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Isle of Harris Distillery: The Social Spirit of the Outer Hebrides

Discover the heart and heritage of the Outer Hebrides through the award-winning spirits and warm hospitality of Isle of Harris Distillery.

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Nestled in the heart of Tarbert on the Isle of Harris, the Isle of Harris Distillery is a vibrant hub of craft spirit production and island culture. Renowned for its award-winning Isle of Harris Gin and The Hearach Single Malt Whisky, the distillery offers immersive tours, a welcoming peat-fire hearth, and a shop featuring local products. It champions sustainable island employment and invites visitors to experience the warmth and character of Harris through its spirits and stories.

A brief summary to Isle of Harris Distillery

  • Isle of Harris, Tarbert, HS3 3DJ, GB
  • +441859502212
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book distillery tours in advance, as they are limited to 12 guests for a personal experience.
  • Visit on weekdays between 10am and 5pm for full access to tours, tastings, and the distillery shop.
  • Enjoy local soups and home baking in the distillery canteen, a cozy spot by the peat fire.
  • The Isle of Harris Gin is exclusive to the island, so purchasing it here supports local sustainability.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving to the Isle of Harris Distillery from Stornoway takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the A859 and A859/A859 routes, crossing the causeway to Harris. Parking is available on-site with accessible spaces directly in front of the entrance. Note that roads can be narrow and winding; drive cautiously.

  • Public Transport

    Regular bus services connect Stornoway to Tarbert, the village hosting the distillery, with journey times around 2 to 2.5 hours. Buses run several times daily but check seasonal schedules. From the bus stop, the distillery is a short walk on paved, accessible paths.

  • Boat

    Visitors arriving by sea can use the Isle of Harris Marina pontoons located in the bay before the distillery. This option suits private boat owners and offers direct access to the distillery vicinity.

  • Walking / Cycling

    For adventurous visitors, cycling or walking routes from nearby villages to Tarbert are available, though terrain varies from flat to moderately hilly. Suitable for physically fit travelers, with scenic views along the way.

Isle of Harris Distillery location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Isle of Harris Distillery

A Beacon of Island Craftsmanship and Community

The Isle of Harris Distillery stands as a symbol of revitalization for the Outer Hebrides, located in the picturesque harbour village of Tarbert. Since opening in 2015, it has grown into a cornerstone of the local economy, employing over 50 people, with 95% of staff drawn from the island community. The distillery’s mission extends beyond production; it fosters sustainable development by ensuring the Isle of Harris Gin is only sold from the island, supporting local jobs and economy.

Distinctive Spirits Rooted in Place

The distillery is famed for its maritime-inspired Isle of Harris Gin, crafted from nine botanicals including hand-harvested sugar kelp seaweed, capturing the essence of the surrounding sea. Alongside the gin, the distillery produces The Hearach Single Malt Whisky and its Oloroso cask matured variant, both showcasing the island’s unique character and peat influence. Visitors can sample these spirits firsthand, including the new make spirit, gaining insight into the meticulous distillation and maturation processes.

Immersive Tours and Warm Hospitality

Visitors are invited to join intimate tours limited to 12 guests, offering behind-the-scenes access to the copper stills, spirit halls, and private cask warehouses. The tours blend sensory experiences—tasting, smelling botanicals, and hearing island stories—with educational insights into spirit production. A peat fire burns daily in the distillery’s hearth, symbolizing warmth and hospitality, creating a convivial atmosphere where guests can relax and connect.

The Social Distillery Experience

Beyond tours, the distillery features a canteen serving hearty local soups, seafood, cheeses, and home baking, fostering a communal space with oak benches and Harris Tweed chairs. The shop offers fresh batches of Isle of Harris Gin, fine wines, spirits, and local crafts. The distillery’s design emphasizes natural light and openness, enhancing the welcoming ambiance and reflecting the rugged beauty of Harris.

Accessibility and Connection to the Island

The distillery is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, lifts, accessible toilets, and service dog welcome, ensuring inclusivity. Located near the new Isle of Harris Marina, it is reachable by boat, car, bike, or on foot, with parking and accessible drop-off points. The distillery embraces its role as a cultural and social hub, regularly sharing updates and stories from the island community.

A Lasting Legacy of Island Spirit

The Isle of Harris Distillery is more than a producer of spirits; it is a vibrant expression of island identity, craftsmanship, and community resilience. Its commitment to quality, sustainability, and storytelling invites visitors to experience the Outer Hebrides’ unique spirit—both in a glass and in the heart.

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