Abhainn Dearg Distillery (Abhainn Dearg meaning 'Red River') is currently the smallest and westernmost distillery in Scotland, located in Uig on the Atlantic coast of the Isle of Lewis. The founder is Mark Tayburn, a native of Lewis, who commenced production in September 2008. Part of the distillery was formerly a fish hatchery (some hatchery rooms remain in use, for raising turbot and cod, which are later released into the nearby Schlavat Loch), and the distillery itself is very new and fully equipped. The distillery's distillation process is unique. The still design is peculiar, featuring a steep, witch's hat-like still head and spider-leg-like Lyne arms. This design is based on a still from an illegal distillery discovered on the island in the 1950s (currently on display at Abhainn Dearg). Mark's vision is that one day, all the barley required by the distillery can be locally sourced and malted on-site—he was already growing Golden Promise barley at that time and feeding his Highland cattle with the spent grains.

The brand name 'Red River' originates from a bloody conflict over a thousand years ago, when the Lewis islanders repelled a group of Viking raiders but also suffered such heavy casualties that the waters of the Abhainn Casiathat river were dyed red with blood. In 1703, Martin Martin published his 'Description of the Western Isles', in which he wrote: 'The corn is so plentiful here that the locals are inclined to brew several sorts of liquors. Besides the common Usquebaugh, another called Trestarig, that is, Aqua-vitae, three times distilled, with a strong, hot taste. A third sort is distilled four times, called by the natives Usquebaugh-baul (literally meaning 'dangerous whisky'), that is Usquebaugh. The last sort is so strong that one spoonful is sufficient; two spoonfuls are just right, but if one takes more than two, it stops the breath and endangers life.' 'A customs officer in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis told me that about 120 families annually consume 4,000 gallons of this spirit (that is, uisge beatha, the Gaelic 'water of life') and brandy.' (Major Edward Burt, 'Letters from a Gentleman in the North of Scotland', 1754) The only licensed distillery on Lewis was the Shoeburn Distillery (c. 1830-1840) in Stornoway. Not long after the distillery closed, the island was purchased by Sir James Matheson, a teetotaler (see also 'Dalmore'). He dismantled the Shoeburn Distillery buildings and incorporated the area into Lews Castle. Whisky production in the area had to go underground. In September 2011, the first bottling of Red River was launched at the 'Royal National Gaelic Mod' held in Stornoway, named 'Spirit of Lewis'. In February 2016, the first non-age-statement peated product was released.