January 14th 2025.
The long-awaited release of the first legal single malt whisky produced on the Hebridean island of Tiree in over two centuries has finally arrived. This momentous occasion is a significant milestone for the island, once known as Tìr an Eòrna, which translates from Gaelic to the 'Land of Barley'.
Before the 1800s, Tiree was home to a thriving whisky industry, with no less than fifty illicit distilleries scattered across the island. However, unlike other Scottish islands that have since revived their distilling traditions, Tiree remained without a distillery for over two hundred years. That is, until 2019, when Alain and Ian, the founders of the Isle of Tiree Distillery, lit their stills for the very first time.
As one of Scotland's smallest whisky distilleries, the Isle of Tiree Distillery takes great pride in using traditional methods to produce 2,000 litres of pure alcohol per year. Founded in 2012 by Alain Campbell and Ian Smith, both accomplished traditional folk musicians, the Tiree Whisky Company Ltd aims to preserve and promote the island's rich whisky heritage while bringing back the lost art of distilling on the island.
Their inaugural whisky release is a limited edition of only 800 bottles, each retailing at £199.99. Last year, a pre-sale of 400 bottles sold out in under two hours, highlighting the high demand for this rare and unique whisky. Those looking to get their hands on this first release will have to act quickly, as the remaining bottles are expected to sell out just as fast.
Every step of the production process is carefully handcrafted, using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. Alain Campbell, co-founder of the Tiree Whisky Company, explains, "We created our distillery with the sole purpose of bringing whisky production back to the island. This will be the first single malt whisky from Tiree in over 200 years, and we are incredibly proud to be a part of this historic moment."
Inspired by the distilling heritage of their island, Alain and Ian have taken great care to keep their production methods as authentic as possible. They use only the finest ingredients, including grain, water, fire, and gravity, to create their whisky. The barley is hand-mashed in mesh bags, hoisted high on wooden blocks to lauter clear the wort into their oak mash tun. The whisky is then left to ferment for an extended period in oak washbacks, giving it a unique flavor and character.
The first distillation takes place in wide copper washstills, followed by a careful second distillation in their 300L spirit still. The whisky is then aged in small casks, allowing it to mature and develop its distinct taste. The entire maturation process takes place on the rocky coastline of Tiree, adding a touch of the island's rugged charm to the final product.
To celebrate their first release, the Tiree Whisky Company will be reserving the first ten bottles to be sold at auction on January 31st. In the spirit of giving back to the local community, 10% of the profits from the auction will be donated to charity. This gesture reflects the company's commitment to the island and its people, which is evident in every aspect of their distilling process.
For those interested in keeping up with the latest whisky news, be sure to subscribe and read the latest issue of Scottish Field magazine. With the Isle of Tiree Distillery's first release, the island's whisky heritage has been revived, and it's an exciting time to be a part of this journey.
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