One of the real highlights of a trip to Orkney is the chance to taste test the delicious delights of our local larder.
You’ll find some of the finest food and drink on offer here, and if you want to sample a tipple or two then there are tours and tastings available across the islands.
Find out where you can get a real taste of Orkney during your visit.
Deerness Distillery
If gin is your thing, then a visit to the Deerness Distillery should be on your island itinerary. In fact, with vodka, liqueurs, and now even whisky on the menu, there’s plenty on offer for all tastes. The distillery is home to a modern kitchen and bar with fabulous views too.
Tours and tastings are available throughout the year.
J. Gow Rum
When you picture a rum distillery you might imagine tiny islands, sun, and sea. Here in Orkney we can only guarantee two out of three, but who needs the sunshine? J. Gow Rum crafts award-winning spiced and aged rums on the uninhabited island of Lamb Holm, just across the Churchill Barriers. The distillery’s name comes from John Gow, Orkney’s infamous pirate.
Distillery tours and tastings are on offer all-year-round.
Swannay Brewery
The Swannay Brewery has been creating award-winning beers in the north-west corner of the Orkney mainland for more than 20 years. The brewery has just undergone a transformational refurbishment and visitors can join tours to see the new brew plant, tap room, and shop, with the chance to taste a pint or two as well.
Tours are available between April and September.
Highland Park
One of Orkney’s most famous exports, single malt whisky from Highland Park has claimed medals and awards around the world. The distillery was founded more than 220 years ago and continues to produce delicious drops. Tours here give you the chance to see behind the scenes, with a variety of options on offer. Of course, there’s a dram or two waiting for you at the end, too.
Tours are available to book all-year-round.
Orkney Distillery
Found on the harbourfront in Kirkwall, the Orkney Distillery has gone from strength to strength in the decade since it launched its first gin, Kirkjuvagr. The distillery hosts guided gin tours at its modern base, with a guide to the Orkney-grown botanicals and a tasting of four core gins included. The distillery is also working towards its first single malt whisky release and guided whisky tours will tell the story of that journey, with a few drams thrown in too.
Tours are available between March and October.
Orkney Brewery
Based in the former schoolhouse in Quoyloo, just one mile from Skara Brae, a visit to the Orkney Brewery is a must for beer lovers. Iconic brands produced here include Dark Island, Northern Light, and the world-famous Skull Splitter. Guided tours offer an in-depth look at the brewing process along with some all-important sampling time and the chance to try your favourites in the Tasting Hall café.
Tours run between April and October.
Scapa Distillery
Perched overlooking Scapa Flow, the Scapa Distillery has one of the most picturesque views of any distillery in Scotland. Its Scapa Noust tasting room is the perfect location to sample some drams after enjoying a behind-the-scenes look at the small but beautiful distillery buildings. A number of different experiences are on offer.
Tours are available between February and December.
Barony Mill
This visit is food-focused, although the main product here – the ancient Viking grain bere – has been used in plenty of beers and spirits locally over recent years. The Barony Mill is the last of its kind in Orkney and tours give visitors the chance to see the mighty water wheel in action, as well as the traditional milling equipment inside. Guests can also sample some home baked beremeal products at the end.
Tours are available between May and September.
View our Eating Out page to discover where you can get a taste of Orkney during your visit.
