Orkney Gin Company: Reviews, Tasting Notes & Garnishes

Orkney Gin Company

Orkney Gin Company developed from a hobby for founders Gary and Andrea Watt who would make gin as gifts for friends and family using a traditional 'bathtub' style cold compound process. In 2016, Gary and Andrea launched their midsummer-inspired Johnsmas Gin and their winter and harvest-inspired Mikkelmas Gin, with both continuing to be made with this traditional process. In 2021, having added a custom-built 250L still to their distillery, Orkney Gin Company launched their flagship distilled gin, Aatta (meaning 'eight' in Old Norse).

Distillery Location: Orkney Spirits Ltd, Burray, Orkney (Scotland)
Still Type: 250L Pot & Column
Contact: Website / Trade Email / Instagram

Aatta Gin

ABV: 44% (Base Spirit: Grain)
Price Band: £35 - £40 - Buy direct from Orkney Gin Company
or via Amazon or Master of Malt
Botanicals: 8 including juniper, coriander seeds, orange, rose hips, vanilla, cinnamon.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of zesty orange citrus, subtly floral and fruity rose hips, juniper and vanilla. Plentiful juniper, bright citrus, gentle sweet vanilla and earthy base notes. A lingering finish of gentle coriander seed spice, cinnamon and hint of pepperiness.

Serving Suggestion / Garnish: Gin & Tonic with a garnish of Orange and Rosemary, or in a Bee's Knees or White Lady cocktail.

The Gin Guide Review:
Aatta Gin is a characterful and smooth gin that uses juniper, citrus, rose hips and soft spice in an enticing and enjoyable combination. The bright, orangey citrus and subtly sweet vanilla notes are balanced with cinnamon, peppery juniper and gentle earthy spice that also give body and warmth, as well as length to the finish. The resulting flavour profile is almost reminiscent of a citrus tart and it is a gin that shows refinement while also having a humble character. - Paul Jackson, 2021

Johnsmas Gin

ABV: 41.3% (Base Spirit: Grain)
Price Band: £35 - £40 - Buy direct from Orkney Gin Company or via Amazon or Master of Malt
Botanicals: Including juniper, orange peel, heather, rose, mint.

Tasting Notes: Fragrant and fresh aromas with juniper and rose. Crisp and floral with zesty citrus and juniper. A light and smooth finish with gentle spice.

Serving Suggestion / Garnish: Gin & Tonic with a garnish of Lime, Orange or Apple.

The Gin Guide Review:
Johnsmas Gin is the epitome of summer. It is floral and fragrant on the nose, and light and fresh on the palate. Alongside the floral botanicals the juniper, mint and citrus zests add balance and a subtle sweetness. Johnsmas Gin makes a beautifully refreshing gin and tonic with a garnish of lime or apple. - Paul Jackson, 2018

Mikkelmas Gin

ABV: 41.3% (Base Spirit: Grain)
Price Band: £25 - £30 - Buy direct from Orkney Gin Company
Botanicals: Including juniper, orange peel, cinnamon, rose hips, heather berries, mulled spices.

Tasting Notes: Fragrant and spiced aromas. Smooth and warming on the palate with juniper, winter spices and orange. A warming finish with peppery notes and vanilla.

Serving Suggestion / Garnish: Gin & Tonic with a garnish of Orange Peel or Ginger, or with Ginger Ale.

The Gin Guide Review:
Mikkelmas gin is a sumptuously warming, smooth and flavourful gin. With bold autumnal and wintery spices, Orkney Gin Company have definitely delivered on their inspiration from the Mikkel Feast. The botanicals and spices, including orange peel and cinnamon, make Mikkelmas Gin particularly enjoyable with ginger ale or in a hot toddy on a winter's day. - Paul Jackson, 2018

Also Available from Orkney Gin Company

Rhubarb Old Tom Gin - Buy

43% ABV and lightly sweetened, featuring juniper, cinnamon, rose and orange peel, and infused with chopped rhubarb.

Orkney Akvavit - Buy

41.5% ABV Scandinavian style spirit with prominent caraway, citrus and star anise.

Meet the Makers

"We are very proud of our Orcadian heritage; this comes across in each of our gins – from our distinct Orcadian logo with its simplistic Scandinavian design, to the botanicals which are carefully hand-picked within walking distance of our home." - Gary Watt, Founder

Full Interview

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For more gins distilled in Scotland, visit our Scottish Gin Guide.
For more gins distilled on Orkney, try Kirkjuvagr Gin.