Marking the start of a new chapter for the family-run Orkney Brewery, Arran Sinclair, son of founders Norman and Christine Sinclair, has brewed his first commercial release for the company.
Vikingr Vienna is the first in what is planned to be a series of releases under the new ‘Vikingr’ brand developed by Arran and his brother Alistair.
After completing four years at the Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Arran recently added a postgraduate qualification in Marketing from the University of Edinburgh — combining his technical expertise with an understanding of brand development and the modern beer market.
Thus armed, Arran set out to create something ‘distinctly different’ from anything previously produced at The Orkney Brewery.
“I wanted to create a beer that honoured our heritage while exploring new territory,” said Arran. “Something unique to me, but still rooted in the character and quality people expect from the brewery.”
The new brand name Vikingr is the Old Norse spelling of ‘Viking’, reflecting Orkney’s Norse heritage and adventurous spirit.
Arran worked alongside the brewery’s long standing Head Brewer Andrew Fulton, also a graduate of Heriot Watt, to brew his inaugural beer.
Vikingr Vienna is a Vienna Ale, brewed using Vienna malt to deliver distinctive biscuit-like malt character, balanced by bright lemony and herbal notes from selected European hop varieties: Perle, Saaz, Aurora and Styrian Wolf.
Its tasting notes promise a pale auburn beer with ‘enticing aromas of lemon and biscuit’.
“The mouthfeel is rich and rounded, combining sweet malt and caramel flavours with vibrant lemon and gentle spice from the hops. The finish is smooth and bittersweet, revealing lingering notes of lemongrass and mango.”
Norman and Christine Sinclair welcomed the milestone as a proud moment for the brewery: “Seeing Arran brew his first beer here is incredibly special. The Orkney Brewery has always been about family, passion, and craftsmanship — and Vikingr carries all of that forward.”
