First Impressions
Kirkjuvagr — the old Norse pronunciation of Kirkwall, translating to 'Church on the Bay' — is produced at the Orkney Distilling Company on the northern Scottish islands. The gin uses locally grown botanicals including Ramanas Rose, Burnet Rose, angelica, and borage, with the distinctive addition of traditional Orkney bere barley — an ancient grain variety that has been cultivated on the islands for over 4,000 years.
Tasting
The nose carries fresh sea breeze with sherbet sweetness, lemons, and pine — unmistakably island in character. On the palate, the gin starts warm and sweet with a hint of spice, the locally grown roses providing floral character over the bere barley backbone. The finish is floral, smooth, and long — the Orkney roses lingering with gentle warmth.
The Bottom Line
Kirkjuvagr earns a 7.5 for creating a gin of genuine Orcadian terroir — locally grown roses, ancient bere barley, and island botanicals creating a spirit with real sense of place. The Norse heritage and the 4,000-year-old grain variety add cultural depth. At around £38, an Orkney island gin of genuine distinction.
