Review | Isle of Harris The Hearach Croft Strength

The Croft Strength is the first ever travel retail exclusive whisky from the craft Scotch single malt distillery Isle of Harris. The new whisky is made using 100% Scottish barley, which is then lightly peated after malting. The whisky has been matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, plus ex-Oloroso and ex-Fino sherry. The Hearach name refers to a person from the Isle of Harris – Na Hearadh in Gaelic.

The Isle of Harris distillery was founded in 2015 by Anderson Bakewell. He joined forces with Simon Erlanger, a former Marketing Director of Glenmorangie. The first spirit – the multi award-winning Harris gin – flowed from the stills in September that year. The first whisky was distilled in December 2015.

The distillery is located in the small town of Tarbert on the island of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Despite its remote location, the distillery and visitor centre attract almost 70,000 visitors each year. The annual production capacity is 390,000 litres, although they are currently operating around the 200,000 litre mark.

The Hearch Croft Strength is released at 52% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. It will be available initially in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports from today (July 2), before a wider planned rollout across the UK later in the year. A bottle will cost £65.

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Our Tasting Notes

The colour is bright golden yellow and the nose is refreshingly light, green and smoky. Aromas of fresh green apple and crisp pear lead the way, along with a hint of lime zest. Then comes white grape, golden syrup and underlying malty cereals. Hints of floral hineysuckle, blanched almond and a slate-like minerality are also veident. Everything is wrapped in bold, sweet, ashy smoke.

On the palate this whisky really comes to life. Rich and sweet notes of golden syrup and heather honey kick things off, before the combination of sherry casks comes into its own. Luscious notes of plum, damson and ripe cherry combine superbly with plump and sugary raisin, tart white grape and a hint of stewed bramble fruits. Crisp green apple is also evident.

The smoke again wisps around everything and knits the flavour characteristics together. It is very complimentary of the fruity and sweet elements and integrates well with them. It has a gentle feel of ashy fire pit or wood-fired pizza oven with a hint of wet slate again. A refreshing twist of fresh lime zest comes through right at the end.

The finish is initially sweet with hints of toffee, toasted marshmallow and dried coconut. However, it quickly becomes drier and more savoury as the gentle peat smoke really takes hold. A hint of minerality and salinity compliments the ashy vibe of the smokiness.

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What’s The Verdict?

The Hearach travel retail exclusive is a delicious whisky. The nose kicks things off nicely, but is a little subdued. However, then the whisky really grows in stature. The big, bold fruity characteristics combine with a distinct freshness of citrus, all wrapped in a very nice level of ashy peat smoke.

It is also great to see smaller and craft brands now launching into travel retail. This gives wider choice and diversity for customers and travellers. Fancy a taste of the Outer Hebrides next time you are through an airport? Try the Croft Strength. You will not be disappointed.