring bespoke artwork and storytelling inspired by the Isle of Harris cèilidh tradition.
The Machair Green Cèilidh Bottle will be available from 10am on Thursday 18 June via the Isle of Harris Distillery website and from the distillery shop in Tarbert, priced at £53 RRP.
