The makers of the popular Isle of Harris Gin have just announced the launch of an new limited, small-batch release designed to capture the aromas of Scottish summer.
Isle of Harris Distillers say the new Wild Gorse Tincture is part of their experimental apothecary drinks range.
Collaborating with local apothecary, Amanda Saurin, the new product is designed to capture a "seasonal summer moment in time".
The distilling company, which is based at Tarbet on the island, said that to make the special release, Amanda hand-picked fragrant gorse leaves from the village of Rodel, on the southside of Harris.
They stated she has expertly combined their honeyed sweetness with the complexity of other botancals such as hawthorn and nettle, before lifting the final tincture with lemon.
Available to buy now from the Harris Distillery website, the new tincture is priced at £20 while stocks last.
Amanda explained that once used as a traditional herbal treatment for illnesses like jaundice and scarlet fever, gorse’s essence is also believed to be a bringer of joy and light, with a particular affinity for uplifting the heart, she said: “I spent a lot of time musing on what was needed from this tincture at this unusual time. There has been so much fear and heartbreak in recent months.
"So, I decided to look at plants which have a long history of protection and strength."
As with the brand’s Sugar Kelp Aromatic Water and sell-out batches of Wild Rose Tincture which was released earlier this year, the distillery said that how you use the latest release is up to your personal preference.
Amanda suggests adding a few drops to your Harris G&T bringing a taste of island summer to your glass or using it as a rinse to create a fragrant Martini.
She added: “Although intended to bring another dimension of flavour, I also hope it adds a few drops of love, peace and support from our little island to all the people with whom we connect. Failing that, it simply tastes bloody good."
