The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Gin distillery adds new whisky range
Anew era has begun at an Orkney distillery as it starts production of a single malt Scotch whisky.
Orkney Distilling is best known for its range of Kirkjuvagr gins.
However, the business has completed an initial whisky mash with first distillation set to take place today, which is International Whisky Day.
Founded in 2016, the company’s plans to move into new spirits were delayed by Covid but are now under way.
It will offer two blended whiskies, peated and unpeated, named Hoy and Fara.
These will be further matured in selected barrels in Kirkwall for small batch release.
Orkney Distilling managing director Stephen Kemp said the business had this vision since the very beginning.
He said: “Whisky production has been our dream since we began work on the distillery in 2017.
“So we were incredibly excited to receive our official approvals to allow us to finally begin production.
“Our single malt Scotch whisky will be a fantastic addition to our product range and will be crafted with the same commitment and attention to detail that we’ve applied to our gin production.”
Mr Kemp said the business is also benefiting from working with whisky production experts.
He added: “Suffice to say, we’re determined to create a single malt of exceptional quality and provenance – one that reflects our values as a business and celebrates the long tradition of whisky-making in Orkney.”
Meanwhile, the company is also progressing with its plans to create new rums, after the first successful distillations of the spirit in January.