At the very tip of the British Isles lie the Shetland Islands, where the powerful currents of the North Sea meet the vast Atlantic Ocean. It is a landscape defined by dramatic cliffs, rolling moorland, and skies that seem to stretch endlessly across the horizon. Life here has always been shaped by the elements, with every season bringing its own rhythm – from the long, luminous days of summer to the deep, windswept nights of winter. This wild and untamed beauty has drawn people to Shetland for centuries, and in 2006, it captured the imagination of Frank and Debbie Strang, who chose to make their home on the Isle of Unst, Shetland’s northernmost inhabited island and the northernmost point of the United Kingdom.
When the couple arrived on Unst, they took over the Saxa Vord Holiday Resort, a distinctive site built on the grounds of a former RAF radar station overlooking the North Atlantic. The location carried a strong sense of history and purpose, and Frank and Debbie were determined to breathe new life into the area while preserving its heritage. Their vision extended far beyond simply running a holiday resort. They recognised the challenges many Scottish island communities face, particularly depopulation and the loss of local employment opportunities, and saw an opportunity to create something meaningful that would support the local economy and attract visitors from around the world.
With the land and buildings that came with the Saxa Vord site, the couple began exploring new ventures that could help revitalise Unst. Tourism was already an important part of island life, but Frank and Debbie believed there was room to create something distinctive—something that would celebrate Shetland’s culture, landscape, and natural resources while generating sustainable employment. As passionate whisky and gin drinkers themselves, they began to imagine what it might mean to establish Shetland’s first legal distillery on the island.
The idea quickly gathered momentum. A distillery could showcase the unique character of Shetland, drawing inspiration from the island’s rugged environment and rich traditions while producing spirits that could be enjoyed far beyond its shores. To help turn this vision into reality, Frank and Debbie brought in Stuart Nickerson as a business partner. Stuart brought more than four decades of experience in the Scotch whisky industry, having managed several world-renowned distilleries, including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, and Highland Park.
Stuart’s career had been defined by a deep understanding of distillation and a passion for building brands rooted in place. He had also played a key role in reviving Glenglassaugh Distillery after more than twenty years of silence, proving his ability to bring ambitious projects to life. When he joined Frank and Debbie in developing Saxa Vord Distillery, his experience provided invaluable guidance in shaping the distillery’s identity, developing its spirits, and ensuring that quality and authenticity were at the heart of everything they created.
For Stuart, the project also held a deeper significance. Distilleries have long played an important role in rural economies, providing skilled employment and helping communities thrive. On Unst, the opportunity to establish a distillery was about more than simply producing spirits—it was about celebrating Shetland’s unique culture, landscape, and stories through the art of distillation.
Saxa Vord Distillery officially opened in 2014, marking a historic moment for the islands as Shetland’s first legal distillery, complete with a range of whisky stills and a gin still, named ‘Elsi’, a 100 litre engineered copper still designed and manufactured by John Dore & Co, the UK’s oldest surviving still-maker. In August of that year, the distillery released its first spirit, Shetland Reel Original Gin. The recipe, carefully developed by Stuart Nickerson, combined classic gin botanicals with locally inspired ingredients that reflected the character of the islands. The result was a gin that balanced traditional distilling craftsmanship with a distinct sense of place.
In the years that followed, the distillery expanded its range with a variety of Shetland Reel gins and other spirits inspired by island life. Among the most celebrated releases are the annual Up Helly Aa Shetland Reel Gins, created to honour Shetland’s famous Viking fire festival and its proud Norse heritage. These limited-edition bottlings have become highly collectable, capturing the spirit of one of the islands’ most iconic cultural celebrations.
Today, Saxa Vord Distillery continues to grow, employing local staff across distillation, bottling, and visitor experiences. Guests travelling to Unst can visit the distillery for guided tours and tutored tastings, learning how each gin is crafted and discovering the stories behind the botanicals, recipes, and inspiration drawn from Shetland’s extraordinary environment. For many visitors, the distillery has become a gateway to understanding the island’s culture, hospitality, and enduring connection to the sea and land.
Frank and Debbie’s ambitions for Unst, however, extend far beyond the world of spirits. Inspired by the island’s remote northern location and clear launch corridors over the sea, they have also championed the development of SaxaVord Spaceport, Europe’s first vertical satellite launch facility. The spaceport began testing operations in 2024 and aims to provide a commercial launch site for small rockets carrying satellites into low Earth orbit. Together, the distillery, the holiday resort, and the spaceport reflect an extraordinary vision—one that blends Shetland’s past, present, and future, where a remote island community can celebrate its heritage while reaching boldly toward the stars.
Shetland Reel Original Gin is a London Dry Scottish Gin and the signature Scottish Gin from Shetland Reel. The recipe combines classic gin botanicals with locally grown Shetland apple mint, harvested on the island and distilled to create a balance of bright citrus and spice notes and cooling mint character that reflects the island maritime landscape.
On the nose, classic juniper leads with gentle spice and bright citrus aromas. Subtle herbal freshness emerges as the spirit opens, with a soft mint note adding a distinctive island character.
On the palate, clean and balanced, begins with juniper and coriander spice before citrus peel lifts the mid-palate. The texture is smooth and rounded, with sweet citrus oils and light peppery warmth building complexity.
On the finish, crisp and refreshing, with lingering citrus and spice followed by a cooling note of apple mint that leaves a bright, clean impression.
Key Botanical(s): Apple Mint (locally grown), Juniper Berries, Lemon and Orange Peels
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 43% ABV
Goes great with: A wedge of pink grapefruit, tonic and ice.
Shetland Reel Ocean Sent Gin is a London Dry Scottish Gin from Shetland Reel and takes its inspiration from the powerful maritime environment surrounding the Shetland Islands. The recipe builds on a classic juniper foundation while introducing coastal botanicals that reflect the character of the North Atlantic. Locally foraged bladderwrack seaweed provides a subtle savoury salinity, balanced by bright citrus and gentle spice from traditional gin botanicals. The result is a crisp and refreshing gin that captures the clean, windswept freshness of Shetland’s rugged coastline and the distillery’s close relationship with the surrounding sea.
On the nose, opens with fresh maritime aromas and bright citrus. Crisp juniper sits at the centre, supported by gentle lemon peel and subtle green herbal notes. A delicate coastal salinity emerges, suggesting the influence of seaweed and sea breeze, bringing a distinctive freshness that immediately evokes the dramatic Shetland coastline.
On the palate, the gin is clean and vibrant with a classic juniper backbone. Zesty citrus lifts the flavour profile before the savoury character of seaweed develops, adding a light mineral salinity that enhances the structure of the spirit. Soft spice from coriander and the earthy balance of angelica root provide depth.
On the finish, crisp and refreshing with lingering citrus, juniper, and a subtle echo of the sea.
Key Botanical(s): Bladderwrack Seaweed (locally foraged), Juniper Berries, Lemon Peels
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 49% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of red grapefruit or sprig of mint, tonic and ice.
Filska Gin from Shetland Reel is a distilled Scottish Gin, inspired by the Shetland dialect and the islands’ vibrant coastal landscape. ‘Filska’ means high-spirited, flighty, fun-loving or mischievous, which is reflected in the choice of combining classic and bold, zesty, citrus botanicals to create a refreshing, lively, tangy, strong citrus led flavour profile.
On the nose, an immediate burst of bright citrus, fresh grapefruit peel rises from the glass alongside crisp juniper and a gentle lift of coriander seed. Subtle warm spice lingers in the background, hinting at cinnamon and soft almond-like sweetness that adds depth to the aromatic profile.
On the palate, vibrant citrus-forward, zesty notes with juicy pink grapefruit sitting at the centre of the flavour profile, balanced by piney juniper and a lightly spicy coriander note. As the spirit develops across the palate, warming cinnamon and soft nutty tones emerge, giving structure and complexity.
The finish is long and gently warming, with lingering grapefruit zest, delicate spice and a final lift of classic juniper freshness.
Key Botanical(s): Cinnamon, Grapefruit Peels, Juniper Berries
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of red grapefruit, tonic and ice.
Shetland Reel Simmer Gin is a London Dry Scottish Gin from Shetland Reel that takes its inspiration from the unique light of Shetland’s summer months. The name “Simmer” refers to the local Shetland dialect describing the long days and lingering twilight of midsummer, when daylight seems to stretch endlessly across the islands. The recipe builds on a classic juniper foundation, lifted by bright citrus and delicate floral botanicals that evoke the freshness of Shetland’s wild summer landscape. The result is a vibrant and refreshing gin that captures the gentle warmth and luminous character of Shetland’s famous simmer dim nights.
On the nose, opens with bright citrus and soft floral aromas. Fresh lemon and orange peels rise alongside crisp juniper, while delicate herbal notes add a light aromatic freshness that reflects the gin’s summer inspiration.
On the palate, the gin is clean and vibrant with a classic juniper backbone. Zesty citrus provides brightness and lift, supported by gentle spice from coriander and the earthy structure of angelica root. Subtle floral notes develop through the mid-palate, adding softness and complexity.
On the finish, the gin lingers with fresh citrus, soft herbal warmth and a clean juniper character that leaves a bright and balanced impression.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper Berries, Lemon Peels, Orange Peels
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 49% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of orange, tonic and ice.
Shetland Reel Island Rose Gin is a London Dry Scottish Gin from Shetland Reel that draws its inspiration from the wild rose plants that grow across the rugged landscapes of the Shetland Islands. The recipe builds on a classic juniper-led gin foundation before introducing delicate floral notes from rose, balanced by bright citrus and gentle spice from traditional botanicals. The result is a fragrant and elegant gin where soft floral sweetness sits alongside fresh citrus and crisp juniper, capturing the character of Shetland’s windswept coastal environment and the natural botanicals found across the islands.
On the nose, opens with fragrant floral aromas led by delicate rose petals. Fresh citrus from lemon and orange peels lifts the bouquet, while juniper berries provide a crisp piney backbone supported by subtle herbal freshness.
On the palate, opening with soft floral notes before developing into bright citrus and subtle sweetness. Juniper provides a steady backbone while the floral character adds a rounded, perfumed quality that remains fresh rather than overly sweet.
On the finish, soft floral sweetness gradually fades into lingering citrus and juniper, leaving a clean and lightly aromatic impression.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper Berries, Lemon Peels, Rose Petals
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A twist of lemon peel, fresh raspberries, tonic and ice.
Shetland Reel Zesty Gin from Shetland Reel is a Flavoured Scottish Gin. This vibrant expression builds on the signature Shetland Reel Original Gin classic gin base while delivering a lively flavour profile defined by bright citrus freshness, balanced sweetness and crisp juniper character.
On the nose, bright citrus aromas emerge alongside crisp juniper and gentle sweetness, creating a lively and refreshing aromatic profile.
On the palate, smooth and vibrant, opening with fresh citrus brightness before developing into subtle sweetness supported by classic juniper structure.
On the finish, clean and refreshing, with lingering citrus freshness and a balanced juniper-led character.
The Gin Cooperative Awards for Shetland Reel Zesty Gin include:
• Bronze - Consumer Judges Award 2022
Key Botanical(s): Juniper Berries, Lemon Peels, Orange Peels
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of lemon or orange, tonic and ice.
Shetland Reel Wild Fire Spiced Gin from Shetland Reel is a London Dry Scottish Gin and draws inspiration from the dramatic natural environment of the Shetland Islands and the warmth of fire during the darker months of the northern year.
Across Shetland and other Scottish islands, the long winter nights and rugged coastal landscapes have long shaped local traditions where fire, light and community gatherings bring warmth and connection. This bold expression features warming spices and a gentle sweetness along with classic gin notes of citrus and juniper, creating a rich and characterful spirit designed to evoke the warmth and atmosphere of fire-lit island gatherings.
On the nose, warming spice rises alongside soft sweetness and crisp juniper, creating a rich and inviting aromatic profile.
On the palate, smooth and rounded, opening with gentle sweetness before developing into warming spice supported by classic juniper structure.
On the finish, warming and lingering, with fading spice and subtle sweetness leaving a balanced and comforting impression.
Shetland Reel Wild Fire Spiced Gin was originally released in August 2018 as Shetland Reel Wild Fire Gin Anne Cleeves Edition, created in collaboration with crime novelist Ann Cleeves to celebrate Wild Fire, the final novel in her internationally acclaimed Shetland detective series. The book and its television adaptation brought global attention to the islands and their dramatic landscapes, which also inspired the character of the gin itself.
In July 2022 the gin was reintroduced as Wild Fire Spiced Gin, retaining the same distinctive recipe while shifting the focus toward its warming spiced flavour profile rather than the literary collaboration that inspired the original release.
Key Botanical(s): Chilli's, Juniper Berries, Mustard Seeds
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of orange, tonic and ice.
Shetland Reel Up Helly Aa Gin from Shetland Reel is an annual limited edition series of Cask Aged Scottish Gins created to celebrate the annual Up Helly Aa festival. Each Shetland Reel Up Helly Aa Gin is a limited edition release and unique for each year, with gin style, cask type, ABV and botanicals varying each year. The first Shetland Reel Up Helly Aa Gin was released in
The Up Helly Aa festival started in the 1880’s and happens every January in Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands and is a celebration of the islands Viking connections.
The festival is led by the ‘Guizer Jarl’, the chief Viking who leads squads of Vikings through Lerwick. It’s tradition that the squads stop by certain venues called ‘halls’ where the squads are expected to tell stories and entertain the locals in exchange for food and drink.
The festival culminates with the squad marching through the town centre at night towards the harbour bearing flaming torches. A Viking longboat is then set ablaze as hundreds of Vikings throw their flaming torches on the longboat, setting it ablaze to the sound of war cries, chants and celebrations.
When the festival was cancelled in 2021 due to the unprecedented global pandemic, Shetland Reel Not Up Helly Aa Gin 2021 Edition was released.
In 2026 two Shetland Reel Up Helly Aa Gin editions were released to mark the 10th Anniversary of the series - a Cask Aged Navy Strength Scottish Gin and a Cask Aged Scottish Gin.
Key Botanical(s): Botanicals vary depending on year.
Gin Style: Cask Aged
Strength: ABV varies depending on year.
Goes great with: Suggested serve varies depending on year.
Shetland Reel Good Heavens Gin is from Shetland Reel is a London Dry Scottish Gin from Shetland Reel inspired by the extraordinary night skies visible across the Shetland Islands. With minimal light pollution, Shetland offers some of the clearest views of the stars in the United Kingdom, and the gin takes its name from the expression often used when witnessing the beauty of these vast skies. Built on a classic juniper-led London Dry recipe, the gin balances bright citrus with gentle warming spice and herbal depth. The result is a crisp and refreshing spirit where piney juniper and fresh citrus combine with subtle spice to create a clean and well-structured gin.
On the nose, fresh juniper aromas supported by bright citrus. Lemon peel brings a lift of freshness while subtle spice adds depth and complexity.
On the palate, the gin is clean and balanced with piney juniper at its core. Citrus brightness is complemented by gentle spice and herbal notes, creating a well-rounded and refreshing profile.
On the finish, lingering juniper and citrus gradually soften into delicate spice, leaving a crisp and refreshing impression.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper Berries, Lemon Peels
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of lemon or orange, tonic and ice.
Shetland Reel Mission Pouch Gin is a London Dry Scottish Gin from Shetland Reel inspired by the pioneering space industry developing on the island of Unst in Shetland. The name “Mission Pouch” references the pouches carried on space missions to store essential equipment, reflecting the connection with SaxaVord Spaceport, the UK’s first vertical satellite launch site. Built on a classic juniper-led London Dry recipe, the gin balances bright citrus with gentle spice and herbal depth. The result is a crisp and refreshing gin where piney juniper and fresh citrus combine with subtle warming spice to create a clean and well-structured spirit.
On the nose, opens with classic juniper aromas supported by bright citrus freshness. Lemon peel lifts the bouquet while gentle spice and herbal undertones add depth.
On the palate, the gin is crisp and well-balanced with juniper berries at its core. Fresh citrus provides brightness while warming spice from coriander seed and cassia develops through the mid-palate. Subtle herbal notes add complexity and structure.
On the finish, lingering juniper and citrus fade into soft spice, leaving a clean and refreshing impression.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper Berries, Lemon Peels
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of lemon or orange, tonic and ice.
Shetland Reel Countdown Gin from Shetland Reel is a limited-edition Distilled Scottish Gin, created to mark an important moment in the island’s modern story. Shetland Reel Countdown Gin delivers a bold and expressive flavour profile where classic juniper character is supported by vibrant citrus brightness and warming spice, reflecting the energy and anticipation surrounding one of the island’s most ambitious modern projects.
On the nose, bright citrus aromas rise alongside bold juniper and a gentle lift of warming spice, creating a fresh and energetic aromatic profile.
On the palate, smooth and full of flavour, opening with classic juniper before developing into vibrant citrus and softly warming spice with a clean, expressive character.
On the finish, crisp and lingering, with fading citrus brightness, gentle spice and a balanced juniper-led freshness.
Countdown Gin was created in collaboration with the Shetland Space Centre to celebrate the countdown to the UK’s first planned vertical satellite launch from Unst, scheduled for 2022. The proposed launch site at Lamba Ness sits just a few miles from Saxa Vord Distillery, placing the distillery at the heart of a project set to introduce a new industry to the Shetland Islands.
The development of the space centre represents a significant milestone for the islands, bringing innovation, investment and potential employment opportunities to one of the UK’s most remote communities. Countdown Gin was crafted as a tribute to this moment of anticipation and progress, capturing the excitement of the countdown to launch and the spirit of exploration that has long defined Shetland’s relationship with the wider world.
Key Botanical(s): Apple Mint (locally grown), Juniper Berries, Orange Peels
Gin Style: London Dry Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of kiwi fruit, tonic and ice.
Launched on International Scottish Gin Day 2021, Shetland Reel Lemon Fest Gin is a Flavoured Scottish Gin from Shetland Reel inspired by bright citrus flavours and festive winter spices. Built on a classic juniper-led foundation, the recipe highlights fresh lemon peel supported by warming spice and subtle herbal notes. The result is a vibrant and aromatic gin where lively citrus freshness is balanced by gentle sweetness and spice, creating a bright and refreshing profile that works well both as a classic gin and tonic and in seasonal cocktails.
On the nose, bright citrus aromas led by fresh lemon peel. Piney juniper sits beneath the citrus notes, while gentle warming spice adds depth and warmth.
On the palate, the gin is lively and refreshing with lemon peel at the forefront. Juniper berries provide a classic piney backbone while sweet spice and herbal notes add complexity and balance.
On the finish, the citrus character lingers with a gentle sweetness and warming spice, leaving a clean and refreshing impression.
Key Botanical(s): Juniper Berries, Lemon Peels
Gin Style: Flavoured Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A twist of lemon peel, tonic and ice.
Shetland Reel Gin Bean Gin from Shetland Reel is a limited-edition Flavoured Scottish Gin. Signature Shetland Reel Original Gin is infused with carefully selected single-origin coffee sourced from Cairngorm Leaf & Bean. This process allows the roasted coffee character to integrate with the citrus and juniper structure of the base gin, creating a distinctive and balanced flavour profile.
On the nose, rich roasted coffee aromas rise alongside bright citrus and crisp juniper, creating a bold and intriguing aromatic profile.
On the palate, smooth and full-bodied, opening with classic juniper and citrus brightness before developing into deep roasted coffee notes and subtle mocha sweetness.
On the finish, warming and gently lingering, with fading citrus and soft juniper giving way to a lingering coffee and cocoa-like character.
Key Botanical(s): Apple Mint (locally grown), Coffee Beans, Juniper Berries
Gin Style: Flavoured Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A twist of orange, tonic and ice.
Shetland Reel Festive Hawthorn Gin from Shetland Reel is a limited-edition London Dry Scottish Gin. This seasonal release showcases a distinctive hedgerow botanical to create a festive expression with fruity berry character, gentle sweetness and warming spice balanced by classic juniper structure.
On the nose, soft berry aromas emerge alongside gentle juniper spice, creating a mellow and inviting aromatic profile.
On the palate, smooth and rounded, opening with juniper before developing into subtle berry sweetness and light woody character.
On the finish, gently lingering, with fading fruit notes and soft spice leaving a balanced and easy-drinking impression.
Key Botanical(s): Hawthorn Berries (locally foraged), Juniper Berries
Gin Style: Distilled Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A twist of orange peel, tonic and ice.
Shetland Reel Hubbleskyu 2020 Gin from Shetland Reel is a limited-edition Cask Aged Scottish Gin created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Shetland Folk Festival, one of the islands’ most celebrated cultural events. The name “Hubbleskyu” comes from the Shetland dialect and reflects the lively, energetic atmosphere of music, dancing and community gatherings that define the festival.
The gin begins with Shetland Reel Ocean Sent Gin, the distillery’s coastal London Dry expression, before being rested in a sherry cask. This maturation introduces additional layers of sweetness, gentle oak influence and soft dried-fruit character while preserving the maritime freshness, bright citrus and classic juniper backbone of the base gin.
On the nose, bright citrus aromas rise alongside crisp juniper and a subtle coastal freshness. Soft sweetness and light oak warmth from the sherry cask add depth to the aromatic profile.
On the palate, vibrant citrus and piney juniper form the backbone of the flavour profile. The savoury coastal character from seaweed develops through the mid-palate while the cask influence introduces gentle sweetness and warming spice.
On the finish, citrus and juniper soften into lingering sweetness and delicate spice with a subtle echo of coastal salinity and light oak warmth.
A Shetland Reel Hubbleskyu 2022 Gin edition was released in April 2022 to celebrate the return of the festival after its cancellation during the global pandemic.
Key Botanical(s): Bladderwrack Seaweed (locally foraged), Juniper Berries, Sherry Cask Influence (dried fruit, oak sweetness)
Gin Style: Cask Aged Scottish Gin
Strength: 40% ABV
Goes great with: A slice of lemon, tonic and ice.
Saxa Vord Distillery is the northernmost distillery in the United Kingdom and is located on the Saxa Vord estate, a former RAF radar station, on the island of Unst in Shetland. The distillery is home to both whisky and gin production and offers a range of visitor experiences, including guided tours and tastings, where visitors can learn more about the island’s history, the distillery, and its production, and sample a range of spirits produced there. The area also has a number of other attractions, including Muness Castle, Saxa Vord radar station and museum and a number of options for food, drink and accommodation.
Please note distillery experiences may have changed since this information was published. Please check the booking link or brand website for the latest distillery experiences.
Tour: Yes
Cafe: Yes
Bar: Yes
Shop: Yes
Booking: Learn more about Saxa Vord Distillery experiences here
Learn more about Shetland Reel by visiting the links below.
