Orkney Distillery Kirkwall
Discover Orkney's finest spirits at this historic Kirkwall distillery, offering exceptional gin and whisky tastings with knowledgeable staff.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Cruise crowds thin out
Orkney Distillery Kirkwall
Best Time
Cruise crowds thin out
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Orkney's finest spirits at this historic Kirkwall distillery, offering exceptional gin and whisky tastings with knowledgeable staff.
"This is the best gin tasting tour I have done. Great value for money; our tour guide was amazing!"
🎯 Gin Lover's Paradise
Don't miss the gin tasting! The Navy-strength is a must-try. :cocktail:
🥃 Whisky Notes to Keep
Your whisky flight comes with a description card you can keep. :memo:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Orkney Gin Tasting
Orkney Distillery Bar
Sample a range of unique Orkney gins with mixers and garnishes. The Navy-strength gin is a standout!
Whisky Flight Experience
Orkney Distillery Bar
Discover the distinct peat notes of Orkney whiskies with a guided tasting flight. Keep your description card!
Distillery Tour
Orkney Distillery
Learn about traditional manual whisky-making processes at this young, yet historic, distillery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tasting in Advance
Explore Kirkwall's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Gin Lover's Paradise
Don't miss the gin tasting! The Navy-strength is a must-try. :cocktail:
🥃 Whisky Notes to Keep
Your whisky flight comes with a description card you can keep. :memo:
☕ Coffee & More Available
They offer non-alcoholic drinks like coffee and Irn-Bru too. :coffee:
📍 Historic Harbour Location
The distillery is right on Kirkwall's historic harbour front. :ship:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Gin Lover's Paradise
Don't miss the gin tasting! The Navy-strength is a must-try. :cocktail:
🥃 Whisky Notes to Keep
Your whisky flight comes with a description card you can keep. :memo:
☕ Coffee & More Available
They offer non-alcoholic drinks like coffee and Irn-Bru too. :coffee:
📍 Historic Harbour Location
The distillery is right on Kirkwall's historic harbour front. :ship:
🎶 Live Music Events
Keep an eye out for intimate acoustic sessions held at the distillery. :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Orkney Distillery for its exceptional gin and whisky tastings, highlighting the knowledgeable and friendly staff. The central Kirkwall location and the opportunity to learn about traditional production methods are also frequently mentioned positives. Some minor dislikes might include the need to book tastings in advance during busy periods.
"Great place to come to do some local whisky and gin tasting. Came here from a cruise on a Sunday.
Staff are very nice. They went over their items. We decided to go the Whisky Flight. You get a nice description card (you can keep) with the 4 tastings. They were all very good. The 12 year had peat notes, but not overwhelming. Very good.
Seating inside. They have other non alcoholic beverages also (Irn Brew, coffee). Very nice toilet facilities."
WildFire Ninja
"I love gin, and I adore these gins! I did a tasting and got four gins, mixers, dehydrated fruit garnishes, a thorough explanation of the gins, and then as much alone time as I needed to work my way through them. The Navy-strength was the star for me, and I took a bottle home!"
Brent York
"This is the best gin tasting tour I have done. Great value for money; our tour guide was amazing - very friendly and very knowledgeable; interesting to see the scale of production surprised us. Well worth adding to any trip to Orkney x"
Kirsteen Lunan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Orkney Distillery is conveniently located in the heart of Kirkwall, on its historic harbour front. If you're arriving by ferry or plane to Orkney, you can take a local bus or taxi to Kirkwall. The distillery is easily walkable once you're in the town center.
Yes, Orkney Distillery is a popular stop for cruise ship passengers. It's often mentioned as an easy excursion from the port, with many visitors arriving on Sundays.
Kirkwall is very walkable. After your visit, explore the historic St Magnus Cathedral, browse local shops for Orkney crafts, and enjoy the harbour views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book your whisky or gin tasting and tours in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Opening hours can vary, but the distillery is often open on Sundays, which is convenient for cruise visitors. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
Tastings are generally considered great value for money. Visitors have praised the thorough explanations and the quality of the spirits offered.
Yes, you can purchase bottles of the gins and whiskies you sample at the distillery's gift shop. Many visitors take a bottle home as a souvenir.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The distillery offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's a great place to relax, enjoy a drink, and learn about local spirits.
Yes, the distillery offers non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee and popular Scottish soft drinks like Irn-Bru.
Tours provide insights into the traditional manual whisky-making processes, even at this young distillery. You'll learn about their journey and future plans.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can browse and purchase a variety of Orkney spirits, local crafts, and souvenirs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the focus is on spirits, the distillery often offers coffee and other beverages, making it a pleasant spot to relax. For full meals, Kirkwall has numerous pubs and restaurants nearby.
Kirkwall has a good selection of pubs and restaurants offering local Orkney produce. You can easily find a place to eat before or after your distillery visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture shots of the distillery's exterior on the historic harbour, the beautifully presented tasting flights, and the scenic views from the bar area.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas like the bar and shop. For specific tour areas, it's best to ask your guide.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
🥃 Whisky & Gin Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spirit of Orkney: Gin & Whisky
For whisky enthusiasts, the Highland Park Whisky tasting flights provide an excellent introduction to the distillery's range. Even though it's a young distillery, they are committed to traditional manual whisky-making processes, which is fascinating to learn about during a tour.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the spirits produced at Orkney Distillery offer a genuine taste of Orkney's craft and heritage.
Visiting Orkney Distillery: What to Expect
The staff are consistently praised for being very nice, friendly, and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Visitors can expect a well-organized and informative experience, whether they opt for a gin tasting, a whisky flight, or a full distillery tour. The tours are described as interesting, highlighting the distillery's journey and future aspirations.
Beyond the spirits, the distillery also hosts occasional events, such as intimate acoustic concerts, adding a unique cultural dimension to its offerings.
It's a place that combines local pride with a passion for craft, making it a memorable stop on any Orkney itinerary. 
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