Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
Holyrood Distillery, opened in 2019, is Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky producer in nearly a century, reviving the city’s storied distilling tradition. Located in the heart of historic Edinburgh, it draws inspiration from the city’s brewing and distilling heritage, blending tradition with innovative techniques to craft modern whisky and gin.
The distillery is a hub of experimentation, using heritage malts, alternative yeasts, and global oak casks to create unique flavor profiles. This tour offers an immersive journey into Holyrood’s craft, showcasing its role in pushing the boundaries of Scotland’s iconic whisky and gin industries.
Highlights
- Enjoy a fully guided tour of Holyrood Distillery’s whisky and gin production areas.
- Learn about Edinburgh’s rich brewing and distilling heritage from an expert guide.
- Savor a welcome cocktail and tastings of award-winning gin and whisky.
- Explore the Spirits Lab and Cask Room to understand innovative flavor creation.
- Discover the whisky-making process, from foaming washbacks to bubbling copper stills.
Full Description
Step into the world of Holyrood Distillery, a modern gem in Edinburgh’s historic heart, with a 1-hour guided tour of its whisky and gin production. Begin in the Distillery Lounge, sipping a seasonal welcome cocktail while your guide shares the story of Edinburgh’s distilling heritage and Holyrood’s mission to innovate as the city’s first single malt producer in nearly 100 years.
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In the Spirits Lab and Gin Distillery, witness distillers crafting the award-winning Height of Arrows Gin using just three key ingredients. Sample the classic gin expression and learn about Holyrood’s experimental approach to flavor. Move to the whisky distillery floor, where foaming washbacks and bubbling copper stills reveal the stages of single malt production, highlighting unique techniques like heritage malts and alternative yeasts.
Conclude in the atmospheric Cask Room, evoking a traditional dunnage warehouse. Enjoy a tutored tasting of Holyrood’s single malt whisky, and, if selected, a dram of Single Cask whisky at the bar. Your guide will explain how global oak barrels shape flavor, debunking whisky myths and offering insights into the broader scotch industry, making this a must for spirit enthusiasts.
Why Choose This Experience?
The Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, perfect for whisky and gin lovers or those curious about Edinburgh’s distilling revival. With expert guides, a welcome cocktail, and tastings, it provides an engaging and flavorful dive into modern craft distilling in a historic setting.
This wheelchair-accessible tour is ideal for all, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a working distillery. From the Spirits Lab to the Cask Room, the experience is both educational and interactive, making it a memorable way to explore Edinburgh’s evolving role in the global spirits scene.
What’s Included
- 1-hour fully guided tour of Holyrood Distillery.
- Live English-speaking guide.
- Welcome seasonal cocktail in the Distillery Lounge.
- Tastings of award-winning gin and single malt whisky.
- Optional dram of Single Cask whisky at the bar (if selected).
- Wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Itinerary
- Start in the Distillery Lounge with a welcome cocktail and introduction to Edinburgh’s distilling heritage.
- Visit the Spirits Lab and Gin Distillery, sampling Height of Arrows Gin.
- Explore the whisky distillery floor, observing washbacks and copper stills.
- Learn about single malt production techniques, including heritage malts and yeasts.
- Conclude in the Cask Room with a tutored whisky tasting and oak barrel insights.
- Enjoy an optional Single Cask whisky dram at the bar, if selected.
Pricing
From $36 per person
Meeting Point
- Holyrood Distillery: 19 St Leonard’s Ln, Edinburgh EH8 9SH. A 10-minute walk from the Royal Mile or Holyrood Palace; arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.
How to Get There
- By Public Transport: Take a bus to St Leonard’s Street or a train to Edinburgh Waverley, then walk 10-15 minutes to the distillery.
- By Foot: From the Royal Mile or Holyrood Palace, walk 10 minutes to St Leonard’s Lane, following signs to the distillery.
- By Taxi or Rideshare: Request a drop-off at Holyrood Distillery, 19 St Leonard’s Ln, EH8 9SH.
- By Car: Limited parking is available nearby; public transport is recommended due to central Edinburgh’s restrictions.
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Passport or ID card, as required for entry.
- Comfortable clothing suitable for a distillery environment.
- A camera or smartphone to capture the distillery’s modern and historic charm.
- A small bag for essentials, as luggage or large bags are not allowed.
Know Before You Go
- Tours are conducted in English only, with no translations or audio guides available.
- The distillery is fully wheelchair accessible, with facilities to accommodate mobility needs.
- Arrive 10 minutes early to ensure smooth check-in and tour start.
- Luggage or large bags are not permitted for safety and space reasons.
- Check tour times in advance, as schedules vary daily.
Reviews
- A fantastic tour with great insights into whisky and gin making. The cocktail and tastings were delicious!
- Our guide was passionate and made the distillery come alive. The Cask Room tasting was a highlight.
- Really fun and informative experience. Loved learning about Holyrood’s innovative approach to spirits.
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FAQ's
How long is the Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour?
The tour lasts 1 hour, guiding you through the gin and whisky production areas, Spirits Lab, and Cask Room. It includes a welcome cocktail, gin and whisky tastings, and optional Single Cask dram, with expert commentary on Edinburgh’s distilling heritage. The experience is engaging and concise, perfect for a day in Edinburgh. Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. The distillery’s modern setup captivates spirit enthusiasts. Check the schedule to plan your visit. The tour balances education with flavorful tastings.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Holyrood Distillery is fully wheelchair accessible, with facilities like ramps and accessible toilets to accommodate mobility needs. Notify the provider when booking to ensure any specific requirements are met. The staff is trained to assist, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. The tour’s design is inclusive, covering all areas seamlessly. Contact the distillery for detailed accessibility information. The lounge and tasting areas are also accessible. This makes the tour welcoming for everyone.
What drinks are included in the tour?
The tour includes a seasonal welcome cocktail in the Distillery Lounge, a sample of Height of Arrows Gin, and a tutored tasting of single malt whisky in the Cask Room. If selected, an additional dram of Single Cask whisky is provided at the bar. These tastings highlight Holyrood’s innovative flavors. The experience is curated to showcase both gin and whisky expertise. No outside drinks are allowed. The cocktail adds a refreshing start. Check your booking for the Single Cask option.
Is the tour suitable for non-whisky drinkers?
Yes, the tour is ideal for both whisky and gin enthusiasts, as it includes a gin tasting and a welcome cocktail alongside whisky. The guide’s commentary on Edinburgh’s distilling heritage and Holyrood’s innovative approach appeals to all spirit lovers. The experience is engaging for those new to whisky, with a focus on flavor creation. The cocktail and gin offer variety for non-whisky drinkers. It’s a great introduction to craft distilling. The tour’s interactive elements keep everyone entertained. Check age restrictions, as tastings are for adults.
Where is the meeting point for the Holyrood Distillery Tour?
The meeting point is at Holyrood Distillery, 19 St Leonard’s Ln, Edinburgh EH8 9SH, a 10-minute walk from the Royal Mile or Holyrood Palace. Arrive 10 minutes early for check-in to ensure a prompt start. The location is central and easy to find with clear signage. Public transport to St Leonard’s Street or a short walk from Waverley Station is convenient. Taxis can drop you off directly at the distillery. Contact the provider for directions if needed. The distillery’s modern exterior stands out.
