Deerness Distillery

Founded in 2016 as a self-built family venture, Deerness began with gin, vodka, and liqueur production. In 2024 the distillery underwent a major expansion, constructing a new extension housing a dedicated still room. Three additional copper alembic stills — named Walt, Zing, and Matilda — were installed specifically for whisky distillation, marking the distillery's entry into the Scotch whisky programme. The same expansion added the Dashing Deer Kitchen and Bar, a striking curved structure inspired by the shape of a whisky cask, alongside a curated gift shop featuring local Orkney artisan products.

The whisky programme launched in 2024 with the first casks laid down. Given the mandatory three-year maturation requirement for Scotch whisky, Deerness Single Malt will be the distillery's most eagerly anticipated future release.

All spirits are produced by hand using Portuguese copper alembic stills. Following the 2024 expansion, three dedicated whisky stills (Walt, Zing, and Matilda) are in operation alongside the existing gin and vodka still infrastructure. The Orkney location provides clean, fresh Atlantic air and island water. Spirits are handcrafted in small batches, with all label artwork produced in-house using lino-cut printing.

[!question] Gap — specific tasting notes for Deerness Single Malt are not yet available as whisky casks are still maturing. Gin (Scuttled Gin) and other expressions reflect the island location with maritime botanicals. Full tasting profile to be populated upon first whisky release.

Tours are available and visitors can observe all stages of production during distilling days. The Dashing Deer Kitchen and Bar offers food and drink on site. A curated gift shop features Deerness spirits alongside local Orkney artisan products. The distillery is located at Newhall, Deerness, Orkney, KW17 2QJ — on the eastern point of Mainland Orkney. Book via deernessdistillery.com.