The Spirit of Lewis

Our Spirit of Lewis is based on an ancient recipe first recorded over 400 years ago by the famous travel writer Fynes Moryson and later Martin Martin who both associated the spirit with the Isle of Lewis.  Distilling on Lewis has been handed down through the generations (with a few refinements) and there is no record of our ancient recipes being distilled anywhere else in Scotland, or the other isles.

Others will follow and trade on our heritage, however the Spirit that is described by Fynes Moryson and Martin Martin isn't Whisky, but Spirit hailing from the days when thirty years was a lifetime, so waiting wasn't an option.  We hold the knowledge, we produce the Spirit and so far those that have ventured to our doors have enjoyed their wee taste of Lewis.   You can join them by purchasing a bottle via our shop!

It may seem strange that nothing commercial has been produced on Lewis and Harris since 1840 yet the rest of Scotland is famed for its Single Malt and Whisky blends.  Possibly the main reason for this is ownership. The last male descendant of the Mackenzies of Kintail was Francis, Earl of Seaforth, who died in 1815 and in 1844 the Lewis Estate was sold to James Matheson. The Seaforth's legend would have it succumbed to the prophecy of the Braham Seer.  No matter, the Shoeburn Distillery had already closed. 

Sadly for the distillers of the day, Sir James who had made his money from Opium didn't drink and practiced abstinance.