A TIPPLE OF ORKNEY SPIRIT
Orkney Gin Company handcraft their spirits with finesse, by the shores of the famous Scapa Flow. Their multi-award-winning range celebrates Orkney’s unique traditions and folklore, applying crafting techniques and recipes innovative to the craft spirits world, harking back to times past when the care and attention of handcrafting was enjoyed by all.
Their unique range of ground-breaking spirits with traditional Orcadian roots are carefully created by the small family team, who hand-pick local botanicals, grow their own, source only the best-quality juniper, and distil their spirit up to eight times, for an incredibly silky-smooth effect. Their products are finally hand-bottled, labelled, and boxed with care.
Indeed, since they burst onto the scene, the company’s critically acclaimed gins — Johnsmas, Mikkelmas, Rhubarb Old Tom and Sloe & Crow — have become firm favourites both in the UK and around the world. Their latest creation, Aatta Gin, is distilled eight times, with eight botanicals, including a 24-hour final distillation. Aatta has already won gold in the Spirits Business Awards, and it is envisaged that this will become the company’s signature gin.
Although the company’s name may suggest otherwise, the business is also developing a range of other spirits too — releasing the first Akvavit in Scotland.
The Skandi-inspired spirit truly boasts a unique flavour like no other, and has quickly become a hit, gaining a Great British Food Award and a three-star Great Taste Award.
Adding to the accolades, Aatta has won world’s best design and best bottle in the World Drinks Awards 2022, while Orkney Akvavit won world’s best Aquavit in the same competition.
Indeed, Orkney Akvavit has even tickled the tastebuds of one of the UK’S best-known chefs. In December 2023, the spirit was featured on James Martin’s Saturday Morning, adding Norse fire to the broadcaster’s recipe for yuzu mayo — an excellent accompaniment to crab claws and scallops.
Although Orkney Gin Company does not have a visitor centre, you can try their expressions in local bars and restaurants. You can also shop their range and learn more online, or purchase their products in most local shops. Visit www.orkneygincompany.com or call 01856 731700 for more information.