Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky and Gin Tour & Tasting

This Holyrood Distillery tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s modern revival as a whisky-making hub. It’s a short, roughly one-hour experience packed with insights, tastings, and behind-the-scenes views of a growing Scottish craft scene. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on innovation—showing how a relatively new distillery is rethinking traditional methods to produce unique, award-winning spirits.

One of the key things we love about this experience is the enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides who seem genuinely passionate about their craft. The chance to taste both whisky and gin, created with just a few ingredients, adds a distinctive touch that appeals to both connoisseurs and curious newcomers.

A possible consideration for travelers is the tour’s duration—just about an hour—which might feel a bit brisk for those wanting an in-depth exploration. Also, some find the distillery’s location a little away from Edinburgh’s Old Town, making it less ideal for those with limited time in the city center.

This tour suits those looking for a quick yet authentic introduction to Scotland’s contemporary distilling scene, especially if you’re interested in innovative spirits and engaging storytelling.

Key Points

• Short but Impactful: Just around 1 hour, perfect for a quick taste of Edinburgh’s new distillery scene.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable staff, like Neil and Stuart, make the visit engaging and informative.
• Tastings Included: Sample a classic single malt and the distillery’s award-winning gin, crafted with care and innovation.
• Beautiful Setting: The distillery’s building is praised for its cool architecture and photo opportunities.
• Focus on Innovation: Learn how heritage malts, alternative yeasts, and seasoned oak barrels influence flavor.
• Accessible and Practical: Bookings are usually made around 34 days in advance, with a reasonable price point of just over $37.

What to Expect from the Holyrood Distillery Tour

Entering a Modern Scottish Landmark

Holyrood Distillery is a relatively new addition to Edinburgh, located at 19 St Leonard’s Lane. From the outside, the building looks contemporary, contrasting with the historic architecture often associated with Irish and Scottish distilleries. Inside, it feels spacious and inviting, with plenty of chances for photos—reviewers noted the photogenic nature of the building, which adds a fun element for social media lovers.

The tour begins with a warm welcome, often accompanied by a seasonal cocktail, which sets a relaxed tone. The guides, including standouts like Marcos and Neil, are praised for their passion and ability to explain complex processes clearly.

Watching the Craft in Action

A key part of the experience is observing the distilling process—watching washbacks ferment and copper stills bubble away—that makes visitors feel like insiders. Since the distillery is dedicated to producing single malts after over 100 years since Edinburgh last had a distillery of this kind, it’s exciting to see a fresh take on traditional Scottish techniques.

The Educational Core

The guides don’t just show you around—they explain how they create flavors by choosing specific seasoned oak barrels from around the world. The use of different malts, yeasts, and aging processes means each spirit has a story. Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are, providing insights that even seasoned whisky lovers appreciate.

Tasting the Products

The tasting segment is a highlight, with visitors sampling a classic expression of whisky along with the Heights of Arrows gin, distilled with only three ingredients. Reviewers like Cornelia and Iben appreciated how the tastings were both fun and educational, giving them a chance to compare flavors and learn what makes each spirit unique.

A standout from the reviews was the comment that even those not typically gin drinkers found the process fascinating. The careful selection of barrels and the philosophy behind flavor development add a thoughtful layer to the tasting that makes it more than just sipping spirits.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Holyrood Distillery

The visit kicks off at the distillery itself, a relatively new but striking building in Edinburgh’s heart. Here, the experience includes a guided tour, a gin and whisky tasting, and a brief but informative explanation of the distillation process. Reviewers particularly enjoyed the opportunity to see the distillery’s experimental approach, which sets it apart from traditional older Scottish distilleries.

The Process and Production

Expect to see washbacks in action and copper stills bubbling. Guides will walk you through each stage—malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and aging—highlighting what makes their spirits different. For example, the use of heritage malts and creative yeasts results in exciting flavor profiles, something noted as a fresh approach by visitors.

The Tasting Bar

Post-tour, the tasting bar is where the real fun begins. Tastings include the distillery’s flagship single malt, which has been praised for its quality, as well as their innovative gins like Height of Arrows. The reviews mention how friendly guides, like Stewart and Marcos, make sure everyone understands the tasting notes and enjoys the experience.

Barriers and Drawbacks

A few reviewers found the tour a bit too fast-paced or technical, with some describing it as “not very interesting” or “a little rushed.” The small size of the distillery might make the experience feel less immersive for those expecting a larger facility, but it also means a more intimate, personal experience.

Additional Features

Besides the core tour, the distillery features a shop where visitors can purchase spirits and branded merchandise. Several reviews express hope that their gins will soon be available internationally, especially in the US.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

Tickets are priced at $37.06 per person, reflecting good value given the guided experience, tastings, and the chance to learn about innovative spirits. Most travelers book their tours about a month in advance (around 34 days), so it’s wise to plan early, especially during peak seasons.

The tour is accessible, with the distillery near public transportation, making it convenient for visitors staying in the city center. Group sizes are capped at 22, ensuring a friendly atmosphere where guides can give personalized attention.

The experience lasts approximately one hour, making it perfect for a quick cultural and culinary interlude during your Edinburgh stay. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour, which offers flexibility should your plans change.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This Holyrood Distillery tour is ideal for those seeking a glimpse into modern Scottish distilling, combined with an engaging story about how tradition meets innovation. The guides are consistently praised for their passion and knowledge, making complex processes accessible to everyone. The tasting experience is thoughtfully curated, offering a good balance between whisky and gin, appealing to a broad audience.

If you’re a fan of spirits, especially whisky or gin, you’ll appreciate the chance to taste award-winning products and learn how different ingredients and barrels influence flavor. The building itself is photogenic and modern, offering a fresh perspective on Edinburgh’s spirits scene.

However, if you’re after a lengthy, in-depth distillery visit or are located far from the city center, this tour might feel a little brief or remote. Still, the quality of the guides and the uniqueness of the spirits make it a worthwhile stop.

Final Thoughts

For travelers looking to add a spirited touch to their Edinburgh adventure, the Holyrood Distillery tour offers authentic insights into Scotland’s contemporary distilling scene. It strikes a good balance between education, tasting, and visual appeal, especially thanks to enthusiastic guides like Marcos and Neil, who clearly love sharing their craft. The modern yet cozy setting makes it a comfortable and engaging experience—perfect for whisky lovers or those curious about spirits craft.

This tour particularly suits visitors who want a quick, high-quality introduction to Edinburgh’s new distillery scene without committing to a lengthy or complex visit. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate innovative spirits and enjoy learning about flavor creation and production techniques.

Whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or a curious traveler, Holyrood’s blend of tradition and experimentation promises a memorable taste of Scotland’s spirits renaissance.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and it’s designed to be engaging for a wide audience. Service animals are allowed, making it accessible for some visitors with needs.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately one hour, making it a quick but insightful experience ideal for fitting into a busy itinerary.

Can I book the tour last minute?
It’s best to book around 34 days in advance, but last-minute availability depends on demand. Booking early ensures you secure a spot.

Is transportation included?
No, but the distillery is near public transportation, which makes it easy to reach from central Edinburgh.

Can I buy spirits at the end of the tour?
Yes, there’s a tasting shop where you can purchase spirits, including spirits not yet available internationally, like some of their gins.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

In short, Holyrood Distillery’s whisky and gin tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines Scottish spirit-making tradition with a modern twist. Perfect for those wanting a taste of Edinburgh’s new wave in spirits, all wrapped up in a friendly, informative package.