Founded in 2016, Kirkjuvagar Orkney Gin was established by Stephen and Aly Kemp, a husband and wife team based in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. Stephen and Aly had the idea of creating a spirit that connected the name and heritage of Kirkwall and Orkney with a product that could be seen worldwide and featured local Orcadian botanicals. Like many Scottish Gin brands, the couple initially worked with a Scottish mainland distillery that helped with the distillation and production. However, Stephen and Aly knew that one day the dream would be to open a distillery in Orkney where their gin and future products could be made. Stephen and Aly also knew that moving production to Orkney, it would be ideal if they could include any local Orcadian botanicals in their gin.
With planning permission in place for the construction of The Orkney Distillery, Stephen and Aly set to work looking at the local botanicals on Orkney. Working closely with the University of the Highland and Islands’ Agronomy Institute to perfect the recipe for their signature gin, they discovered some botanicals had been brought to Orkney by the Vikings who once inhabited the islands and whose modern-day ancestors still do. With the recipe refined and ready after years of planning and construction, Stephen and Aly saw their dream become a reality in July 2018 when they opened The Orkney Distillery and visitor centre on Kirkwall’s iconic harbourfront.
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.
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.
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.
Key Botanical(s): Angelica, Ramanas Rose, Borage
Gin Style: Navy Strength
Strength: 57% vol
Goes great with: A sprig of mint, neat over ice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper, Calamondin
Gin Style: London Dry
Strength: 40% vol
Goes great with: Orange peel, tonic and ice.
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.
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.
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.
Tour: Yes
Gin School: Yes
Cafe: Yes
Bar: Yes
Shop: Yes
Booking: Book a tour or gin making experience here
You can learn more about the maker by clicking the links below.
