24
FOOD
Sweet nectar
Reflecting the vivid wildflowers that dot the coastlines
of Harris, Isle of Harris Distillery is revealing a limited
release of handcrafted ceramic Cèilidh Bottles, presenting
the distillery's celebrated gin in a stunning vessel glazed
in a vibrant 'sea thrift pink' hue. Launched on the first day
of HebCelt Festival in July (held annually in Stornoway
on the Isle of Lewis, attracting a global audience as
the largest celebration of Celtic music and culture in
the Outer Hebrides), just 1,500 handcrafted bottles are
available online in the UK.
The newest pink shade represents the third edition in
the annual Cèilidh Bottle series, building on a palette that
captures the essence of the island's coastal environment
and its rich natural landscape. The soft pink glaze takes
its cue from the delicate sea thrift blooms that pop
up on the shoreline rocks of Harris each summer with
abundant 'pom-pom' shaped petals and a sweet nectar
which is much-loved by the local bumble bees.
Each ceramic bottle has been hand-thrown by
potter Rupert Blamire, in a process that spans months
and requires meticulous care, allowing for small variances
between each bottle that make each a one-of-a-kind
piece of art. The design evokes the signature maritime
swirls of the original glass bottle in a medium that can be
displayed, refilled or reused for years to come.
www.harrisdistillery.com