Trail West stars' distillery joins historic whisky tourist trail
Whisky lovers can prepare to chart a course to Tiree after its distillery joined the Hebridean Whisky Trail.
The spirit of Tiree joins the esteemed whiskies of Talisker, Torabhaig, Isle of Raasay, Isle of Harris, North Uist and Benbecula by adding its own unique character to the popular tourist 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 there.
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 firm. 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 explains, visitors often get a much clearer understanding of how whisky is made by visiting their small-scale operation.
He said: "The small production size at Tiree allows for exciting experimentation. We have already worked with barley and are soon to offer rye whisky, alongside exploring different casks and fermentation periods. This promises a diverse and exciting range of spirits.
"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 addition.
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