It’s a beautiful time to be a Scotch whisky drinker as a number of small distilleries established over the last decade have begun to release their debut whiskies after years of barrel maturation. One of the most coveted new single malts comes from the remote Isle of Harris, well off the northwest coast of Scotland, and in one of the most beautiful packages we’ve seen yet.

Many Mission customers are likely familiar with the ethereal Isle of Harris gin and its gorgeous bottle reminiscent of sea glass. The new Hearach single malt bottle is just as spectacular, as is the whisky itself. Already sold out from the distillery and in the UK, the Hearach is every bit as elegant as the Harris gin and the package itself would suggest. Using water from Abhainn Cnoc a’ Charrain, rumored to be the softest water in all of Scotland, the maritime influence is clear with saline notes and just the slightest bit of peat coming through on the finish. Slow-distilled in copper pot stills, the final marriage incorporates both ex-Bourbon and Sherry barrels to create a crescendo of both American and Spanish oak influences on the finish. It’s equal parts almonds and marzipan, with one of the most haunting finishes we’ve tasted in any whisky this year.

Believe the hype: Harris is by far the hottest new distillery in Scotland.