Saxa Vord Distillery Unst Haroldswick Shetland Islands ZE2 9EF, UK
Reel Gin Fine Spirit of Shetland islands
Reel Gin is a fine spirit distilled on the remote and picturesque Shetland Islands, located off the northern coast of Scotland. This small batch gin is crafted using a unique blend of botanicals that are handpicked from the rugged landscape of the islands, giving it a distinct and complex flavor profile. The Shetland Islands are known for their pristine environment, and the gin captures the essence of this pristine landscape in each bottle.
The key botanical in Reel Gin is bladderwrack seaweed, which is sustainably harvested from the shores of the Shetland Islands. This gives the gin a maritime quality that sets it apart from other gins on the market. In addition to bladderwrack seaweed, Reel Gin also features juniper berries, coriander seeds, citrus peel, and other botanicals that are carefully selected to create a balanced and flavorful spirit.
Reel Gin is handcrafted by the Saxa Vord Distillery, a small family-run operation on the island of Unst in the Shetland archipelago. The distillery takes great pride in producing a high-quality product that reflects the unique character of the islands. Each batch of gin is distilled in small copper pot stills and bottled by hand, ensuring that every bottle is of the highest quality.
Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a craft cocktail, Reel Gin is a versatile and delightful spirit that is sure to please even the most discerning gin connoisseur. Its complex flavor profile, derived from the unique botanicals of the Shetland Islands, sets it apart from other gins on the market. Reel Gin is a true taste of the rugged and untamed beauty of the Shetland Islands, and a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the distillers at Saxa Vord Distillery.
OUR HOME
At the very tip of the British isles lie the Shetland Islands, where the North Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is a place of mystery and secrets. Of long summer days and long winter nights. Of dramatic weather.
Emerging from this remote community is the Saxa Vord Distillery, the most northerly in the UK, started by four people sharing a passion for producing top quality products in local communities.
Our distillery is located at the northern end of Unst, the most northerly inhabited island in the UK, 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.
OUR HISTORY
The Shetland Distillery Company was created by four people sharing a passion for producing top quality products in local communities.
Over the past 12 years, Frank and Debbie Strang have regenerated the former RAF site at Saxa Vord, Unst into an award-winning tourist resort with year round self-catering accommodation, seasonal hostel and bar/restaurant.
Stuart and Wilma Nickerson own and operate The Malt Whisky Company which releases its own range of independently bottled single cask, single malt Scotch whiskies. Stuart has worked in the Scotch whisky industry since 1979, managing several of the most well-known distilleries.
There is a shared desire to build not only the most northerly Scotch whisky distillery and the most northern gin distillery in the UK but to also create the finest expressions of these two products, in the distillery on Unst.
OUR GIN
Our aim from the beginning was to be inspired by our surroundings, using local botanicals to create a gin that is completely unique and embodies the place where it originates.
Initially our small batch gin production was only available within Shetland. However, word spread and our gin is now enjoyed by customers all over the world. With demand increasing beyond our expectation we continue to distil all our gin on site by our small but growing local team.
GUIDED TASTINGS
We hold guided tastings throughout the year , one per day, on Tuesday to Saturday from 12 noon at a price of £20 per person.
Outside of these scheduled timings and months we will always try to accommodate for groups of 4 or more, please get in touch
Our Team
Debbie Strang
Debbie is one of the Co-owner/Directors and works full-time in the business. Based in the Highlands of Scotland and Shetland she can often be seen at events throughout Scotland. She looks after the marketing and promotional activity, background administration and finance, and works with the other Directors on future strategy. As a relative new-comer to the drinks industry, she loves being part of the Scottish Craft Drinks Industry growth.
How did you get involved in the drinks industry?
We had purchased the Saxa Vord site (former RAF Saxa Vord) well over 10 years ago and had focussed on developing the tourism side of things, with the self-catering houses, Sergeant’s Mess hostel and a seasonal restaurant, but we wanted to create some permanent, year-round jobs on site. The former Supplies Depot is a very large building, we had no other use for it and so we decided to set up Shetland’s first and only distillery, which is also the UK’s most northerly.
What do you enjoy most about working for Shetland Distillery?
Working with a small and talented team to build a business in one of the most remote and fragile places in the UK, to develop world class spirits that are now being sent all over the world. And nothing beats the excitement of seeing our new products in shops!
Where is your favourite place in Shetland to enjoy a gin?
The Saxa Vord restaurant, knowing that it’s only a short distance from where the gin is produced, and that the local botanicals are sourced – and that if we run out, it’s only a short distance to re-stock!!
What it is your signature cocktail?
For me it has to be our Original Perfect Serve, in these times of wild, wacky and quite often weird gins that are in the market, I love to come back to our Original Gin with locally grown apple mint, it is simply ‘just a really excellent gin’, and that’s probably why it won ‘The People’s Award – Gin and Tonic’ last year. Plenty of ice, a wedge of pink grapefruit and some mint leaves and a quality tonic and it is absolutely delightful.
What makes Shetland Reel special to you
Knowing what is behind the gin, the skill and expertise that comes into the product development, the time and effort from the distillery team who are committed to producing a consistent, high standard of spirit, bringing together tasting panels to ‘test out’ and feedback, and developing the promotional material which places our location at the heart of everything we do. The Shetland folk have embraced and support our business and are truly proud of what we are doing, and then of course there is always an excitement about what we are going to do next!
Stuart Nickerson
Stuart is one of the Co-owners/Directors of Shetland Reel and also owns and operates The Malt Whisky Company which releases its own range of independently bottled single cask, single malt Scotch whiskies. Stuart has worked in the Scotch whisky industry since 1979, managing several of the most well-known distilleries.
How did you get involved in the drinks industry?
After graduating from university I worked with a company that sold process equipment to the whisky industry. After visiting and working in distilleries in Rothes, Dufftown, Elgin and Islay I was hooked and fell in love with the industry and knew that was going to be my career. Loved the spirit industry then and still do now.
What do you enjoy most about working for Shetland Distillery?
Creating new gins, seeing the pleasure on people’s faces when they try them, visiting Shetland, working with the rest of team. Really too many things to just chose one.
Where is your favourite place in Shetland to enjoy a gin?
There are many nice places on Shetland to enjoy our gin but my favourite places are really when I am elsewhere either in Scotland or elsewhere and see people choosing our gin, fabulous.
What it is your signature cocktail?
Really difficult this one particularly when choosing between a Simmer Negroni, if choosing a long drink or Up Helly Aa 2019 with soda water over ice. The Up Helly Aa probably just wins it.
What makes Shetland Reel special to you
The team, the products, the customers.
Ian Grant
We haven’t worked out Ian’s actual job title, because he is a man of many talents that is vital in a small and developing business. He mainly covers in-house design work for all promotional material, photography, stock movement & also deals admirably with future brides wanting personalised miniatures for favours! He doubles up as a brand ambassador when required, but usually works day to day in the Grantown on Spey office.
How did you get involved in the drinks industry?
I was working for the Saxa Vord Resort mainly in the Grantown office but I also spent several months in Unst and whilst I was there I was involved in getting the distillery building ready for the installation of the still. On return to Grantown I became more and more involved in the design of adverts and initial photography for the launch of Shetland Reel, and gradually took on more and more of the work, to eventually make the move across.
What do you enjoy most about working for Shetland Distillery?
I really enjoy the diversity of my job, I never quite know exactly what I am doing from one day to another, and it makes it both interesting and challenging.
Where is your favourite place in Shetland to enjoy a gin?
The beach at Skaw, it is stunning, and as the most northerly beach in the UK and it’s only a 5 minute drive (or 15 minute walk!) from the distillery.
What it is your signature cocktail?
Bees Knees is my favourite cocktail it’s a sweet cocktail made with Simmer Gin, rosemary honey syrup, lemon juice and orange juice. The honey syrup must be premade, but it is well worth the effort, it makes an amazing cocktail.
What makes Shetland Reel special to you?
Being involved from the start, watching the business grow and develop is very special to me. Being part of a great team and knowing how hard everyone has to work to make it a success, is something that really brings us together, and gives us a focus going forward.
Mark Turnbull
Mark is the Manager/Distiller and works full-time in the business. He is based in the distillery in Unst, Shetland. Mark is responsible for the day to day running of the distillery, he carries out all the distillations in Elsi our still, named after his daughter. He can often be seen delivering gin to the local shops or at events throughout Shetland. Mark served in the Army for 24 years which has helped him immensely with the administration, the mountains of paperwork, record keeping and meeting deadlines!
How did you get involved in the drinks industry?
Whilst employed as Manager of the Saxa Vord Resort which is owned by two of the Directors, it was decided to convert the former Supplies Depot building into the UK’s most northerly distillery. At the time, we were distilling the first gin ‘Original’ and I was asked if I could manage the distillery as well as the Resort. Once we started producing the Ocean Sent Gin it became too busy to manage both sites and I was asked to choose, it was a no-brainer to choose the distillery and is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
What do you enjoy most about working for Shetland Distillery?
I love being part of a small team producing excellent products on the most northerly island in the United Kingdom. Going down to the shore with my son Alvi to harvest the bladderwrack seaweed for our award-winning Ocean Sent gin is particularly special. Seeing our products on shelves or someone enjoying one of our gins gives me great satisfaction to know that all the hard work the team has put in has been worthwhile.
Where is your favourite place in Shetland to enjoy a gin?
At one of Unst’s Up Helly Aa nights, it’s dark and cold and you need something to warm you up whilst watching the parade. It is also nice to enjoy a gin in the distillery with the many people who visit for a tour each year, there’s nothing better than getting direct feedback.
What it is your signature cocktail?
For me it must be our Cask Aged Gin, Ocean Sent Gin rested in whisky and sherry casks. Just add ginger ale. 1-part gin to 3-parts ginger ale. Sorted. With ice and sliced strawberries if you prefer it indoors, in a glass.
What makes Shetland Reel special to you
Everything about it!
Gill
Gill looks after the day to day accounts, the increasingly complex logistics and supports the stock movement for the many events that the distillery attends. She somehow manages all this working part-time in the Grantown on Spey office.
How did you get involved in the drinks industry?
I enjoy part-taking in a wee tipple or two, so when the post to join the Shetland Distillery team in Grantown came up, I had to jump at the chance.
What do you enjoy most about working for Shetland Distillery?
Producing a unique and award winning Gin is a great start, However working within a close-knit team makes it for me. Always a laugh.
Where is your favourite place in Shetland to enjoy a gin?
Having previously only travelled to Shetland for a University placement working on the Northlink Ferry, I am yet to sample a Gin on Island. However, my favourite place to enjoy a Gin, is at home with family over fine food and good chat.
What it is your signature cocktail?
I have a sweet tooth, so the Shetland Bramble is my go-to cocktail. Taking Original gin, simple syrup, lemon, mint and topping off with our moreish Rhubarb and Bramble liqueur is simply gorgeous.
What makes Shetland Reel special to you
There is a large dedicated community spirit towards our products which is brilliant. Also, knowing our products are enjoyed throughout the world, is simply fantastic.
Luke
Luke heads up production and works full-time in the business. He is based in the distillery in Unst, Shetland. Luke takes the distilled product, reduces it, bottles and labels it. His attention to detail is second to none and he is the main reason our bottles are so well presented. He also keeps everything ticking over should Mark, the Manager be on holiday or working away from the distillery. He enjoys working as a team with Mark and the challenge that working in the UK’s most Northerly distillery brings.
How did you get involved in the drinks industry?
At the time Shetland Reel Original was launched I was working for Saxa Vord resort as the maintenance man. I was asked to prepare and decorate the supply building to get it ready for the installation of the still. When the first distillation in the newly installed still was done I was asked to help with the bottling and labelling of the 1st edition Shetland Reel Gin. Stuart, Debbie, Wilma and Mark noticed my seemingly natural knack for this kind of work and the rest is history.
What do you enjoy most about working for Shetland Distillery?
It would have to be the open and close environment we enjoy! People say loving what you do for a living is more than just what you do but also the people that you work with and I couldn’t have wished for a better team.
Where is your favourite place in Shetland to enjoy a gin?
Probably the most relaxed and enjoyable place I’ve had a gin (other than at home 😊) would have to be the Fjara in Lerwick. Such a chilled atmosphere.
What it is your signature cocktail?
Well I like to keep it simple, a nice nip of Simmer over ice with ginger ale and a wedge of orange.
What makes Shetland Reel special to you?
Besides the relaxed environment, I just love knowing and seeing people enjoy our products.
Shetland Reel Original Gin
Our award winning craft gin affectionately captures the nature of our island. Our signature recipe uses the sweet scented leaves of apple mint grown and harvested on Unst giving a unique authentic flavour of Shetland.
Vol 700ML 43% ABV
Wir award-winnin’ craft gin affectionately captures da nature o’ wir islands. Wir signature recipe uses da sweet-scented laeves o’ apple mint grown an’ harvested on Unst, giein’ a unique authentic flavour o’ Shetland
Perfect Serve
50ml Original Gin, Fever-Tree Original, Wedge of Pink Grapefruit, Sprig of Mint, Sprig of lavender, Serve in rocks glass with plenty of ice.
Juniper / Orange Peel / Lemon peel / Coriander /Applemint
Shetland Reel Ocean Sent Gin
Influenced from the seas that surround our island, Ocean Sent Gin features native bladderwrack. The distinctive and nutritious seaweed is gathered from the rocks of the Shetland coastline and distilled to our unique recipe resulting in a surprising depth of flavour from the shores of Unst.
Vol 700ML 49% ABV
Tasting Notes
The nose has traditional juniper with subtle hints of salt and spice. The palate holds traditional London dry juniper but with a complex twist of saltiness and warmth. The finish is long and brings you right to the crashing ocean!
Perfect Serve
50ml Ocean Sent Gin, Fever-Tree Original, Wedge of Pink Grapefruit, Sprig of Mint, Sprig of Smoked Lavender, Serve in rocks glass with plenty of ice. Martini more your thing? Our Norwick Martini has been inspired by the legends of sailors and smugglers who frequented the Shetland Isles in the days gone by.
Key Botanicals
Juniper / Orange Peel / Lemon peel / Bladderwrack / Coriander
Shetland Reel Simmer Gin
Inspired by our magical skies, Simmer Gin is a refreshing aromatic gin created in celebration of Shetland’s summer twilight, know locally as the Simmer Dim. The long summer days and lasting amber skies at sunset influence the eight botanicals in our recipe including orange peel and liquorice root.
Vol 700ML 49% ABV
Tasting Notes
The nose opens with strong juniper followed by sweet orange. On the palate the juniper is reduced and it becomes sweet, very sweet orange and liquorice with a lingering finish.
Perfect Serve
50ml Simmer Gin, Fever-Tree Original, Slice of Orange, Sprig of Rosemary, Serve in rocks glass with plenty of ice. If cocktails are more your thing, why don’t you give our Simmer Dim Sour a shot?
Key Botanicals
Juniper / Orange Peel / Liquorice / Coriander / Cumin
Guided Tastings at Shetland Distillery
When you have travelled all the way to the UK’s most northerly inhabited island, Unst, you will find a warm welcome awaits at the Saxa Vord distillery. Throughout the year, our distillery tours run at midday each day (except Sundays/Mondays) with extra tours added for peak times.
- Guided tour through the Distillery
- Learn about the distilling process and understand the inspiration behind each gin and the chosen key botanicals.
- Relax and sample several of our gins
You can check live availability and book online through our website.
Previous guests have said:
“Great tour, Great gin and amazing distillery. Highly recommended.”
“Very good gin experience and informative. Will be back!”
“Excellent use of a former RAF site 😊, the gins are very tasty too.”
“Lovely taste of Shetland gins. Keep up the good work 😊”
“Amazing range of gins! The favourite of the day was the Filska!”
“Great education on the wonders of gin!”
“Quality gin! Thank you for your hospitality 🙂”
Groups and Tours out with Scheduled Tours:
We can host large groups by arrangement, and have taken up to 40 for a single tour. The format will differ slightly to the above as the Tasting Room cannot accommodate any more than 8-10 people. If you are group of 6 or more, please contact us to book if you would like an exclusive tasting should we have availability.
