Deerness Distillery (Deerness, Orkney)
Updated: 7 hours ago
Deerness Distillery is a family run distillery on Orkney, built by the family themselves. It began as a gin and vodka producer and has added whisky.
In this guide
Summarise this guide with AI
Deerness at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Location / region | Islands, Scotland |
Owner / producer | Deerness Distillery founders |
History | Modern small-scale Orkney distilling business. |
Style | Whisky production plans require confirmation |
Bottles documented | No currently verified regular whisky range |
Before visiting | Check current public access, tour availability and opening hours directly with the producer. |
Join the Deerness whisky community poll
Which whiskies have you tried? What should Whisky Clan review next? Open the highlighted poll below, answer four quick questions and share your preferences with the community.
TAKE THE DEERNESS COMMUNITY POLL · 4 QUICK QUESTIONS
Answer four quick questions to see real reader percentages. No account or email is required.
Quick facts
Location: Newhall, Deerness, Orkney KW17 2QJ
Founded: 2016
Stills: three Portuguese copper alembic stills named Walt, Zing and Matilda, plus three newer whisky stills named Bruce, Sheila and Kylie
Also on site: Dashing Deer Kitchen and Bar, opened in 2024
The story
The distillery says it was founded in 2016 as a self built, family run venture. Its name comes from the Parish of Deerness, believed to be named after red deer bones found on the Brough of Deerness. Orkney's tourism listing describes it as Orkney's first new distillery in over 132 years.
Whisky production
In 2024 the distillery completed an extension with a dedicated still room. The three copper stills added there are for whisky, and whisky production began that year. Everything is made by hand, from distilling to bottling, labelling and waxing, and the lino cut labels are designed in house.
Visiting
The site has a gift shop, a kitchen and bar, and tours, and visitors can often watch production under way.
Sources
Deerness Distillery official website (deernessdistillery.com)
Orkney.com visitor listing
Companies House record
If you would like us to add more information about this distillery, please contact us.
What makes Deerness distinctive?
Do not list gin and vodka as whisky. No confirmed regular whisky bottling recorded.
Deerness bottle and expression comparison
Deerness is better documented as an Orkney craft spirits producer. The available research does not verify a mature, commercially bottled Deerness single malt range.
A named bottle will be added only when producer documentation or a reliable label confirms a retail release.
More whisky distilleries to explore
Frequently asked questions about Deerness
Where is Deerness based?
Islands, Scotland. See the location section for the detailed site address.
Who owns Deerness?
Deerness Distillery founders.
What matters in Deerness's history?
Modern small-scale Orkney distilling business.
Which whiskies are associated with Deerness?
Do not list gin and vodka as whisky. No confirmed regular whisky bottling recorded.
Can you visit Deerness?
Check the producer's latest booking and visitor information; some working distilleries are not open for public tours.
Sources and editorial checks
Original research, references and historical qualifications have been retained in this article. Visitor details and expression availability are date-sensitive.
Help us improve this distillery guide
Know something we should add or correct about Deerness Distillery (Deerness, Orkney)? Share verified facts, bottle releases, awards or useful sources using the form below. Newsletter subscription is optional.
If the embedded form does not display, Open the contribution form in a new tab.
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
Comments