UK travellers can soon bring home the wild spirit of the Outer Hebrides with two exclusive new releases from Isle of Harris Distillery – available only within Travel Retail. Launching 2 July in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, Isle of Harris Tidal Strength Gin and The Hearach Croft Strength single malt Scotch Whisky offer a bolder taste of the island, crafted especially for those passing through duty-free seeking something new, exclusive, and deeply rooted in the elemental nature of Harris.
The Outer Hebrides is a place shaped by the natural world, where strong winds, rolling seas and relentless weather shape the fabric of everyday life. These natural forces have inspired two higher-strength spirits designed to offer travellers a wilder taste of the Isle of Harris.
Isle of Harris Tidal Strength Gin is the first innovation on the original gin since its creation in 2015, offering fans a new experience of the much-loved spirit for the first time in a decade of distilling. Increasing the alcohol content to 49.5% ABV has elevated the botanical complexity of the spirit and enhanced its maritime character. Infused with hand-harvested sugar kelp from local sea lochs and distilled in small batches in the Outer Hebrides, this gin remains true to its coastal nature while delivering more intense aromatics and bolder flavours.
The distillery’s first exploration of its award-winning gin has been developed with classic cocktails in mind, particularly those where the spirit takes centre stage: such as the martini. The result is a fresh and bracing gin, with extra dryness from the juniper, stronger fruit and floral notes, and a lasting citrus, slightly spicy, finish with invigorating maritime intensity.
The Hearach Croft Strength is a robust, 52% ABV expression of the distillery’s flagship single malt Scotch whisky. Taking its name and inspiration from the small farm ‘crofts’ worked by the crofters of Harris –people who have lived in harmony with the harsh island elements for generations – this higher-strength release showcases the deeper complexities of the spirit.
Made using 100% Scottish barley and distilled with the softest Outer Hebridean water, the whisky is matured in a careful combination of ex-bourbon barrels and oloroso and fino sherry butts. Lightly peated, non-chill filtered, and free from artificial colouring, The Hearach Croft Strength reveals a layered nose of soft smoke, caramel, poached fruits, and warming spices. On the palate, the whisky is characterful yet smooth, with a rich interplay of spice, wood, and fruit, finishing with a mellow sweetness that endures.
These travel retail exclusives follow an agreement with SipWell Brands, brought onboard earlier this year as the distillery’s exclusive global travel retail distribution partner. The launch offers a rare opportunity for whisky and gin lovers to experience new dimensions of Isle of Harris Distillery’s spirits, both rooted in island tradition but amplified to match the strength and spirit of the place that inspired them.
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, £35.00 RRP) and The Hearach Croft Strength (52% ABV, £65.00 RRP) will be available to purchase exclusively at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow airports from 2 July 2025 with additional locations to come.
For more information and to shop the core range visit www.harrisdistillery.com
