Isle of Harris Distillery has revealed the Hearach of Château Biac, a new edition of its single malt whisky. 

The expression has been entirely matured in French oak wine barrels which were previously used in the production of Secret de Château Biac, a sweet white wine produced by a Bordeaux vineyard. Isle of Harris says the casks have never before been used to mature Scotch malt whisky. 

To create the whisky, Isle of Harris collaborated with Château Biac owners Tony and Youmna Asseily, who acquired the estate in 2006 and have been in touch with the distillery since 2017. 

Simon Erlanger, managing director at Isle of Harris Distillery, commented: "After years of waiting, it’s finally time to share this limited expression of the Hearach with the world. The Hearach of Château Biac is truly unique, not only because of the flavours developed through aging in sweet white wine casks, but through the friendship that it represents, tying our remote island with the beautiful estate that Tony and Youmna have restored in Bordeaux."

Tony Asseily, co-owner of Château Biac, added: "This whisky is more than a product — it’s a celebration of two unique worlds coming together. Our French Oak barrels, steeped in the essence of Château Biac’s history, have imparted something truly special to the island spirit of Harris. We are immensely proud of the friendship and creativity behind this release and delighted to see it shared with the world."

Isle of Harris says the new Hearach whisky is floral, with notes of pears, lemon, jasmine, mixed spice, and vanilla. The lightly peated whisky is non-chill filtered and bottled with its natural colour, at 50% ABV.

The Hearach of Château Biac is available until 20 March via online ballot at www.harrisdistillery.com.