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The first legal single malt whisky from the Outer Hebrides was officially launched today by Uig distillery, Abhainn Dearg.

The launch of the special edition three year old single malt was timed to coincide with the start of the Royal National Mod in Stornoway and this first production run by Abhainn Dearg distillery is limited to 2011 bottles.

Speaking at the launch, distillery owner, Mark 'Marko' Tayburn commented: “This is a historic day for the Outer Hebrides and for Abhainn Dearg Distillery. We are delighted to launch this special whisky and finally reclaim the heritage of whisky making in the Isle of Lewis which stretches back hundreds of years.

“The Mod in Lewis can now at last enjoy a locally produced, distinctive whisky. It has been a long wait but we are confident you will agree it has been worth it.”

Local MSP Alasdair Allan said: “It can only be good for the economy of the islands that we have a new distillery launching its product, and I know it will be another draw for tourists. I have visited Abhainn Dearg, and know the work that has gone into getting the business to this point.

“Perhaps one of the more interesting constituency cases I have ever had was when I had to persuade HM Revenues and Customs to overcome their suspicion about one of Mr Tayburn’s stills which had a colourful past under previous ownership! In fact, it now provides his distillery with something unique in Scotland – legal whisky made in a formerly illicit still.

“I know that already there have been expressions of interest in Abhainn Dearg whisky from around the world, and would congratulate everyone involved in producing it. The Mod in the islands is an excellent time to promote this excellent new way of putting the Hebrides on the international map. Slàinte mhòr!”

Mark Connelly, of Glasgow's whisky specialists, The Good Spirits Company and Chairman of the Glasgow Whisky Association said: “As an independent specialist store we, The Good Spirits Co., are always on the lookout for small-batch, hand-produced, quality spirits and Abhainn Dearg Single Malt Whisky certainly fits the bill. Stocking products which are created in an environment a million miles away from the vast industrial distilleries excites us and is what we are all about.

“The further from supermarket fodder the better for us and with its unique flavour profile we are very impressed with the spirit that Marko has been producing. We're really looking forward to having the first legal whisky from Lewis in over 150 years in our shop and I'm sure our customers are too."

The three year old single malt is the first whisky distilled by Abhainn Dearg and early reviews have been glowing. When all 2011 bottles have been sold off there will be no further opportunity to purchase the three year old whisky as the remaining stock is being held back to mature for a further two years.

Abhainn Dearg also prides itself on being a very environmentally-friendly enterprise. The 46% proof whisky is made from the clean, pure waters of the Abhainn Dearg and barley which it is hoped will eventually all be grown locally. The left over malted barley mash from the whisky making process is then used to feed the distillery's own herd of Highland cows whose waste is collected as fertiliser for the barley fields

The whisky is distilled using traditional methods in copper stills and is bonded, bottled and labelled by hand on site. The whisky is oak casked in reused bourbon and sherry barrels.


 

Hebrides News, first legal whisky

First Outer Hebrides malt whisky is launched         14/10/11

Marko with the islands’ first legal whisky