Work on a brand-new whisky distillery in Orkney is set to start this spring.
A major expansion project at the family-run Deerness Distillery will see three new Orcadian whiskies launched, as well as a visitor centre, café and bar opened at its East Mainland base.
Already home to its range of award-winning spirits – including Sea Glass Gin, Into the Wild Vodka and Orcadian Moon Coffee Liqueur – the current distillery will undergo a six-figure refurbishment over the coming months before production of the new whiskies begins.
Adelle and Stuart Brown from the Deerness Distillery
The Deerness Distillery was opened in 2017 by Stuart and Adelle Brown. Self-built in the family’s six-acre garden, it has been welcoming visitors for tours and tastings ever since, as well as making its mark in Scotland’s burgeoning spirits scene.
But whisky has long been a market they've been keen to move into. The expansion will allow them to realise that dream, with plans for a signature moderately peated style, an innovative oat whisky, and a local rye whisky.
The project will also increase bottlings of the existing spirits, and it’s hoped the immersive visitor centre experience and café will attract people to Deerness all-year-round.
The distillery is now offering access to a limited number of 200 casks of its inaugural single malt. Once filled, the casks will contain the signature Deerness single malt. Starting at 12pm on 29 March, the exclusive sale is expected to attract interest from whisky lovers around the world.
Discussing the expansion project, co-founder Stuart Brown said: "We are thrilled to be commencing this exciting new chapter for Deerness Distillery and Orkney whisky. By offering the chance to invest in the future of Deerness Distillery, we're not just sharing our passion for Orkney whisky, we're inviting people to become part of our journey.
"We can't wait to welcome more people to our family-owned distillery and farm as we take the next step in our distilling adventure."
Visit the official Deerness Distillery website to find out more about the distillery and its current range.