The Orkney Distillery is expanding its spirits range with the launch of its first rum. Man O’ Hoy, a spiced rum inspired by the dramatic sea stack with the same name off the coast of Hoy, will officially debut on 7 July.
The Kirkwall-based distillery, known for its Kirkjuvagr gin range, has spent months developing the new expression. It uses locally grown Angelica Archangelica, grown in partnership with the Agronomy Institute at Orkney College, alongside selected spices to create what the team describes as a bright and aromatic rum.
“Developing this rum has been a real passion project for the entire team here at The Orkney Distillery. Our aim with Man O’ Hoy was to create a rum that not only pays homage to the islands, but also delivers something unexpected – bright, fresh, and adventurous,” said Stephen Kemp, Director at The Orkney Distillery. “This is not your typical spiced rum. It’s a modern Orcadian interpretation that pays tribute to our surroundings and our heritage.”
The bottle design, created with Orkney graphic designer Zak Johnson, features a wave-inspired motif with a colour palette that links back to the Kirkjuvagr gin line. A detail on the back label references The Orkney Blast, a wartime newspaper once circulated locally.
Man O’ Hoy will be released ahead of World Rum Day on 12 July and signals the distillery’s intent to broaden its reach in the premium spirits market.