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5 Distilleries in Mainland That You Shouldn't Miss
The aptly named Mainland is the main island of Orkney, a collection of Scottish islands with serious Viking cred. On West Mainland you’ll find the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, prehistoric ruins that include a chambered tomb, stone ceremonial circles, and Skara Brae, a well-preserved Neolithic village. Cap off your visit with a hoppy glug from the Orkney Brewery. Over on the East side, marvel at a collapsed sea cave known as The Gloup, take a provincial stroll through St. Mary’s Village or just dip your toes in at Mill Sands or Dingieshowe Beach.
Restaurants in Mainland
1. The Orkney Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 129 reviews
Welcome, adventurer! Your epic Orkney saga has begun. We invite you to enter our new distillery and visitor centre in Kirkwall, to toast the gods and learn the secrets behind our legendary Orkney Gin. *Distillery Tours* Our distillery tours run at 11am and 2pm each day (except Sundays) with extra tours added for peak times. You can check live availability and book online through our website. And it’s not just for adults. Children can enjoy the tours too (without alcohol of course). *Coffee & Gin Bar* Situated in the main area of our distillery and visitor centre, the Coffee & Gin Bar is an ideal place to relax and watch Kirkwall’s bustling harbour-front whilst enjoying a coffee, gin, whisky or local beer. You can join us before or after your tour, or just pop along to speak to our knowledgeable staff about our Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin and merchandise. If you seek the true essence of Orkney, we urge you to join us!
Reviewed By ark338
A really good visit of a small distillery. As they explain when you're there, gin distilleries are different to what you might imagine a distillery looks like, in that they're much smaller compared to whiskey ones. In the case of this one you can see the whole process through one window and you're not necessarily waking round huge vats. So if you're expecting that you might be a bit surprised. This is more of a tasting session rather than a tour. We had 4 different types of their gin with the botanicals for tasting and when that's finished you can choose your own full G&T pairing. The gins were great with a wide variety, so there's definitely something you will like in there. This was a good fun hour or so and would recommend if you're staying in Kirkwall/Shetland. Plus you get a discount in their shop if you've been on this!
2. Deerness Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Orkney's first distillery in over 132 years, producing handcrafted gin and vodka. Come and visit us for an insight into the fascinating world of distilling, sample our spirits and enjoy our shop offering locally sourced quality gifts, takeaway tea and coffee. Offering over 30 different tonics, we are sure to have something for everyone! Tours available 11am and 1pm every day (10GBP per adult) booking advisable.
Reviewed By 892ralphm
We were an off season (November) group of four, and were given a very informative tour of their distilliery and its products. The products were excellent, and we thoroughly enjoyed their presentation and learned a lot about gin making. We now enjoy a g&t, wishing it was Deerness available here. (you might call for directions, as our gps led us down a dirt road. We were straightened out by helpful farmer).
3. Highland Park Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 552 reviews
Home of our award-winning single malt Scotch whisky, made in a traditional way by modern-day Vikings. Explore the stories behind our 18th century distillery in Kirkwall, founded by Magnus Eunson - a direct descendant of the Vikings who first made their home on Orkney over 1,000 years ago. We offer 4 different tours to cater for every interest and every budget - from a short visit to our working distillery with a dram or two in our visitor centre to an in-depth exploration of our whisky's birthplace and the opportunity to taste some of our finest, aged expressions. Advanced booking is required.
Reviewed By 178angusf
For those who like whisky, or are least interested in places with some history, or just enjoy learning about how things are produced, this is a great place to visit. There is a nice visitor centre, and several different types of tours available. The basic tour takes about an hour, and goes through each part of the distillery, including a short film and a wee tasting afterwards. An easy walk from the waterfront of Kirkwall - if you are in Kirkwall, don't miss this.
4. Scapa the Orcadian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Explore the legendary Scapa Distillery. Situated on the shore of Scapa Flow, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Although we are currently unable to offer tours our shop is open and we welcome you to join us. We have measures in place to give visitors and staff the best experience. Please visit our website for details.
Reviewed By frankrT7387IK - Aarhus, Denmark
As part of a group of 8 whisky enthusiasts from Denmark and one Scotsman we visited Scapa on a Saturday where the distillery was normally closed. The distillery invited us well before our visit to come anyway and to receive us for a tour. We have been on quite a few distillery tours during the years but Janet made this one very special and took the time needed. This is the best tour ever. Thank you Janet and Scapa. We will be back
5. Orkney Wine Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Wine and Rum tastings available daily. Visit our shop and tasting room to discover our range. We are a family business that pride ourselves in producing handcrafted, 100% natural, sulphur free, fruit wines & liqueurs. J. Gow Rum is also produced in the building next door. We stock Orkney food, beer and whisky. Also Orkney jewellery, original crafts and artwork.
Reviewed By JDS61SDJ - Toronto, Canada
A gem on the island selling a variety of fruit wines. Bought them to take home but drank most on route as they were so delicious. Highly recommend the port but every thing we tasted and bought was excellent.
