Isle of Barra Atlantic Gin (700ml)

Wholesaler must clear. One parcel only at a massive 50% off.

"...really fresh, like a coastal Scottish breeze – it’s quite transportational." - fromtheginshelf.com

One of a growing number of maritime-influenced gins, Barra arrives from Scotland’s most westward Isle of the same name. The gin is vapour distilled using seventeen botanicals, the most unusual contribution being from foraged carrageen seaweed - a type of red algae that grows on the shores and shallows surrounding the island. Like many of the other seaweed varieties found on the Scottish coast, carrageen is harvested after the Spring tides when the water is furthest from the shore. Each piece of seaweed is washed with fresh water and left outdoors for 5-6 weeks for the wind and sun to dry or ‘bleach'. It all sounds very exotic, and while you might detect hints of kelp and rock pools in the profile, Barra is essentially a full flavoured London dry with a twist. Aromatically, the bouquet offers a combination of saline-juniper-citrus freshness; the entry is light and breezy but fills out considerably becoming creamy and full bodied with flavours leaning towards ripe Meyer lemons, woody juniper, applemint, anise and sea-spray. The finish ramps up the intensity accenting zesty peel, pepper and warming spices. Uncut it's a gin with nice texture and kick, but one that should also stand up to mixing. The clearance price makes for a steal. Stock up for Summer. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... On the nose, it smells amazing! Juniper, florals and citrus are all present with a subtle saltiness coming through. The floral and sweet notes come through on the palate with a hint of warming spice, while the finish has a slight salinity and a long burst of herbaceous menthol from the carageen. I’ll be honest, with the first few sips, I’m not blown away. It’s such an unusual flavour profile and miles away from what I was expecting. The more I go back to it however, the more pleasant I find it, as my palate adjusts. It’s really fresh, like a coastal Scottish breeze – it’s quite transportational. - fromtheginshelf.com

Gold Medal - The Gin Masters 2020

Silver Medal - World Spirits Competition 2021