Orkney’s first whisky distillery in 138 years puts 200 casks on advance sale

Deerness Distillery, Orkney’s first whisky distillery to open in 138 years, is offering whisky enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of liquid history through the sale of 200 casks of its inaugural release single malt.

Starting at 12 pm BST on 29 March 29, this exclusive sale of a limited number of casks is expected to draw interest from buyers worldwide, offering a rare opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to own and personalise a truly unique product.

This event marks a significant milestone in the journey of Deerness Distillery and the development of Orkney whisky. Once filled, the casks will contain Deerness’ signature moderately peated style new make, which offers a balanced smoke profile that delicately complements the liquid’s unique character.

Family owned and operated, Deerness Distillery has made a name for itself with its award-winning Sea Glass Gin and remains committed to its community roots having been designed by Stuart Brown, a Chartered Engineer, and built with the help of his wife Adelle, family, and friends.

Motivated by a passion for crafting unique spirits, Stuart and Adelle believe that Orkney’s rich whisky history and high-quality peat make it the ideal location for a new distillery.

The couple’s innovative approach extends to their plans for whisky distillation, which includes the production of an oat whisky and a Scottish rye whisky made with local grains sourced from nearby farms.

Deerness’ whisky expansion, a six-figure build, will commence construction over the summer, with casks to be filled upon its completion.

“We are excited to announce this opportunity to invest in the future of Deerness Distillery and Orkney. Our upcoming signature dram draws inspiration from the rugged, coastal environment surrounding the site, while our plans for oat and rye whiskies using locally sourced grains showcase our commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional whisky making,” Brown said.

“By selling a stake in this new chapter for Deerness Distillery, we’re not only sharing our passion for Orkney whisky, but also inviting our customers to join us on our journey. We’re certain that our first casks will develop into an incredible dram, and we can’t wait to taste the results of our hard work.”

Following purchase, buyers will be able to chart the progression of their cask as it matures into single malt whisky in a dunnage warehouse, where the fresh sea air blowing from Orkney will contribute to the creation of a distinctive spirit. Stuart and Adelle anticipate the whisky will have a sweet, smoky flavour with coastal and peaty notes reflecting the distillery’s location.