If you’re planning a visit to Orkney, you might be tempted to sample a dram or two at our local distilleries.
But now a special set of new experiences on offer at the Orkney Distillery will give you the chance to go one step further and actually craft your own whisky, whilst learning some of the tricks of the trade on the way.
The distillery, known for its award-winning Kirkjuvagr Gin range, is in the midst of maturing its first single malt whisky, with the spirit set to hit the shelves in 2027. Earlier this year it launched Fara, its first blended malt whisky, and now, as production really begins to increase, members of the public can sign up for whisky school and join the talented team behind the scenes at its harbourside base in Kirkwall.
The experiences are the idea of Tony Reeman-Clark, who heads up the distilling team at the Orkney Distillery. “I started the Strathearn Distillery in Perthshire and we had a lot of people come in and spend time with us, learning how to distil, finding out how whisky is made, and talking through how to get started in the industry,” says Tony.
“We ended up offering different experiences and we were swamped with interest, so it was always something we were keen to try here, particularly coupled with all the other fantastic things Orkney has to offer.”
Whisky fans have three options if they’re planning to join the first Orkney Distillery whisky schools later this year. The One-Day Whisky Distilling Experience provides an introduction to the process and the chance to work on the stills, and help with the mash tun. Participants will even head home with a small bottle of whisky distilled by themselves.
The Three-Day Whisky Making Experience builds on the shorter format, with participants getting involved in the whole process, from a day in the brew house right through to the final distillation.
The Five-Day Whisky Making School sees those taking part start out on the first morning with a bag of malted barley and end the week with a small cask of whisky. “This is our ultimate whisky-making experience,” says Tony. “Folk will be able to take their whisky through the entire process, including distilling our new-make spirit, and they’ll leave with their own three-litre cask too. They’ll really be part of the team during their time here.”
There is a lot to learn during all three options but Tony is quick to point out that he will always be on hand to advise, encourage, and keep the whisky school pupils on track. “We want our experiences to be as informative as possible, but also fun and enjoyable too. Those signing up can get as involved as they like, and we’ll be there to help every step of the way.
“We want to share the story of whisky and its development, and give everyone an insight into what is a special, quintessentially Scottish experience.”
The whisky schools are just the latest offering from the distillery, which already runs guided tours of the facility, gin tastings, and gin-making courses. For Tony, it’s this side of working in a distillery that is particular enjoyable.
“The best part of it all is getting the chance to meet some wonderful and interesting people,” he says. “I’ve made lifetime friends after spending a day in the distillery making whisky and sampling a dram or three afterwards. There’s a romance connected to Scotland and its whisky, and people are so interested in it. Now we’re just really looking forward to sharing the Kirkjuvagr story with them.”
The Orkney Distillery Whisky Experiences will be available from October 2024. For more information or to register your interest, email magnus@orkneydistilling.com
Find out more about the Orkney Distillery via the official website.