Isle of Harris Distillery has unveiled the latest release of its annual Isle of Harris Gin Cèilidh Bottle series: a handcrafted ceramic vessel glazed in a rich Machair Green colour, inspired by the sweeping coastal grasslands of the Isle of Harris.
Launching on 18 June, a very limited run of 900 limited-edition bottles will be made available to purchase, with 400 bottles released for general sale online across the UK and a further 500 available exclusively from the distillery shop in Tarbert.
Now in its fourth year, the Cèilidh Bottle series has evolved into an anticipated annual release for collectors and Isle of Harris Gin enthusiasts alike, with each edition capturing a different colour and mood drawn from the palette of the island’s natural environment. Each year, the distillery team gathers to vote on their favourite colour - which then informs that year's release.
This year’s rich green glaze is inspired by the island machair, a rare grassland habitat that flourishes along the island’s coastline during the summer months, when windswept grasses and wildflowers transform the rolling dunes into a vibrant array of colour that can only be seen on Scotland’s Western Isles.
Each ceramic bottle has been individually hand-thrown by potter and friend of the distillery, Rupert Blamire, using a meticulous process that spans several months and results in subtle variations that make every bottle entirely unique.
Designed to be displayed, refilled and reused long after the gin has been enjoyed, previous editions of the Cèilidh Bottle have found second lives in homes across the UK as vases, candle holders and table centrepieces.
To celebrate this year’s launch, Isle of Harris Distillery is inviting its community to keep the cèilidh going by sharing the creative ways they have repurposed their previous gin bottles on Instagram. The distillery team will select their favourite submission to receive a Machair Green Cèilidh Bottle following the launch.
The launch also continues the distillery’s celebration of the spirit of the cèilidh and moments of connection and shared enjoyment. At a half-standard 350ml size, the bottle is intentionally designed for gathering with friends and family during the summer evenings.
The recommended cocktail for this year’s release is the Kelp & Cucumber Collins, a bright and refreshing cocktail that complements the maritime character of Isle of Harris Gin while echoing the lush green tones of the bottle itself.
The serve highlights the distillery’s signature Sugar Kelp botanical, sustainably harvested from local sea lochs, whose subtle coastal notes bring a distinctive freshness and sense of the Atlantic shoreline to the cocktail.
Ron MacEachran, executive chairman of Isle of Harris Distillery, said: “The windswept plains of machair are a defining feature of our island’s landscape in summer.
"This year’s Cèilidh Bottle captures that unmistakable sense of place in a colour that immediately transports us to Harris at this time of year, as islanders and visitors gather among the dunes and beaches to enjoy the long summer days.
“The series has become a meaningful tradition for us and for many people who now collect each release. Beyond the gin itself, these bottles celebrate craftsmanship, creativity and the connection between our spirits and the island landscape that continues to inspire them.”
Online orders will be presented in a premium gift box featuring bespoke artwork and cèilidh storytelling inspired by the Isle of Harris.
The Machair Green Cèilidh Bottle will be available from 10am on Thursday 18 June at Isle of at https://www.harrisdistillery.com/pages/the-harris-ceilidh-machair-green within the UK and at the distillery shop in Tarbert for £53 RRP.
