Ginmakers

Northwest Passage Expedition Gin

Ginmakers

Scotland

Europe

Rowing

The story behind

The Gin

Introducing Northwest Passage Gin – a spirit inspired by one of history’s most enduring and daring quests. For centuries, the world’s greatest explorers braved the brutal Arctic in search of a sea route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Despite repeated failures by the likes of Sir Francis Drake, Captain Cook, and Sir John Franklin, it was Orcadian John Rae who finally discovered a viable route in the 1860s. His connection to the Hudson Bay Company and deep roots in Orkney made the discovery all the more symbolic.

Discover our

Sporting Connection

Northwest Passage Expedition Gin is inspired by one of the most audacious maritime feats of the modern era—an extraordinary mission to row the infamous Northwest Passage. A team of elite rowers committed to navigating this perilous 2,300-mile route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facing sub-zero temperatures, 12-hour daily shifts, and complete self-sufficiency. Their goal? To accomplish what is known as the “Last Great First” while gathering vital environmental data for the Big Blue Ocean Cleanup initiative.

This remarkable spirit was created to support and celebrate that mission. Distilled in Orkney—once a key provisioning stop for Arctic explorers like Captain Cook and Sir John Franklin—Northwest Passage Gin uses water from the same spring those early adventurers relied on. The gin is crafted with botanicals gathered from both Orkney and Hudson Bay, linking the origins and destination of this epic expedition. With every bottle, Sporting Wine Club contributes to funding this daring venture and the critical research it supports.

The gin also pays homage to the centuries-long quest to chart the Northwest Passage, a route first imagined in the 15th century as a potential trade link to Asia. Despite failed attempts by legendary explorers, it was Orcadian John Rae who ultimately uncovered a viable sea path in the 1860s. His achievement laid the groundwork for Roald Amundsen’s full navigation of the passage in 1903. Today, Northwest Passage Gin honours that legacy of courage, exploration, and connection between past and present.

Exlporing the

Vineyard

Botanicals:

Sugar Kelp
Angelica Archangelica Ramanas
Rose Burnet Rose

The unique flavours of Northwest Passage Expedition Gin are drawn from Sugar Kelp, Angelica Archangelica, Ramanas Rose, and Burnet Rose. The Angelica root adds a hint of sweetness that is balanced by a subtle, floral note from the roses.

The addition of lemon peel and calamondin brings the bright, citrus notes to the gin and the sugar kelp, a seaweed, adds a mild saltiness to the palette, connecting the spirit to the sea – just one sip will transport you back to the Age of Discovery.

It is truly the spirit of adventure. Origin: Made in Scotland This craft gin, made in the Orkney Distillery alongside the award-winning Kirkjuvagr brand, is for real gin lovers who will be intrigued by the pure, wild tastes of the Arctic shoreline. For all its flavour, there is one secret ingredient not listed: a spirit of adventure.

Exlporing the

Vineyard

Botanicals:

Sugar Kelp
Angelica Archangelica Ramanas
Rose Burnet Rose

In their

Own words

To be successful, all teams need support and we are pleased to have found that in Sporting Wine Club, who have a real affinity to the people behind the products they sell. When it comes to expeditions, getting to the start line can be almost as challenging as the event itself, and this has been particularly true when it came to us finding sponsors, with so many businesses effected by the current covid crisis. We developed our own gin, with Orkney Distilling, to help us raise funds and reach sponsors, and we are confident that having SWC on board marketing our gin will make a huge difference to our campaign. We are also delighted to feature amongst some of the legendary sporting figures, wines and spirit’s showcased by the Sporting Wine Club.