Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin - Review & Tasting Notes
Kirkjuvagr Gin
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 mainland Scotland, Stephen and Aly opened The Orkney Distillery in 2018 to moved production to Orkney and offer tours and gin making experiences. Kirkjuvagr Gin is distilled in traditional copper stills and features a variety of Angelica reportedly brought to Orkney by the Vikings, as well as Ramanas Rose, Burnet Rose, Borage flower and calamondin fruits grown by the UHI Agronomy Institute. |
The Gin Guide Review
Kirkjuvagr 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 a depth of flavour, from floral and herbaceous notes to subtle, almost sherbert-like citrus sweetness offset with a peppery twist in the lingering, dry finish. Kirkjuvagr Gin delivers on flavour, complexity and personality in a way that many gins can't match. The gin and the team deserve the great success to date and to be so effectively realising and exceeding their bold ambitions. - Initial review: Paul Jackson 2016. Updated: 2019 |
Buy Kirkjuvagr Gin
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Visit The Orkney Distillery
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Kirkjuvagr Gin
Tasting Notes
NOSEFresh, sweet & subtly saline,
with piney juniper & lemon |
PALATE
Warm, floral & subtly sweet,
with pine, spice & sherberty citrus |
FINISH
Long & smooth,
with floral notes & gentle spice |
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 of Kirkjuvagr Gin |
You Might Also Like...
Also try Kirkjuvagr Arkh-Angell Gin (57% ABV), Kirkjuvagr Aurora Gin (Winter spiced), Kirkjuvagr Harpa (Summer botanicals) and Kirkjuvagr Beyla Gin (Raspberry Old Tom).
For more gins from Orkney try The Orkney Gin Company Johnsmas Gin and Mikkelmas Gin.
Also try Kirkjuvagr Arkh-Angell Gin (57% ABV), Kirkjuvagr Aurora Gin (Winter spiced), Kirkjuvagr Harpa (Summer botanicals) and Kirkjuvagr Beyla Gin (Raspberry Old Tom).
For more gins from Orkney try The Orkney Gin Company Johnsmas Gin and Mikkelmas Gin.