When Stuart and Adelle Brown emigrated from Australia to the windswept Orkney Islands, founding a distillery was the last thing on their minds. Stuart, a Chartered Engineer, and Adelle, a pharmacist, were simply seeking a quieter life, drawn to Orkney's natural beauty and close-knit community.
After years spent in high-pressure careers that took them around the world, Stuart was ready for a new kind of adventure – one rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and a strong connection to the land.
Inspired by the rich heritage of Scottish distilling, in 2016 the couple decided to establish Deerness Distillery, a business dedicated to producing exceptional spirits that reflect the rugged spirit of Orkney itself.
Part One
Just the be-gin-ning
Drawing on his engineering expertise, Stuart designed the original distillery himself, while Adelle’s pharmaceutical background played a key role in crafting the precise flavours of their spirits. They started with their award-winning Sea Glass Gin, and over time, Deerness Distillery has expanded its range to include four gins, a coffee liqueur, and vodka.
Now, Deerness is preparing to make its mark on the whisky world, positioning itself alongside Orkney’s iconic Highland Park and Scapa. The Browns are adding the finishing touches to a new still house and visitor centre, which will increase production capacity and set the stage for Scotland’s celebrated ‘water of life.’ Once the first whisky flows from the stills in the coming months, they plan to honour tradition while pushing boundaries by using locally sourced barley and experimenting with unique ingredients like rye and oats to craft distinctive new flavours.
Visitors to Deerness Distillery will soon enjoy tours in the new Copinsay Tasting Room, a serene space overlooking its namesake island. Here, guests will learn about the Browns’ inspiring journey while sampling their award-winning spirits alongside offerings from other local producers. This immersive experience will further elevate Orkney as a destination for whisky enthusiasts, while staying true to the Browns’ ethos of sustainability.
Part Two
Rooted in the local community
Central to the Browns' latest development is The Dashing Deer Kitchen & Bar, a welcoming new space that celebrates Orkney’s thriving food and drink community. Featuring dishes crafted from seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, the café reflects the Browns' commitment to supporting and showcasing the best of Orkney’s regional produce.
Their journey is deeply intertwined with the local community, which has embraced them as they have established themselves on the island. As the new chair of the Orkney Food & Drink Regional Food Group, Stuart is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Orkney’s producers, from small artisans to established brands, fostering collaboration and unity. Under his leadership, Orkney’s producers work closely to present the region as a prime destination for food and drink experiences both locally and abroad.
Through the Taste of Orkney initiative, Stuart’s vision aligns seamlessly with Scotland Food & Drink’s 2030 goals of elevating Scottish produce on the global stage. By highlighting the exceptional quality and community spirit behind Orkney’s offerings, Stuart and the regional food group are committed to welcoming visitors who seek not only Orkney’s natural beauty but also its vibrant food, drink, and craft culture.
Crafting a legacy
The journey from a start-up gin producer to one of Orkney’s few whisky distilleries reflects the Browns’ commitment to quality, innovation, and the island they now call home.
Deerness Distillery has become a cornerstone of Orkney’s food and drink scene, weaving together local resources, island spirit, and the Browns’ expertise to create a truly unique brand. As they expand into whisky production, they’re poised to leave a lasting legacy on Orkney’s distilling landscape, blending tradition with forward-thinking approaches in each bottle.
With plans to scale their sales nationally and internationally, Deerness Distillery’s growth will contribute to the local economy, boost tourism, and create jobs – all while maintaining a focus on sustainability and quality. Through their efforts, Deerness Distillery is not only crafting spirits but also solidifying its place as a proud representative of Orkney’s rich heritage and future.
