The Orkney Distillery
Kirkjuvagr Gin, pronounced 'kirk-u-vaar', was launched in 2016 by Orkney-based husband and wife Stephen Kemp (a former builder) and Aly Kemp (a former PE Teacher). Kirkjuvagr means 'Church in the Bay' in old Norse and was how Vikings described the location that is now Orkney's capital, Kirkwall. Having initially had their gin distilled at Strathearn Distillery in Scotland, Stephen and Aly opened The Orkney Distillery in 2018 to move production to Orkney and offer tours and gin making experiences.

Kirkjuvagr Origin Gin

  • ABV: 43% (Base Spirit: Grain)
  • Botanicals: Including juniper, angelica root, lemon, borage flower, Ramanas Rose, Burnet Rose, calamondin fruit, aronia, bere barley.
  • Buy: (£35 - £40) direct from The Orkney Distillery or via Master of Malt​
Tasting Notes: Fresh aromas of piney juniper, sweet lemon and sea air. Warm, floral and subtly sweet on the palate with pine, spice and sherbetty citrus. A long and smooth finish with floral notes and gentle spice.
Serving Suggestion: Gin & Tonic with a garnish of Orange Peel or Lemon, or in a Martini or Tom Collins.
The Gin Guide Review: Kirkjuvagr Origin Gin has a real sense of place and beautifully represents Orkney from the founders, brand and name through to the botanicals and the end-product gin itself. The gin is well-balanced and there's depth of flavour, from floral and herbaceous notes to subtle, sherbert-like citrus sweetness offset with a peppery twist in the lingering, dry finish. It is a gin that really delivers on flavour, complexity and personality. - Paul Jackson 2016

Also Available from The Orkney Distillery

Kirkjuvagr Arkh-Angell - Storm Strength Gin (57% ABV)
A high ABV edition of Kirkjuvar Origin Gin inspired by the seafaring heritage of Orkney.
  • The Gin Guide Review: Arkh-Angell Gin ups the ABV, flavour intensity and complexity of The Orkney Distillery's flagship Kirkjuvagr Gin. The bold profile and depth of flavour is a real triumph, with borage and meadowsweet delivering floral notes and the punchy calamondin fruit adding rich sweetness alongside juniper, pepper and spice. - Paul Jackson, 2019
  • Buy: direct from The Orkney Distillery or via Master of Malt​
Kirkjuvagr Aurora - Winter Spiced Gin (42% ABV)
A warming spiced gin featuring ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pink peppercorns and black peppercorns.
Kirkjuvagr Beyla - Honey & Raspberry Old Tom (40% ABV)
Named after the Norse Goddess of Bees and featuring Orcadian honey and Scottish Raspberries.
  • The Gin Guide Review: Beyla is a greatly enticing gin with its bright, fruity and bold aroma and character. Alongside the fruity raspberry notes, the use of honey is distinctive and gives a natural sweetness, while floral notes add further depth before a drier character emerges in the finish. It is a flavoursome and charming creation that it mixes well for a summery G&T. - Paul Jackson, 2019
  • Buy: direct from The Orkney Distillery or via Master of Malt​

Meet the Makers

"My wife and I are both 'born and bred' Orcadians and we live in Kirkwall where we grew up, and so we wanted to create a brand that was connected to us and our place." ​- Stephen Kemp, Co-Founder
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For more gins from Orkney try The Orkney Gin Company's range.
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