Isle of Harris The Hearach First Release Batch 5 46% NV

Professional reviews

BOW (86)

The Hearach First Release Batch 5: A Symphony of Tradition and Terroir

The Isle of Harris, known for its rugged beauty and maritime charm, has recently unveiled a gem in its illustrious whisky lineage—the Hearach First Release Batch 5. This exceptional single malt, bottled at 46% and matured on a symphony of casks including Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace, Oloroso, and Fino, is a testament to the revival of distillation traditions lost during the Pabbay clearances in the 1840s.

Numbering 12,326 bottles, The Hearach is a singular creation from the Harris Distillery, embodying the rich history and artisanal craftsmanship of this Scottish isle. This release is not just a whisky; it's a complex spirit with character—a product of a thoughtful dialogue between humanity and location.

The narrative of The Hearach is intertwined with the landscape of Harris, where the toil of men and women converges with the natural world. This union gives birth to an elegant spirit, layered with complexity and rich character, distinguishing it as a whisky from the Outer Hebrides that reflects the essence of its birthplace.

The creation of this dram is a harmonious collaboration between the island's inhabitants and the environment, resulting in a whisky that is truly one of a kind. Every drop of The Hearach is distilled by the local community, contributing to the creation of a special whisky that has matured nowhere else but in this elemental location. The whisky is carefully "married" and bottled, ensuring that it encapsulates the unique terroir of the Isle of Harris.

Bottled at 46% alcohol, The Hearach proudly carries its non-chill filtered status, allowing the true depth of its flavors to shine through. Additionally, it boasts the distinction of being free from artificial coloring agents, staying true to the authenticity of its origins.

In conclusion, The Hearach First Release Batch 5 is more than a whisky; it's a celebration of heritage, a revival of tradition, and a testament to the profound connection between people and place. As you savor each sip, you embark on a journey through time and terroir, experiencing the spirit of the Isle of Harris in a glass—a complex and characterful expression of the land and its people.

Whisky Notes (83)

Nose: quite fresh and mentholated right away. Hints of crushed grains and hay. Subtle beach bonfire in the distance. Then some sweeter hints of custard and caramelized nuts, as well as lime and stewed apples in the background. Light whiffs of green leafy notes and a touch of leather.

Mouth: a sweet and minty combo again, with a good oily texture. Yellow apples and hints of peach. Then mint leaves, subtle white pepper. Creamy vanilla custard, barley and honeyed breakfast cereals. Floral notes. There’s some peat smoke too, not very in-your-face but nicely subtle and integrated.

Finish: decent length, with hints of liquorice, peat and green herbs coming out.

Overall this is a nice first impression which makes us curious for the future. A light profile, and I’m not sure I can detect any of the sherry casks, but I really like the minty freshness and nice balance.

Words of Whisky (86)

Nose: An immediate maltiness grabs the attention. The slightly smoky barley husks stand out, but also orris root and plaster. Then a touch of lime, crushed mint leaves and pear skin. Finally a whisper of tobacco.
Taste: Pleasant creamy texture. There’s some liquorice and touches of peach with apple parts. The cereal influence is present as well. It’s sweet with a sliver of smoke. A gentle note of eucalyptus alongside a pinch of white pepper.
Finish: Medium length. Notes of barley and subtle peat lingers. A hint of green olives.

CONCLUSION
A convincing debut from Isle of Harris Distillery. While The Hearach Single Malt is the distillery's first release, it is already past its infancy. There's a level of integration and subtlety that speaks to the distillate's quality, which already has a style of its own.