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Orkney to welcome new whisky distillery
Deerness Distillery will open mainland Orkney’s first whisky distillery in 138 years and is selling the first 200 casks of its single malt Scotch.
Deerness Distillery was founded by chartered engineer Stuart Brown and his wife, Adelle, in 2017.
The distiller produces gin, vodka and a coffee liqueur in a self-built distillery in the family’s six-acre garden.
The producer is planning its first move into whisky with a six-figure expansion project. Construction is due to begin this spring after planning permission was approved.
The move will also increase production of Deerness Distillery’s other spirits.
Featuring an ‘immersive’ visitor centre experience showcasing the distilling process, the facility will also present a cafe and bar.
The site’s first whisky casks will be filled once construction is complete, with the first 200 casks put on sale today (29 March), priced at £4,750 (US$5,864) each.
Once filled, the casks will contain Deerness’ signature moderately peated-style new make, which offers a balanced smoke profile.
The producer is aiming to create an oat whisky and a Scottish rye whisky made with local grains sourced from nearby farms.
Stuart Brown said: “We are excited to announce this opportunity to invest in the future of Deerness Distillery and Orkney.
“Our upcoming signature dram draws inspiration from the rugged, coastal environment surrounding the site, while our plans for oat and rye whiskies using locally sourced grains showcase our commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional whisky making.”
Buyers will be able to follow the progress of their maturing casks in a dunnage warehouse.
The founders expect the whisky to have a sweet, smoky flavour with coastal and peaty notes that reflect the distillery’s location.
Deerness Distillery’s Sea Grass Gin walked away with a Gold medal in last year’s Gin Masters blind tasting.
The Scottish island is also home to whisky producers Highland Park and Scapa, and gin maker Orkney Distilling.
Pernod Ricard-owned Scapa Distillery recently revealed a new whisky tasting room, designed to elevate its visitor experience.