Barra Atlantic Gin

ISLAND BORN, FEARLESS SPIRIT.

The adventurous spirit of the Barra people inspires everything we do.

From our island home on the edge of the Atlantic, we produce gin that captures the essence of the Outer Hebrides; bold, distinctive, and full of character.

This is our passion: for our island, for our family distillery, and for our Barra Atlantic Gin.

OUR SIGNATURE BOTANICAL:
CARRAGEEN SEAWEED

At the heart of our gin is Carrageen seaweed (Chondrus crispus), a red algae native to the cool Atlantic waters surrounding our island. Sustainably hand-harvested from the shores of Barra, Carrageen provides a bold maritime flavour, with a mentholic freshness and a pinch of salty air.

The idea came from co-founder and Managing Director, Michael Morrison’s childhood memories: “Both my grandparents and my mother used Carrageen as a tonic for stomach aches. It was always soothing and tasty, it brings back wonderful memories”.

Carrageen grows on the ancient rocks along our coastline and can only be gathered when the tide is at its lowest, just a few times a year. Once harvested, it is washed in fresh water and air-dried outdoors for 5–6 weeks, slowly bleaching in the sun and wind until it turns a light white-purple hue. Only then is it ready to be used in our gin.

THE DISTILLATION PROCESS

Barra Atlantic Gin is distilled in small batches using 17 carefully selected botanicals, each one contributing to a unique and complex flavour profile.

Distillation begins in Ada, our custom-built copper still handcrafted by the renowned Forsyths of Rothes. Named after our co-founder’s daughter, Ada is a symbol of the spirit and energy of our Family Distillery.

We use a vapour infusion method, placing botanicals in two baskets inside the still. As the spirit reaches the ideal temperature, vapour gently extracts essential oils and aromas, each botanical precisely weighed to ensure balance and consistency.

Unlike many distillers, we discard both the heads and tails of the distillate, keeping only the pure heart. Though this approach is more costly, it results in a cleaner, smoother, and more premium spirit.

After distillation, the gin is left to rest for seven days, allowing the flavours to mellow and develop.

OUR NEW BOTTLE

Inspired by our connection to the sea, we designed a new custom vessel to reflect the ever-changing character of our island and our gin. We’ve moved away from stock bottles made of 100% flint glass to a more sustainable option: bottles now made from 52% recycled glass.

Each bottle is unique, the recycled content means no two are ever quite the same. To us, that’s part of the charm: like the people of Barra, each one has its own story to tell.

17% lighter in weight, reducing transport emissions

406 miles from manufacturer to distillery, 382 miles less than our previous supplier

100% recyclable and plastic-free.

This change not only reflects our commitment to sustainability but also brings us closer to the sea, the land, and the spirit of our island.

FROM ISLAND TO GLASS

Every drop of Barra Atlantic Gin is distilled, bottled, and labelled by hand at our family distillery in Castlebay.

From our home to your hands, this is a true labour of love.