The Hebridean Whisky Trail, a voyage through wild beauty and remarkable distilleries, is thrilled to introduce our newest destination: the Isle of Tiree Distillery. Prepare to chart a course to the Isle of Tiree, known in Gaelic poetry as Tir an Eòrna, the Land of Barley, where a warm Hebridean welcome awaits you at this distinctive new addition to the Hebridean Whisky Trail.
Forged on Scotland’s Atlantic Coast, the Hebrides have always held a special allure for those seeking adventure and authentic experiences. Now, the spirit of Tiree joins the esteemed whiskies of Talisker, Torabhaig, Isle of Raasay, Isle of Harris, North Uist and Benbecula, adding its own unique character to the Trail.
Tiree boasts a rich history of whisky production, with records suggesting an astonishing fifty distillers on the tiny island around 1768. In fact, each farm on Tiree often had its own still, producing whisky from the island’s plentiful barley for both local enjoyment and export. While legal distilling declined over time, the entrepreneurial spirit of islanders Ian Smith and Alain Campbell has rekindled this proud tradition with the establishment of Tiree Whisky Company Ltd. Their aim is to preserve and promote the island’s whisky heritage and revive distilling on Tiree.
The inspiration for Tiree Whisky Company is deeply rooted in the founders’ connection to the islands. As members of the traditional music band Trail West, Ian and Alain toured the Hebrides and witnessed the positive economic impact of island distilleries on their communities. This sparked a vision to bring a similar benefit to their own community on Tiree.
Family lies at the heart of the Tiree Whisky Company. The distillery itself is housed in a shed with a special history: it was the former workshop of Ian’s father, Bernie. Alain even had his first job sweeping the floors there, creating a poignant link between the past and present. The summerhouse where Ian and his friends played as children now serves as the shop and visitor centre. Their families are always available to lend a hand in keeping the business running, a testament to the age-old Hebridean spirit. This deep connection with their heritage underscores their commitment to reviving an old industry.
The Isle of Tiree Distillery stands out as one of the smallest and most traditional whisky production operations in Scotland. Their entire process, from mashing to bottling, takes place within a single room. This low-tech, high-tradition approach offers visitors a truly unique opportunity to witness the journey from grain to bottle in an intimate setting. As Ian Smith explains, visitors often get a much clearer understanding of how whisky is made by visiting their small-scale operation.
The small production size at Tiree allows for exciting experimentation. They have already worked with barley and are soon to offer rye whisky, alongside exploring different casks and fermentation periods. This passion for innovation, driven by their own interests, promises a diverse and exciting range of spirits. As Alain Campbell notes, their fermentation times can vary significantly, influenced by factors like the seasons, weather, and even the ferries. They are keen to explore the nuances this brings to their spirit.
“Overall, the journey’s been so much fun. We are at the stage now that we were only dreaming of back in 2017, it was kind of pie in the sky stuff then. Through a lot of hard work and challenges, we’ve managed to get there. It’s been great, so much fun, and a really rewarding process.”
Running a distillery on a tiny remote island presents its challenges, including weather, financing, staff, and logistics, to name a few. However, the rewards are immense, particularly the pride in providing local employment opportunities to keep people on the island, and also in connecting with their island’s heritage. Being able to offer a bar on-site, providing a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike to enjoy their gin, whisky, and cocktails, is rewarding as well. The distillery boasts a stunning location right on the edge of the sea, offering another stunning Hebridean Whisky Trail #dramwithaview experience.
We invite you to embark on a journey to the Isle of Tiree and experience the unique charm and tradition of the Tiree Whisky Company. Discover their passion for crafting exceptional spirits in a truly special setting. With the hands-on approach in their traditional distillery, a visit to Tiree promises an unforgettable stop on the Hebridean Whisky Trail, and a taste of the Land of Barley’s revived whisky heritage.
