First Impressions
Kirkjuvagr Aurora is named in honour of the Aurora Borealis — locally called the Merry Dancers — which illuminate Orkney's winter skies. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, whole cloves and pink and black peppercorns join the Kirkjuvagr botanical base, plus calamondin orange from the Philippines and locally grown Ramanas and Burnet roses.
Tasting
The nose delivers sweet orange and cinnamon with herbs, earthy juniper and vanilla. On the palate, a dry start with sweet orange and cinnamon transforms to warming spicy character — pink pepper adds gentle heat with calamondin citrus brightness. The finish is warming and spicy, the winter spice blend lingering.
The Bottom Line
Kirkjuvagr Aurora earns a 7 for a well-crafted winter gin with genuine island provenance. The calamondin orange is an unexpected tropical addition alongside Orkney roses and Viking angelica. Great Taste Award 2019 and World Gin Awards Silver confirm the quality.
