We’ve Won! 🥂 Aatta Gin Takes Home Distilling Product of the Year
We’re absolutely delighted to share some very exciting news from the Orkney Gin Company…
Aatta Gin has been named Distilling Product of the Year – White Spirits at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2026! 🥂
And what makes it even more special is the level of competition. The spirits categories were among the most competitive in these awards, with Aatta going up against some fantastic Scottish distilleries and spirits producers.
For our 'peedie' family-run distillery here in Burray, Orkney, to receive recognition like this is something we’re incredibly proud of.
The story behind Aatta
Aatta has always been a very special gin to us.
The name Aatta means ‘eight’ in Old Norse, reflecting its connection to Orkney’s Norse heritage. It’s a distinctive London Dry Gin, distilled eight times with eight whole botanicals, creating a bright, complex and beautifully smooth spirit.
Inside you’ll find rounded juniper, fresh Sicilian orange, hand-picked rose hips, cinnamon and Madagascan vanilla, bringing together freshness, citrus and a long, silky finish.
And, of course, there’s the bottle…
Our bespoke prism-shaped bottle was designed by our family and features a mysterious Selkie Wife, inspired by folklore tales of selkie folk, said to be shapeshifting seal/human creatures. It’s a gin that we wanted to feel completely at home here in Orkney - from the spirit inside to the bottle on the shelf.
Aatta has already picked up some wonderful awards over the years, including World’s Best Design and World’s Best Bottle at the World Gin Awards, as well as Gold awards from the Gin Masters and London Spirits Competition. This latest award feels like another very special milestone in its story.
A little bit about the Excellence Awards
The Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards celebrate the very best of Scotland’s food and drink industry, bringing together producers, businesses, buyers, retailers and industry figures from across the country.
The awards have been running for 25 years, with products judged by expert panels from retail, foodservice and hospitality.
For 2026, there were 64 finalists across 20 categories, with Aatta selected as one of just three finalists in the Distilling Product of the Year – White Spirits category.
To come away with the trophy is a huge honour – and a lovely reminder that great things can come from small places!
How will you celebrate?
Well, we think an award-winning gin deserves a good mixer too!
🍊 Aatta & Tonic
Sometimes keeping things simple is best.
Fill a glass with plenty of ice, add 50ml Aatta Gin and top with your favourite Indian or Mediterranean tonic. Finish with a generous twist of fresh orange.
Fresh, bright and beautifully crisp – and a perfect way to let Aatta do the talking.
Or why not add a little warmth as the weather changes, and enjoy with a cinnamon stick for a cosy finish.
🍸 Aatta Martini
For something a little more sophisticated, try Aatta in a classic Martini.
50ml Aatta Gin + 10ml dry vermouth, stirred well over ice and strained into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a twist of orange or a few drops of orange bitters if you fancy.
Aatta’s juniper-forward character and silky finish make it particularly good in a crisp, dry Martini.
So whether you’re raising a glass to a special occasion, celebrating a little win of your own, or simply enjoying a quiet evening with a good gin…
Cheers from Burray! 🥂
And thank you, as always, for supporting our 'peedie' family-run distillery and helping us share a taste of Orkney far beyond our shores.
Aatta Gin – now officially Scotland’s 2026 Distilling Product of the Year (White Spirits).
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