Orkney Distilling releases navy-strength gin

Orkney Distilling Limited has unveiled a navy-strength edition of its Kirkjuvagr Gin, which pays homage to the heritage of Scottish archipelago Orkney.

The navy strength edition of Kirkjuvagr Gin is bottled at 57% abv

Bottled at 57% abv, Arkh-Angell is described as retaining Kirkjuvagr’s “smoothness”, while the increased strength brings “new depths” to its flavour profile, created with a range of locally grown botanicals.

It is named after the fishing boat belonging to the late father of Aly Kemp – one half of the Orkney Distilling husband and wife management team – and as a tribute to generations of island seafarers.

The gin’s name also reflects its use of a locally grown variety of Norwegian angelica, called Archangelica.

“Bringing out a traditional navy strength, or in this case, a storm strength, version of Kirkjuvagr was the next logical step for us, but we were keen to put our own twist on it,” said Stephen Kemp.

“It was important for us to retain the characteristics that define Kirkjuvagr, so the process to create Arkh-Angell has been rigorous.

“And, as with Kirkjuvagr, the creation of Arkh-Angell has very much been an Orcadian enterprise, both in terms of the botanicals used and the team involved across all elements of the product development. “We’re absolutely delighted with the results and are sure it’ll prove as popular as Kirkjuvagr, whether you’re a mariner or not.”

Batch one of Arkh-Angell is available online and initially in retail outlets throughout Orkney. It is limited to 1,000 bottles at an RRP of £47.99 per 70cl.

Construction of Orkney Distilling’s new distillery in Kirkwall, the largest town in Scotland’s Orkney islands, is now under way, with work due for completion this autumn.