Isle of Harris Distillery marks the start of an exciting new chapter with  Isle of Harris Whisky:  a signature single malt to anchor its whisky portfolio

After more than a decade of distilling, Isle of Harris Distillery is announcing the launch of a new signature single malt Scotch whisky that captures its distinctive island character and is aptly named Isle of Harris Whisky.

Proudly made entirely on the Isle of Harris, the new core expression encapsulates the lightly peated, fresh and vibrant island style created by the team of local distillers behind Isle of Harris Gin and The Hearach Single Malt Whisky.

Priced at £50 RRP, Isle of Harris Single Malt Whisky offers a super-premium yet approachable single malt, inviting a more relaxed way of enjoying the distinctive island spirit without compromising quality or character.

With notes of butterscotch, floral sweetness and gentle spice, Isle of Harris Whisky is lightly peated and matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks for a smooth and complex profile. It can be enjoyed equally as a sippable dram for quiet moments of appreciation, or shared with friends in a simple, refreshing serve.

This permanent addition to the range marks a significant strategic milestone in the distillery’s journey. Since opening in 2015, Isle of Harris Distillery has grown from a single spirit to a globally recognised brand rooted in community and place. With 10 years of whisky distilling and maturation now behind it, the distillery has built the stock reserves required to support consistent global supply, future innovation, and the development of a broader, more structured whisky portfolio.

The launch of Isle of Harris Whisky marks the evolution of the distillery’s whisky offering from a single signature product into a more varied portfolio with distinct flavour profiles, price points and occasions for enjoyment. Alongside The Hearach and The Oloroso, the new expression creates a clearer portfolio architecture designed to support both domestic and international growth.

Ron MacEachran, Executive Chairman of Isle of Harris Distillery, said: “The Isle of Harris Single Malt Whisky emphasises how far we’ve come as a distillery over the last 10 years. From the outset, our ambition has been to create spirits that share the story of our island with the world. Made to pour, share and savour, this new expression has been crafted with moments of relaxed enjoyment very much in mind and with a desire to introduce our spirits to a wider community.

“The Isle of Harris Whisky joins The Hearach – the distillery’s inaugural single malt and defining North Star – and The Oloroso to create a more complete and balanced range. Together, these whiskies offer different flavour profiles, price points, and occasions for enjoyment, while staying true to the same uncompromising standards.

“This launch also gives us a stronger platform for long-term international growth. By aligning our whisky more closely under the Isle of Harris name, we’re building on the global recognition already established through Isle of Harris Gin and creating a clearer identity for consumers discovering the brand for the first time.”

Shona Macleod, Distillery Blender at Isle of Harris Distillery, said: “From the very beginning, we’ve been shaping a whisky portfolio that reflects the character of Harris. With Isle of Harris Whisky, we wanted to create a spirit that feels both distinctive and approachable, without losing any of that sense of place.

“The combination of bourbon and Oloroso casks brings warmth, sweetness and gentle spice, while the light peat adds depth without overpowering the spirit. Made, matured and married in the Isle of Harris, it’s a whisky designed to be enjoyed with family and friends, perfect in a highball or a simple serve, and always with a deep sense of connection to the island it comes from.”

As with everything produced by Isle of Harris Distillery, this launch will share the story of Harris with the world. Expanding the whisky portfolio will also help bring more visitors to the island, support continued investment, and create new opportunities for the future.

Isle of Harris Whisky will first be available for purchase exclusively from the distillery shop in Tarbert from 14 July, with a ceilidh hosted at the distillery that evening to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Over the following days, the celebrations will continue at the HebCelt festival in Stornoway on 15-18 July. Islanders and visitors will have the chance to purchase bottles from the HebCelt shop and sample the new whisky neat or in a highball at the Isle of Harris Distillery tent.

The whisky will then be available online from 22 July via harrisdistillery.com. A wider roll out will begin in August across UK speciality retailers and key international markets including the US, Germany and France from August onwards.

The Hearach and The Oloroso will continue to be available under the umbrella of the Isle of Harris Single Malt Scotch Whisky, with updated labelling, new gift boxes and an updated naming structure aligns the whisky range more closely with Isle of Harris Gin and the wider distillery brand as the business continues its international expansion strategy.

Key info

• Product: Isle of Harris Whisky
• Style: Single Malt Scotch whisky
• Maturation: First Fill Ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks
• Flavour profile: Butterscotch, floral, spice
• RRP: £50
• Availability: Distillery shop and Western Isles on-trade from 14 July; online and wider retail from 22 July

Inchdairnie (Strathenry) 10 Year Old 2016 Unicorn

£49.00

Ledaig 2001 – Aged 24 Years

£195.00

This one is a bit special. Distilled at Tobermory on the Isle of Mull way back in February 2001, this Ledaig is a true example of the distillery’s famously bold, peated variant. Matured for an impressive 24 years in just one single ex bourbon HHD, the whisky has developed the raw, maritime smoke of its youth and now mellowed and interwoven itself with layers of oak and sweetness. With only 189 bottles being disgorged from the original cask, and only 24 making it through to general release, this offering sits right next to our other very limited edition gems.

Nose: Coastal smoke, sea spray, and briny peat.

Palate: Bold and oily, with waves of peaty smoke, seaweed, and charred oak. Hints of lemon peel, white pepper and ever so slight salted caramel.

Finish: Long and warming. Lingering bonfire smoke, sea salt, and gentle sweetness leave a lasting impression.

Dan Crowell on the EWA Diploma

After more than 20 years in the whisky industry and a long list of respected qualifications to his name, Dan Crowell could be forgiven for thinking he’d seen it all. As Glenmorangie Ambassador – US, Dan has spent decades helping others understand whisky. In this blog, he shares his view on our flagship course: “On the journey of discovery of single malt whisky, EWA Diploma represents a quantum leap.”

📚 Read the Post

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 610: Glenmorangie Signet

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a luxurious dram. The Glenmorangie Signet is pretty much the pièce de resistance of this distillery (at least, for the ordinary mortal like you and me). It’s their luxury showpiece, their exception that proves the rule. Signet is a malt conceived and developed by whisky maker Rachel Barrie, under the supervision of Dr Bill Lumsden. It’s a mix of 20% so-called ‘chocolate malt’ and 80% ‘crystal malt’, which is roasted barley. In addition, it’s a vatting of various cask types – sherry, bourbon and wine, but naturally also virgin oak from the Ozarks. And despite the absence of an age statement, we know that even 35-year-old whisky is included in the mix. We’re curious.

https://youtu.be/6PhHNU-03Mc 

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES THIRD EDITION OF ITS PROHIBITION COLLECTION
Drawing inspiration from historic documents preserved in the Distillery’s archives, the latest release continues to uncover stories from nearly a century ago that inspired the whiskeys crafted for this year’s Collection

FRANKFORT, KY – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly unveils the third edition of its Prohibition Collection, an annual limited-edition set of five bottles commemorating the whiskeys legally produced and sold at the Distillery while the 18^th Amendment was in effect. This year’s collection honors five historic brands bottled under President Albert B. Blanton’s leadership at George T. Stagg Distillery, as Buffalo Trace was known during the Prohibition era, including: Henry Watterson, Kentucky River, John G. Carlisle, Walter B. Duffy and Cove Spring.

Spanning from 1920 to 1933, Prohibition marked one of the most contentious periods in American whiskey history following the ratification of the 18th Amendment, which banned the production, sale and transportation of alcohol across the United States. While most distilleries were forced to shut down, six were granted licenses by the U.S. Government to legally bottle medicinal whiskey for sale with a prescription. This includes the George T. Stagg Distillery, known today as Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Historic documents preserved within the Distillery’s archives uncovered stories that inspired the five whiskeys featured in this year’s Collection. Each expression draws influence from the original branding and packaging of these long-forgotten labels, bringing another chapter of Prohibition-era whiskey history back to life.

• Henry Watterson was a U.S. Congressman and a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, known for his anti-Prohibition views. Because of his public support for distilleries and their products, Watterson’s likeness was used for a whiskey brand that was distributed by several companies, including the George T. Stagg Distillery. Today’s iteration – bottled uncut and unfiltered at 140.6 proof – is a Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey bursting with rye spice, citrus peel and fresh green herbs. The palate is powerful and structured, revealing zesty citrus, cedarwood and herbaceous notes of thyme and mint, finishing long, dry and energetic.
• Kentucky River pays tribute to the former Kentucky River Distillery, previously known as Carlisle Distillery and later rebranded under Albert Blanton’s leadership to honor the river’s vital role in transporting goods, people and materials. Under Blanton’s leadership, the distillery tripled in size during this period of remarkable growth. Today’s expression is a 100 proof blend of Kentucky Straight Whiskeys. On the nose this whiskey offers aromas of honeyed grain, vanilla and caramelized sugar. Rounded and balanced, the palate showcases baked apple and gentle oak, finishing smooth and polished with warm pastry notes.
• John G. Carlisle, a prominent U.S. Congressman and one of the key architects behind the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, played a pivotal role in shaping the future of American whiskey. A steadfast ally of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr., Carlisle shared Taylor’s vision for elevating quality and consumer trust in the spirits industry. Their strong bond inspired Taylor to construct the Carlisle Distillery adjacent to the O.F.C. Distillery, expanding production capacity while honoring the man whose legislative leadership helped establish one of the most important standards in American whiskey history. This 100 proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey presents classic bourbon structure, layering rye-driven spice over toasted nuts and caramelized grain. It features bright orchard fruit and subtle tropical notes balanced by vanilla, oak and warm baking spices. The finish is dry and with lingering spice, light nuttiness and a restrained sweetness.
• Following George T. Stagg’s death in 1893, Walter B. Duffy became sole owner of the O.F.C. Distillery and helped usher in its next chapter. Operating from New York, Duffy placed his trust in Albert B. Blanton to oversee the Distillery’s operations, ultimately appointing him president in 1921. That decision would prove historic, as Blanton’s leadership helped shape the Distillery’s legacy and secure its place in American whiskey history. A blend of 10- and 14-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbons bottled at 107 proof, today’s tribute opens with notes of graham cracker, toasted corn and oak, layered with dried fig, raisin and date. Rich sweetness, structured oak and subtle anise lead to a long, refined finish accented by dried fruit and gentle spice.
• Named for the spring that fueled the Distillery’s earliest growth, Cove Spring honors a vital piece of Buffalo Trace history. In 1804, a stone dam and overflow tower transformed the spring into a reservoir, supplying water to Leestown and the growing operation that would become O.F.C. Distillery. Today, remnants of the original structure remain in Cove Spring Park, connecting past and present. This uncut Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, crafted from a wheated recipe and bottled at 120.2 proof, offers aromas of red cherry, toasted coconut and oak. The palate is rich and fruit-forward, layered with sweet corn and spice, before giving way to a long, balanced finish marked by red fruit, toasted oak and lingering warmth.

“The Prohibition Collection gives us the opportunity to bring important chapters of our Distillery’s history back to life,” said Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Each year, we uncover stories, brands and whiskey traditions that might otherwise have been lost to time. By reimagining these historic whiskeys, we honor the resilience, ingenuity and determination that carried this Distillery through one of the most challenging periods in American whiskey history and helped shape the legacy we continue today.”

Housed in a custom wooden display case featuring archival imagery from the Distillery’s history, the collection is designed as both a tribute and a time capsule. Each of the five 375ml bottles recreates the look and scale of its Prohibition-era predecessor, while the accompanying cartons include the distinctive prescription cut-out once used by physicians to authorize medicinal whiskey purchases. Together, these details offer an authentic glimpse into one of the most remarkable periods in American whiskey history.

The Buffalo Trace Prohibition Collection #3 will be released in limited quantities through Sazerac’s United States distributor network, which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants starting in June 2026 at a suggested retail price of $999.99 (five 375ml bottles); state taxes will vary per market.

For more information, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10, and Thomas H. Handy received Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition and its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

Our July auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (GMT) Friday 17^th July until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 26th July.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Macallan – 1938 (Gordon & MacPhail) 75cl

Dallas Dhu – 50 Year Old (1971) Gordon & MacPhail (Private Collection)

Dalmore – 40 Year Old (Astrum)

Talisker – 1957 (Gordon & MacPhail)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

£138.95 GBP

North British 33 Year Old 1992 is a beautifully mature single grain Scotch whisky, bottled by Alistair Walker Whisky Co. for the acclaimed Infrequent Flyers series. Distilled in 1992 and matured in a single Ozark Virgin Oak barrel (#7134), this exceptional release was bottled in 2026 at 49.4% ABV, with just 221 bottles produced worldwide.

Three decades of patient maturation have given this North British grain whisky remarkable elegance and complexity, while the rare Ozark Virgin Oak barrel introduces a distinctive layer of sweet spice, toasted vanilla, caramelised oak, and creamy richness. Sourced from the forests of the Ozark Mountains in the United States, this virgin oak adds bold character without masking the silky, honeyed nature of the mature grain spirit. Bottled without chill-filtration or added colour, this is a unique and highly collectible single cask whisky.

Nose Vanilla fudge, honeycomb, toasted coconut, and polished oak with hints of crème brûlée, cinnamon, and baked apple.

Palate Smooth and luxurious, revealing flavours of caramel, vanilla cream, sweet cereals, butterscotch, toasted oak, baking spices, and gentle coconut sweetness.

Finish Long and warming, with lingering vanilla, oak spice, honeyed cereals, and delicate toasted

• 33 year old single grain Scotch whisky from North British
• Matured in a single Ozark Virgin Oak barrel (#7134)
• Distilled 1992, bottled 2026
• Limited to just 221 bottles worldwide
• Bottled by Alistair Walker Whisky Co. for the Infrequent Flyers series
• Bottled at 49.4% ABV with natural colour and no chill-filtration

The North British 33 Year Old 1992 Infrequent Flyers is a wonderfully distinctive mature single grain Scotch whisky, combining the silky sweetness of long-aged North British spirit with the bold character of rare Ozark Virgin Oak. Rich, elegant, and exceptionally smooth, it’s an outstanding choice for collectors and whisky enthusiasts looking to explore the remarkable diversity of premium single grain Scotch whisky.

Tormore 16 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

£77.99

Tormore 16 Year Old Sherry Cask is a sophisticated Speyside single malt that beautifully combines the elegant character of Tormore spirit with the richness and complexity of carefully selected sherry cask maturation.

Matured for sixteen years, this exceptional whisky showcases the distillery’s signature orchard fruit character while introducing deeper layers of dried fruits, rich sweetness and warming spice. The sherry casks have been expertly chosen to complement the spirit rather than dominate it, preserving the delicate peach and pear notes that define Tormore.

Bottled at 46.8% ABV, natural colour and non-chill filtered, this premium single malt delivers a luxurious mouthfeel and remarkable depth of flavour. Rich fruitcake notes, raisins, dark honey, sweet spice and polished oak create a beautifully balanced whisky designed for slow enjoyment and timeless indulgence.

• Distillery: Tormore
• Age: 16 Years Old
• Region: Speyside
• Style: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Maturation: Sherry Cask
• ABV: 46.8%
• Natural Colour
• Non-Chill Filtered
• Bottle Size: 70cl

Tormore 16 Year Old Sherry Cask is a beautifully balanced and complex Speyside single malt, delivering rich sherried character while retaining the elegance and fruit-forward style that makes Tormore Distillery so distinctive.

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

DISTILLERY SPOTLIGHT

SPIRIT OF YORKSHIRE

Few distilleries have been part of The Whisky Lounge journey quite like the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery.

We’ve been lucky enough to work with David, Joe and the team since the early days of Filey Bay, watching them grow from one of England’s newest distilleries into one of its most respected. Their commitment to producing ‘proper’ local, field-to-bottle whisky using 100% home-grown Yorkshire barley has earned them a place on the shelves of whisky-lovers across the UK and beyond.

The distillery and team are celebrating a full decade of spirit creation this year and we hear are producing a special bottle to commemorate…we’re hoping to get a taste soon!

If you happen to be in Yorkshire (and not Northumberland!) on 1st August, why not head to the distillery for their Yorkshire Day & Decade of Distilling Open Weekend? Expect tours, masterclasses, live music, local food and, naturally, plenty of exceptional whisky as they celebrate both Yorkshire Day and ten years of distilling.