CRAFTING SPIRITS THAT ARE ‘UNMISTAKABLY ORCADIAN’
Armed with a sleek, modern and welcoming distillery, and ambitions to diversify and expand their awardwinning offering, 2024 is set to be an exciting year for the team at The Orkney Distillery.
Established in 2018, it has been a rapid rise to prominence for the company behind the distillery, Orkney Distilling Ltd, whose range of handcrafted and artisan gins have won widespread critical acclaim, and have been enjoyed by gin enthusiasts the world over.
Having cut their teeth in the art of crafting beautifully smooth and unmistakably Orcadian gin, the Orkney Distilling team are now embarking on a new venture — becoming just the third verified producer of single malt whisky in Orkney.
This craft distillery may be small in size, but its ambition knows no bounds — with whisky production equipment to be installed and the first spirit to hit casks in 2024.
The first step in a new and bold adventure, The Orkney Distillery is the perfect place to witness small-scale whisky production in the centre of Kirkwall.
Progressive plans are in place to capitalise on this new venture — crafting and distilling Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky, as well as offering blended whiskies and there is also the potential for small cask sales.
As well as moving into the world of whisky, the team are also setting their sights on adding rum to their array of spirits.
It is just the latest feather in the cap for
Orkney Distilling who have continually adapted, diversified and restyled their offerings over the last six years.
The distillery itself — an imposing and distinctive landmark on the Kirkwall harbour front — is a five-star tourist destination and has previously earned the accolade of the Scottish Gin Destination of the Year.
It comes complete with a covered, garden bar experience, Oot The Back, which is equipped with individually heated booths, making it the perfect place to relax and hopefully enjoy some Orcadian sunshine!
As for their signature gin, Kirkjuvagr, the rich history of the islands and the boldness of those ancient seafarers is reflected in this contemporary and modern spirit.
Kirkjuvagr, which means Church Bay and is the Old Norse name for Kirkwall, has expanded far beyond its signature gin, Origin — a bold yet smooth spirit where the floral and long finish is warm and sweet.
There is a gin for every occasion whether that is the storm-strength Arkh-angell; Beyla, the honey and raspberry Old Tom; a winter edition spiced gin, Aurora; and Yuletide, which, full of mouth-watering winter spice, makes it the perfect festive gin.
Their base on Kirkwall’s harbour front is so much more than just a distillery. It is also a place where you can grab a coffee, meet up with friends, catch up on some emails, browse the gift shop, or even utilise a concert or exhibition room, available to hire for all your special events and occasions.
Distillery tours running throughout the summer allow you to learn more about the fivestar visitor centre, and get a behind the scenes experience of the passion and detail that goes into crafting some of the UK’S finest spirits — all with a complimentary drink in your hand!
So whether you are visiting The Orkney Distillery or Oot The Back, you are guaranteed a warm welcome and excellent customer service that is “unmistakably Orcadian.”