Saxa Vord Distillery

Saxa Vord distillery, which produces Shetland Reel Gin, claims the title as the most northernmost distillery in the UK, and Scotland. With a home on the Shetland Islands, it is located the northern end of Unst, the most northerly inhabited island in the UK, which is only accessible from the Shetland mainland by two ferry journeys, via the island of Yell. It is closer to Norway in distance and in culture than it is to much of Scotland. Owners Stuart Nickerson and Debbie Strang have a long-term goal of producing one of the finest Highland whiskies in Scotland at the distillery - so watch this space!

Highland Park

With it's location on the southern edge of Kirkwall, Orkney, Highland Park distillery is perched atop high ground, standing watch over the town. The distillery is the highest whisky distillery in Scotland, lying on a latitude of 59.9 degrees North, which is roughly the same as Anchorage, Alaska! It is one of two on the Islands of Orkney, but is certainly the oldest - having been founded in 1826. A much-loved and celebrated whisky, it's fans hail from all around the world.

Scapa

The second distillery located on Orkney, Scapa distillery is very close to Highland Park - just half a mile south. Scapa is an artisan single malt whisky forged by the extreme elements of Orkney, founded in 1885. It is also one of the last remaining manually operated distilleries. The team work in successive shifts to keep the distillery staffed 24 hours a day, which means each shoulders the responsibility of delivering a consistently smooth, creamy sweet single malt on their own.

8 Doors

Newly built in 2022, 8 Doors distillery now takes the title of Scotland’s most northerly mainland whisky distillery - without having decanted a drop. No whisky will be bottled for half a decade, although eager customers can purchase a bottle package of the three expressions due to come of age. The distillery takes its name from John O'Groats, nearby to wear the distillery is located, whom (legend has it) had five sons that he often argued with - particularly regarding who should sit at the head of the table during family gatherings. To fix the problem, he built an octagonal house with eight doors, that led to eight seats at an eight sided table!

North Point

With its home near Thurso, Caithness, North Point's coastal distillery is the second northernmost distillery on the Scottish mainland. Although it does not produce whisky, favouring small-batch rum and gin, they use whisky casks from local whisky distilleries to mature and finish the spirit. They are also committed to sustainability, endeavouring to preserve the natural beauty of the Highlands by using energy from nearby wind farms and bottling with 100% recycled glass.

Wolfburn

Wolfburn is the most northerly whisky distillery on the Scottish mainland whose expressions you can currently drink at your leisure. Located on the outskirts of Thurso, the distillery overlooks the Pentland Firth - the body of water which stands between mainland Scotland and Orkney. The distillery has origins dating back to 1821, and was out of production for over 150 years before being revived in 2013. Wolfburn whisky is made using peat that has covered much of Caithness since the end of the last ice age; the largest expanse of blanket peat bog in Europe.

Abhainn Dearg

Founded in 2008, Abhainn Dearg distillery crafted the first single malt whisky in the Outer Hebrides since 1829. It is located on the Isle of Lewis, and whilst it may not be the very Northernmost distillery, it does claim the title of the most Westerly of the Scottish distilleries. The whisky is made using water from the Uig Hills where mountain streams run down to the valley called Abhainn Dearg, or Red River in English. The water is remarkably pure, as there is no industry, no villages, not even a house along its banks - only wild deer and Abhainn Dearg distillery call this place home.

Old Pulteney

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Old Pulteney distillery finds it's home in the port town of Wick, where the North Sea meets the Caithness coast. The name does not hint at its location, as it was bestowed on the recommendation of Thomas Telford (the ‘Father of Civil Engineering’), who designed ‘Pulteneytown’, a model village. Over 200 years old, Old Pulteney describes itself as ‘The Maritime Malt’ and was once known as ‘The Manzanilla of the North’ on account of its key-note dry and salty taste.

Have a browse through our full selection of Highland whiskies here.