Craft distillery co-founder recognised at British Food Fortnight
ONE of the co-founders of craft gin distillery Orkney Distilling has been named a Great British Food Heroine, as part of the British Food Fortnight event.
Aly Kemp, who launched Orkney Distilling’s Kirkjuvagr Gin with husband Stephen last year, was one of 40 women from across the UK to receive the accolade.
The award recognises women who are “ambassadors for British food, working to ensure it grows and thrives into the future”.
Kemp received a special slate plaque, which will be displayed in Orkney Distilling’s new Kirkwall distillery and visitor centre – set to open in the new year.
“I was really thrilled to receive this award as it recognises the important part women play in the UK’s food and drink industry,” said Aly.
“At Orkney Distilling, we’ve championed local ingredients from the outset and are always conscious of the need to maintain the highest standards in everything we do.
“Ultimately, we’re ambassadors for Orkney, Scotland and the UK and are proud to be part of a nationwide effort to promote the very best of what our country can offer.”
Orkney Distilling recently joined forces with Rosslyn Chapel, outside Edinburgh, to produce a new gin commemorating the Midlothian chapel’s links to Orkney; the chapel was founded by Sir William St Clair, third prince of Orkney, in 1446.
Earlier this year, Orkney Distilling launched a ‘storm strength’ edition of its Kirkjuvagr gin; the 57% ABV gin is called Arkh-Angell, after the fishing boat that belonged to Aly’s father.
