National recognition for local producers

It has been an incredibly successful week for three of Orkney’s finest drink producers.

The Deerness Distillery’s Sea Glass Gin has been named ‘Best Classic Gin’ in the Great British Food Awards 2019, judged by celebrity chef and owner of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Raymond Blanc. It’s a fantastic achievement for the team, based in Orkney’s east mainland.

The Orkney Gin Company’s Rhubarb Old Tom gin was also recognised at the event, claiming a ‘highly commended’ award in the Flavoured Gin section.

Run by The Great British Food Magazine, the awards aim to ‘represent the very best of modern British food’,

Meanwhile, both local beer producers, the Orkney Brewery and the Swannay Brewery, returned from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Scotland Independent Beer Awards 2019 with a huge haul of medals.

The Swannay Brewery took gold for its Banyan and Orkney Blast, with bronze awards for Scapa Special, Orkney Porter, Sneaky Wee Orkney Stout and Muckle.

There were four silver medals for the Orkney Brewery – Skullsplitter and Dark Island both came second in their sections, with Red McGregor claiming a double.

Another week, another batch of awards heading home to Orkney – which just showcases the talent and quality on show in the food and drink industry across the islands.


The Promoting Orkney project has been part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014-2020.

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