Isle of Harris Distillery has launched The Hearach of Château Biac, an ultra-limited single malt scotch whisky created through a special collaboration with winemakers at Château Biac in Bordeaux. Only 720 bottles of this rare expression will be released worldwide.
The whisky represents a first-of-its-kind maturation experiment, having been aged exclusively in French Oak barrels previously used to produce Secret de Château Biac, a sweet white “liquoreux” wine from the 17th-century estate. These unique casks have never before been used to mature scotch whisky.
The release follows the success of a previous Hearach expression — Oloroso Matured.
Limited Availability Through Ballot System
To manage the limited release fairly, Isle of Harris Distillery has implemented an online ballot system opening today at 10 a.m. and closing on March 20 at 5 p.m. Each bottle is priced at £125.
A small allocation will also be available directly from the distillery shop and select international markets including Switzerland, the United States, France, and Japan.
A Fortuitous Partnership
The collaboration stems from a 2017 introduction between the distillery and Tony and Youmna Asseily, who acquired and revitalized Château Biac in 2006. The Asseilys, described as longtime scotch whisky enthusiasts, suggested maturing Harris spirit in their wine casks.
The partnership embodies the “social distillery” ethos that Harris is known for, building connections between its Outer Hebridean home and international communities.
Tony Asseily, co-owner of Château Biac, commented: “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.”
Simon Erlanger, Managing Director at Isle of Harris Distillery, said: “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.”
The Hearach of Château Biac Profile & Presentation
Bottled at 50% ABV, the whisky is non-chill filtered and free from artificial coloring. The lightly peated spirit (12-15 ppm) offers a complex flavor profile including ripe pears, sweet lemon, jasmine, spring flowers, mixed spice, and vanilla.
Each bottle features a bespoke label and gift box, making it an appealing collector’s item beyond its liquid merits.
The release continues Harris Distillery’s commitment to producing spirits that reflect their motto of being “woven from people and place,” while adding the unique terroir influence of the historic Bordeaux vineyard.
Read the full article at Isle of Harris Distillery Unveils Limited Edition French Wine Cask-Finished Whisky
