Gin category as expansive as it is diverse, every spirit has a story behind its creation, its components, and its makers. The story of Isle of Harris Gin is one of those that has warmed the hearts of gin lovers.” This gin is a true representation of the small and picturesque Isle of Harris in Scotland and its creation is a tribute to the island’s individualistic spirit. The people of Singapore are definitely developing an increased interest towards fine spirits and Isle of Harris Gin makes the right kind of impression with its connection of the windswept shores of its native place.
What’s behind the Isle of Harris Gin?
Like every great gin, the Isle of Harris Gin has a back-story which is equally fascinating. This gin is not just produced on the Isle of Harris, but, it is produced with passion and affection for the beautiful but lost island of Scotland. The distillery was established with an aim of creating employment and improve the economic status of the community. It is a gin which is with the purpose!
Harris is one of the most beautiful places, which features the white sand beaches and cliffs, as well as the shipwrecks. Indeed almost all of the above elements end up in the bottle. The distillers aimed to provide the taste of the island, but, oh boy, did they manage to do so.
Much more commendable about this gin is the fact that it has been prepared with locally sourced ingredients. We know who’s the star of the show? Organically grown fresh sugar kelp seaweed that was collected using a free diver from deep underwater kelp forests off the coast of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. This tiny plant imparts an exquisite taste that we can only describe as ‘beach-y’ adding to the profile of this gin unlike any other.
The Unique Flavor Profile of Harris Seaweed Gin
Now, let's talk flavor. Harris Seaweed Gin has a taste that is unique and refreshing, and will remind you a lot of the cliffs of Scotland. One of the primary ingredients is the sugar kelp seaweed which imparts a very maritime feel to the mix though it doesn’t taste like you are drinking the sea.
Here's what you can expect:
- Juniper: The traditional gin taste, providing that clean, sharp, almost bitter edge more reminiscent of pine needles.
- Coriander: Warming up the mix slightly while giving a hint of spiciness together with a slight citrus note.
- Angelica root: Incorporating natural, heavy colors
- Orris root: It is thus important to provide floral hints
- Cubebs: Offering peppery notes
- Bitter orange peel: To add a pinch of flavour
- Licorice and cassia bark: It also brings sweetness and warmth in the food that we eat.
- Sugar kelp seaweed: The star, adding a marine touch to the overall feel of the drink.
Craft the Perfect Isle of Harris Gin Cocktail
Drinking Isle of Harris Gin is best described as an experience and making a great cocktail is half the process. For the best experience of this gin, it is best to have it mixed with tonic water, simply because the taste is perfect for this kind of drink. Begin with 50 ml of Isle of Harris Gin, put it in an ice filled tumbler, top it up with about 10 ml of premium tonic water and garnish it with a grapefruit wedge. The citrus will blend well with the gin and the bitterness of the tonic will bring out the maritime qualities of the sugar kelp.
If you are an enthusiast, then you can try making a cocktail known as Harris Martini. Stir the Shake Isle of Harris Gin with a piece of dry vermouth and some orange bitters. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled glass and garnish with lemon peel. This cocktail can be considered one of the most elegant and tasty cocktails, so it is perfect for any event.
Exploring Other Gins
Although there is a distinct taste that can be associated with Isle of Harris Gin, it is possible to find out that other gins might be equally interesting. Another strong contender is West Winds Gin which has the reputation of being very daring and creative. Launched in Australia, West Winds Gin The Broadside offers a unique approach towards this type of gin and the choice of botanicals.
- West Winds the Sabre: The gin has a medium smoothness with a well-balanced taste. It includes juniper and coriander as the main gin botanicals with a twist of lemon myrtle that gives a citrus twist. This is a great gin which can be taken together with various types of soft drinks.
- West Winds Broadside Gin: If you want to go a little rougher on the gin, then West Winds Broadside Gin is what you are looking for. That is flavoured with sea salt and native Australian plants, what results in its intense, rather savoury taste. Ideal for people, who prefer their gin to have some extra kick.
- West Winds Cutlass: Another very popular rum is The West Winds Gin the Cutlass which has a bold character and is quite rich. It uses classic gin ingredients but also has elements of Australian bush tomatoes and cinnamon myrtle making it a gin with hints of spice and sweetness.
Conclusion
Isle of Harris Gin captures the essence of a Scottish beach goer all the way down to the more tropical Singapore. The result is a liquid that tastes very different to traditional gin: the sugar kelp seaweed used here is only one of the botanicals, which give the gin an identity of its own.
Ready to try it? It’s time to go to Liquor Kingdom and buy your bottle. And while on the subject why not consider other specialised gins such as West Winds? You will not be disappointed with your taste buds as you go through the entire experience!
