Shona Macleod grew up in the village of Tarbert, just a few steps away from where the Isle of Harris Distillery now lies. After studying hospitality management in Glasgow and working in the restaurant industry there, she felt a strong pull back to her roots.
In December 2014, Shona joined the distillery as guest services manager. She was one of the “Tarbert 10”: the original 10 members of staff at Isle of Harris. Her involvement in the sensory and quality aspects of Isle of Harris gin from the start sparked an interest in whisky production and flavour profiles.
As the distillery moved closer to launching its first whisky, it needed more in-house expertise in sensory work and blending. Shona threw her hat in the ring and began a new chapter in the production team.
Through her journey to becoming distillery blender, Shona learned the craft and science of distillation, maturation, and cask selection. Now, she revels in the joy of new opportunities and challenges, and the chance to represent her island home through whisky.
Whisky #1
Whyte & Mackay
Blended Scotch
I grew up surrounded by whisky drinkers, though it wasn’t my go-to drink in my younger years. My dad had a boat, and we often took guests from our family hotel, as well as friends and relatives, on cruises through East Loch Tarbert and beyond. These outings always involved a warming dram or two, and it’s those moments I associate with my first sensory memory of whisky in my late teens and early twenties. It was usually Whyte & Mackay, the staple blend behind our bar at the time, alongside other classics of the day. That was the only time I would drink whisky back then and it would always taste far better to me out on the water than it did back at the bar by the pier!
Whisky #2
The Hearach
This special anniversary release was launched at the Isle of Harris Distillery in September 2025 to mark 10 years of distilling on the island, so I’m especially proud of this one. The spirit was distilled in 2018 using peat hand-cut by our distillers in Harris, infusing it with a sense of place that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Just two ex-oloroso sherry butts and two ex-Heaven Hill bourbon barrels were chosen, producing a whisky brimming with flavours of caramelised orange, ginger cake, and bonfire-toasted marshmallows.
Whisky #3
Ardnamurchan
Sauternes Cask Release 2025
What makes a whisky special to me isn’t just the flavour; it’s the passion and character of the people who make it and tell its story. The team at Adelphi and Ardnamurchan do that so well. Unmistakable West Coast character shines through in this recent release from our friends at Ardnamurchan Distillery, who we recently collaborated with on the first Adelphi Single Cask from Harris. I’m a big fan of the AD/10 and the mighty Midgie releases, but this year’s Sauternes expression is truly special. It’s a beautifully peated dram bursting with notes of dried apricots, sugared almonds, and a gentle touch of liquorice. Soft tannins and an underlying savoury richness give it structure and depth, making it all too easy to reach for a second glass!
Whisky #4
The Dalmore 1974
Matusalem Sherry Finesse
A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of spending time with Richard Paterson at the Whyte & Mackay head office in Glasgow sampling drams. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. Dalmore is my brother’s favourite whisky, and the 15 and 18 are truly outstanding, so being able to taste a Dalmore distilled in 1974 was incredibly special. With all the silky smoothness, candied peel, and woody spice that define Dalmore, this one was on another level entirely — like sipping a liquid chocolate orange!
Whisky #5
Feddie Ocean Distillery
Aquavit Blanc
Not a whisky this time, but an aquavit, a small homage to our shared Norse history in the Outer Hebrides. Feddie Distillery, located on Fedje Island off Norway’s West coast, shares so many values and similarities with our Hebridean distilleries here in Scotland. I tried this recently at Whisky Show London. Feddie’s Aquavit Blanc is bracing and refreshing, with bold caraway seed notes complemented by deep citrus and herbal layers. It felt strangely familiar, even though it was my first time tasting it. Perhaps a nod to our shared heritage.
Luxury Item
It has to be my Dior Blooming Bouquet perfume. It’s a luxury brand, but it’s my signature daily spritz (except if I’m busy with sensory work!). Floral, fresh, and bright, it makes me feel more me.
