Isle of Harris Tidal Strength Gin

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 49.5% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

The Tidal Strength edition combines the maritime character of Isle of Harris Gin with a higher bottling strength of 49.5%. Hand-harvested sugar kelp comes from the sea lochs around Harris. The gin is distilled in small batches in the Outer Hebrides. Compared with the classic bottling, its juniper dryness and fruity and floral notes are more pronounced.

Tidal Strength was developed for cocktails in which gin takes centre stage, particularly the Martini. The edition initially launched in duty-free shops at Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports on 2 July 2025. Its fresh, maritime character is accompanied by a lingering citrus finish with gentle spice.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose offers gentle juniper with a hint of coriander. Alongside this, a dry, bitter-edged juniper impression unfolds, growing sweeter in the glass and recalling dark elderberries. Grapefruit zest and lemon oil then emerge.
• Palate: Delicate notes of lemon peel and angelica emerge on the palate. Fennel complements juniper and coriander, creating a balanced spicy impression. The gin feels full-bodied and creamy on the palate. Bold, herbal notes of juniper and gentian give way to warm, sweet spice. Cinnamon syrup is followed by brighter citrus impressions of lime cordial and grapefruit sweets. Saline notes and sea spray balance the sweetness; the citrus notes remain more restrained than in the classic bottling.
• Finish: The finish lingers with citrus, sweet liquorice and gentle spice. A peppery note remains present, accompanied by maritime impressions. Sweetness increases on the finish, with pronounced notes of candied orange slices and lemon sweets. Dry gentian and dark liquorice provide a bitter counterpoint to the sweetness before pine resin and baking spices shape the warm, peppery conclusion.

Distillery/Bottler:

The Isle of Harris Distillery stands in the harbour village of Tarbert on Harris, right beside East Loch Tarbert. It opened in September 2015 with ten employees. Its Social Distillery concept has a specific purpose: to create lasting jobs on the island, enabling people to live and work on Harris.

The distillery uses the small copper still The Dotach to make its Isle of Harris Gin. Alongside sugar kelp, the recipe includes juniper, coriander seeds, cubeb pepper, cassia bark, angelica root, bitter orange peel, orris root powder and liquorice root. During distillation, the team separates the heads and tails, using only the heart for the gin. Local production combines this approach with the aim of sustaining skilled employment on the island.

Facts: