Holyrood

The Holyrood Distillery is an innovative whisky distillery located in the heart of Edinburgh, which opened in 2019. It is the city's first single-malt distillery in nearly 100 years. It was founded by Canadian couple Rob and Kelly Carpenter and Scotsman David Robertson, a former Master Distiller of The Macallan.

The distillery is located in a converted goods shed dating back to 1831, once part of St. Leonard's railway station. Holyrood combines traditional Scottish distilling techniques with modern approaches, experimenting with different malts, yeast strains, and fermentation times to develop unique flavor profiles.

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Everything you need to know about the Holyrood Distillery

Are you a whisky fan or simply curious about how spirits are made? Then let me introduce you to the Holyrood Distillery, a fascinating distillery in the heart of Edinburgh that masterfully combines tradition and innovation. Here, you'll learn all about its history, its production, and why a visit is a must for every connoisseur.

The history of Holyrood Distillery

Founded in 2019, Holyrood Distillery nevertheless exudes the rich history of Scottish whisky tradition. It is located in a historic building near the iconic Holyrood Park, not far from Arthur's Seat. What sets this distillery apart, however, is its modern vision. While many Scottish distilleries are deeply rooted in their traditions, Holyrood skillfully combines classic craftsmanship with experimental approaches—and that's precisely what makes it unique.

Their vision? Not only to produce great whiskies and gins, but also to involve people in the production process. Their goal is to make whisky accessible in a fun way without sacrificing quality.

The production process

Craftsmanship in perfection

Holyrood pays great attention to every detail. The distillery experiments with different grains, yeasts, and fermentation processes to create unique flavors. What's particularly exciting is that they explore multiple whisky styles rather than limiting themselves to just one category. Whether you're a fan of bold, peaty notes or fruity, light whiskies, Holyrood has something for every taste.

Gin lovers will also find plenty to enjoy. Holyrood produces a range of gins that focus on creativity and quality. The use of natural botanicals ensures distinctive flavor profiles.

Focus on sustainability

Holyrood Distillery also prioritizes sustainability. It uses local ingredients whenever possible and continually works to reduce its environmental footprint. From energy efficiency in production to recyclable packaging, everything is viewed through an environmentally conscious lens.

Visitor experience at Holyrood Distillery

The guided tour is an absolute highlight. As soon as you enter the distillery, you'll be transported into the world of whisky and gin. The tours are perfect for beginners and connoisseurs alike, as they explain all the steps of production in an entertaining way. You can get up close to the stills, smell the aromas of fresh botanicals, and taste the whisky straight from the barrels.

If you'd like to delve deeper into the subject, there are also special tasting workshops where you'll learn how to identify and combine the aromas of spirits—a true sensory experience.

Shop and café

Of course, after the tour, a visit to the distillery shop is a must, where you can purchase exclusive products. From limited-edition whiskeys to original gin creations—you're sure to find what you're looking for here. And if you fancy a little break, you can relax in the in-house café, which serves fresh snacks and excellently brewed coffee.

Why a visit is worthwhile

Holyrood Distillery isn't just a distillery; it's a place where passion, creativity, and tradition meet. Whether you're a whisky enthusiast looking to discover new flavors or simply looking for a fun day out in Edinburgh, Holyrood Distillery has something for everyone.

It's not just about the final product, but about the story, the process, and the people behind it. A visit here not only gives you the chance to taste excellent whisky or gin, but also the opportunity to expand your knowledge of spirits.

Plan your visit

Curious? The Holyrood Distillery is conveniently located in central Edinburgh and offers tours and tastings throughout the year. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season, as places sell out quickly.

When should you go?

Honestly, there's no bad time to visit. But if you want to make the most of your stay, the summer months, with warm weather and long days, offer a perfect opportunity to combine the distillery with a stroll in nearby Holyrood Park.

Now it's your turn

If you're visiting Edinburgh, there's no better place to learn more about the art of whisky and gin making. So what are you waiting for? Pack your curiosity and discover the world of Holyrood Distillery!