Self-isolated Whisky: World’s Most Remote Distilleries

I’m sitting at home, self-isolated, and drinking a lot of whisky. It’s given me time to think: what are the scotch whisky distilleries that have self-isolated? Specifically, what are the world’s most remote distilleries? I’ve had a lot of time on my hands.

But I did think it was an interesting question. I always imagine whisky coming from small parts of the world. Places where highland cows outnumber people. It’s part of the appeal. So I put together this list of the world’s most remote distilleries. I wanted to find the distilleries that self-isolated to make the best whisky.
So, in no particular order:

McHenry Distillery ­– Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia

McHenry Distillery is Australia’s southern-most whisky distillery and with its family heritage makes it the southern-most family-run distillery in the world.  Its location takes advantage of the cool-moist-maritime environment, giving the maturing spirit the right conditions to make the most of its time in the wooden barrels. The property also has a natural source of pure spring water, which becomes the heart of the developing spirit. It is undoubtedly one of the World’s Most Remote Distilleries. Check it out here.

Hakushu Distillery – Hokuto, Japan

Keizo Saji searched all over Japan for delicately aromatic water for his new distillery. After searching through headstreams of rivers and deep into rugged mountains, he found Hakushu. The Hakushu Distillery is one of the highest distilleries in the world, built amidst the deepest forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps. This is a self-isolated whisky. The malt whiskies from Hakushu have a very particular microclimate, verdant forests, and water offering a rare softness and purity because of the filtration of rain and snow through thousand-year-old granite rocks. Check it out here. 

Pulteney Distillery – Wick, Caithness, Scotland

The Pulteney Distillery is a malt whisky production and ageing facility in the Pulteneytown area of Wick, Caithness, in the Highland area of Scotland. Wick was once known as the herring capital of Europe. Yet while the herring shoals may be long gone from this rugged northern coastline, the spirit of that seafaring past lives on in the form of Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky. With traditional warehouses exposed to the sea air blowing in off the North Sea, Old Pulteney captures the taste of the sea in their whisky. From subtle coastal chords to more defined salty notes, the flavour of our whiskies says much about the role and influence of their remote home. Check it out here. 

Saxa Vord Distillery – Unst, Shetland Islands, Scotland

At the very tip of the British isles lie the Shetland Islands, where the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. That’s where you’ll find the Saxa Vord Distillery, home to Shetland Distillery Company and their whisky, Shetland Reel. This distillery, located at the northern end of Unst, is the most northerly inhabited island in the UK. It is only accessible from the Shetland mainland by two ferry journeys, via the island of Yell. It is closer to Norway in distance and culture than it is to much of Scotland. Check it out here. 

Isle of Raasay Distillery – Isle of Raasay, Kyle Scotland

The Isle of Raasay has a population of 160, a post office, and a village shop. I think that qualifies as self-isolated whisky. The Isle of Raasay earns a place on this list of the world’s most remote distilleries. The water they use flows from Raasay’s highest peak. From Dun Caan’s volcanic basalt rock, the water travels across granophyric granite and down through porous Jurassic sandstone. They also use barley grown locally on Raasay. Check it out here. 

Drink whisky while you're self-isolated

I’m not sure if humans can flourish in self-isolation as well as the world’s most remote distilleries. These are distilleries that make fantastic whiskies in self-isolation. If you’re looking for something exciting to invite into your quarantined homes, I recommend our Linkwood 11. You can get it here. 

It’s a single cask whisky that very easy to drink, with lovely grapes and pears on the palate, and the finish is long and rich. And we deliver anywhere in the world. It’ll be a welcome addition in your quarantined home.