Kirkjuvagar Orkney Gin

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland
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Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin was established in 2017 by co-founders and husband and wife Stephen and Aly Kemp. Kirkjuvagar means “Church Bay” in Old Norse; during the reign of the Vikings, the Norsemen would sail their longships into Kirkjuvagar, which provided a natural shelter and protection from the wild, unforgiving seas. Eventually, over the centuries, it grew to be what is today known as Kirkwall.

The couple, both from Orkney, have proud Orcadian roots on the island, with Aly’s dad operating one of the many fishing vessels out of Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. Stephen, too, has family ties stretching back centuries, and it’s these ties to the past and Stephen and Aly’s eye on the future inspired them to create a distillery and the Kirkjuvagar Orkney Gin brand.

Initially, Stephen and Aly worked with the team at Strathearn Distillery in Perthshire on recipe development and production. Stephen and Aly researched the different native botanicals on the islands, with the couple working closely with the University of the Highland and Islands’ Agronomy Institute. During this research phase, a unique strain of Angelica on the island was discovered. Research and evidence suggest this remarkable botanical was originally transported to the island and cultivated by the early Viking settlers.

In 2018, Stephen and Aly realised their long-held dream and opened the Orkney Distillery on the Kirkwall harbour front. Thanks in part to his original background in construction and property, Stephen was able to design and build the distillery, which features a working distillery, cafe, shop, and bar. Visitors to the distillery can enjoy a tour where they will learn more about the gin making process and discover the background behind the brand, products and islands. The distillery also features an outdoor area called “Oot the back”, which features covered seating areas where visitors can sit and enjoy drinks regardless of the weather.

Stephen, Aly and the distillery team have gone on to develop a range of Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gins, including Arkh-Angell Storm Strength Orkney Gin, which is a high ABV Navy Strength Gin, Aurora Spiced Orkney Gin which reflects the winter months on the island. Each Scottish Gin incorporates an element of the Orkney Islands through local botanicals, folklore or the changing seasons, with each gin presented in a bespoke bottle that features embossed waves on the glass along with the Vegvisir, the Viking Compass, printed on the top of every bottle stopper.

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Kirkjuvagr Origin Orkney Gin

Created to reflect the boldness of Orkney’s Norse ancestors, the clarity of the seas and the purity of the air. A local legend states that the botanical Angelica was brought to the island by one of the many ships and groups of Vikings who visited the island. Angelica is now one of the defining ingredients, complementing a distinctive blend of local botanicals, including ramanas rose, burnet rose and borage. Uniquely, they’ve also used traditional Orkney bere barley in the signature gin recipe. The custom glassware, revealed in December 2021, retains the signature Orcadian wave design but has been integrated into the cut of the glass, creating a beautiful sculpted texture. "Vegvisir", the mythical Norse compass, also remains; stamped into the bottle and etched atop the closure.

Details

Key Botanical(s): Angelica, Ramanas Rose, Borage
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 43% vol
Goes great with: A sprig of mint, slice of lime, tonic and ice.

Production

Method: Rectified - Grain Neutral Spirit
Location: Orkney Distillery, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Released: August 2016

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Kirkjuvagr Arkh-Angell Storm Strength Orkney Gin

Arkh-Angell retains the smoothness and characteristics of the original Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin but the increased strength brings new depths to its complex flavour profile. Arkh-Angell is a tribute to generations of island seafarers and carries the name of a local fishing boat that has a place close to the heart of many Orcadians. The locally grown variety of Norwegian angelica, called Archangelica, was taken to the Islands centuries ago by sailors from the North.

Details

Key Botanical(s): Angelica, Ramanas Rose, Borage
Gin Style: Navy Strength
Strength: 57% vol
Goes great with: A sprig of mint, neat over ice.

Production

Method: Rectified - Grain Neutral Spirit
Location: Orkney Distillery, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Released: May 2017

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Kirkjuvagr Aurora Spiced Orkney Gin

In Orkney, the appearance of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, marks the start of the journey towards the long, dark nights of an island winter. This Aurora edition seeks to bring extra warmth and spice to those dark, crisp evenings under the stars.  Ground cinnamon, nutmeg and whole cloves provide the warm spice whilst pink and black peppercorns provide a lasting tongue-tingling presence in the finish.

Details

Key Botanical(s): Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Pink Peppercorns
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 42% vol
Goes great with: A wedge of orange, a cinnamon stick, ginger ale and ice.

Production

Method: Rectified - Grain Neutral Spirit
Location: Orkney Distillery, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Released: November 2018

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Kirkjuvagr Beyla Honey & Raspberry Old Tom Orkney Gin

This Old Tom style pink gin combines rare Orcadian honey with fresh Scottish raspberries. Beyla - named after the Norse goddess of bees - continues Orkney Distilling’s distinctive brand themes, which draw inspiration from the Viking and seafaring heritage of the islands. Fresh Scottish raspberries bring extra fruitiness and colour to the 40% ABV Beyla - developed from Orkney Distilling’s signature Kirkjuvagr Gin - while balancing the sweetness brought by the island honey.

Details

Key Botanical(s): Angelica, Ramanas Rose, Borage, Scottish Raspberries, Orcadian Honey
Gin Style: Old Tom
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: Fresh raspberries, light tonic and ice.

Production

Method: Rectified - Grain Neutral Spirit
Location: Orkney Distillery, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Released: June 2019

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Kirkjuvagr Foy Orkney Gin

This 2020 special edition was brought back for the Orkney Folk Festival, which celebrates and enjoys tourism and traditional music in Orkney. Despite postponement of the popular annual event, this limited gin celebrates and supports the special event with the return of this dedicated festival gin and serves as a reminder that music is the beating heart of Orkney. A proportion of profits go directly to the festival, which will return in 2021 for their 38th event. Citrus notes from Calamondin complement a melody of locally grown botanicals, including Angelica, Aronia, Borage, Meadowsweet, Burnet Rose and Ramanas Rose.

Details

Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Calamondin
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: Orange peel, tonic and ice.

Production

Method: Rectified - Grain Neutral Spirit
Location: Orkney Distillery, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Released: May 2020

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Northwest Passage Expedition Gin

Northwest Passage Expedition Gin has been created at the Orkney Distillery, home to Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin, to mark and fund a very special expedition. Proceeds will fund the Last Great First, which is a maritime navigation of the Northwest Passage sea route from the Atlantic to the Pacific – a 3,700km odyssey, powered entirely by a small group of modern day adventurers. Ultimately, the Northwest Passage Expedition Gin supports the Big Blue Ocean Cleanup, which aims to end ocean pollution. The unique flavours are drawn from Sugar Kelp, Angelica Archangelica, Ramanas Rose and Burnet Rose, found on the twin shores of the mighty Hudson Bay and the Orkney Islands. The Angelica root adds a hint of sweetness, that is balanced by a subtle, floral note from the roses. The addition of lemon peel and calamondin citrus brings the bright, citrus notes to the gin and sugar kelp brings a mild saltiness to the palette, connecting the gin to the sea.

Details

Key Botanical(s): Sugar Kelp, Angelica Archangelica, Ramanas Rose, Burnet Rose
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 42% vol
Goes great with: A slice of lemon, a sprig of samphire, tonic and ice.

Production

Method: Rectified - Grain Neutral Spirit
Location: Orkney Distillery, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Released: October 2020

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Distillery

The Orkney Distillery

Situated on the seafront of Kirkwall, Orkney’s capital, The Orkney Distillery houses a bar, shop, tasing room and the distillery. The distillery blends into its surroundings with its traditional saw tooth roof and you’ll find a range of drinks available at the bar. Discover more about the Kirkjuvagr range of gins and the distillation process on their tour. Get an insight into botanicals and enjoy a tasting session in the tasting room, which overlooks Kirkwall harbour. Once you’re done you can browse the shop, which is well stocked with gifts and there’s lots of seating for you to enjoy a gin, tea or coffee. The gin making experience involves spending the afternoon crafting your own gin using a miniature still under careful direction before being bottled and finished with a bespoke label. The experience also includes complimentary gin tastings, tonics and nibbles from local food producers.

Details

Tour: Yes
Gin School: Yes
Cafe: Yes
Bar: Yes
Shop: Yes
Booking: Book a tour or gin making experience here

Address

Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland, KW15 1QX - View on Google Maps
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Disclaimer: Where applicable, book your Scottish Gin experience in advance and check with the venue before heading off on your journey.
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