Kirkwall-based spirits producer Orkney Distilling is adding an Old Tom-style pink gin, made with Orcadian honey and Scottish raspberries, to its portfolio.
The new variant, Beyla, is named after the Norse goddess of bees, continuing Orkney Distilling’s brand themes, which draw inspiration from the Viking and seafaring heritage of the islands.
The Orcadian honey used to create Beyla comes from bees that frequent Orkney’s own garden in Kirkwall, where the company grows key botanicals used in the production of its gins.
Fresh Scottish raspberries bring “extra fruitiness and colour” to the 40% ABV spirit, which is developed from the distillery’s signature Kirkjuvagr Gin.
Husband and wife duo Stephen and Aly Kemp opened Orkney Distillery in the summer of 2018.
Stephen said: “Orkney provenance is hugely important to us, across all elements of our business, from the inspiration for our branding to our locally grown botanicals.
“In Norse mythology, Beyla was the goddess of bees, with a strong connection to the earth, and we share that bond with the Orkney landscape.
“When we learned that one of our friends, who is a local beekeeper, was producing honey from bees flying a path over, and frequenting, our botanical crops, we jumped at the chance to incorporate it into our latest gin.
“It just deepens the significance of the product in terms of how it connects with our brand themes and ideals. We also believe customers appreciate the authentic provenance and quality of our ingredients.
“Our range now offers something for all seasons and tastes, from our original Kirkjuvagr and the storm-strength Arkh-Angell, to the summery Harpa and our spiced Aurora.
“Beyla is our first move into the fruit gin market and is a spirit that both holds its own as a distinctive new offering to the marketplace, while also seamlessly fitting in with our developing range.”
