The Orkney Distillery(Kirkjuvagr Gin)

The Orkney Distillery occupies a converted harbourfront building on Ayre Road in Kirkwall, opened in 2018 by husband-and-wife founders Stephen and Aly Kemp after they founded Orkney Distilling Ltd the previous year. The distillery produces Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin, named after the Old Norse term for Kirkwall's bay, using local botanicals such as Ramanas rose, burnet rose and borage alongside traditional Orkney bere barley. The range has grown to include the higher-strength Arkh-Angell, the honey-and-raspberry Old Tom style Beyla, and the spiced Aurora. Visitors can take guided tours of the working stills, book longer whisky and gin schools, and browse the on-site shop and bar overlooking the harbour. The gin has picked up several spirits competition awards since launch. Open daily in peak season (May to September) and Wednesday to Sunday during April and October, the distillery remains an independent, single-site producer rather than part of a larger drinks group.