Holyrood Distillery Edinburgh
Edinburgh's pioneering distillery, crafting innovative whiskies and gins with a modern, experimental approach. Taste the future of Scottish spirits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Holyrood Distillery Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Edinburgh's pioneering distillery, crafting innovative whiskies and gins with a modern, experimental approach. Taste the future of Scottish spirits.
"An amazing tour with knowledgeable guides, even for whisky skeptics!"
🎯 Knowledgeable Guides
Guides like Lloyd and Conor are praised for their expertise and engaging delivery.
🥃 Great for Beginners
Even if you're new to whisky, the tours and tastings can convert you!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Innovative Distillery Tour
Distillery Floor
Discover the cutting-edge processes and experimental approach to whisky and gin making.
Tasting Experience
Tasting Room/Bar
Sample a range of unique new make spirits, gins, and whiskies, guided by knowledgeable staff.
Modern Edinburgh Whisky
Bar Area
Taste Edinburgh's first whisky in decades, showcasing innovative flavors and traditional craftsmanship.
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Combine with Nearby Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Knowledgeable Guides
Guides like Lloyd and Conor are praised for their expertise and engaging delivery.
🥃 Great for Beginners
Even if you're new to whisky, the tours and tastings can convert you!
🍸 Unique Spirits
Try their experimental new make spirits and gins, not just traditional whisky.
📍 City Centre Location
Easily accessible and a great addition to your Edinburgh itinerary.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Knowledgeable Guides
Guides like Lloyd and Conor are praised for their expertise and engaging delivery.
🥃 Great for Beginners
Even if you're new to whisky, the tours and tastings can convert you!
🍸 Unique Spirits
Try their experimental new make spirits and gins, not just traditional whisky.
📍 City Centre Location
Easily accessible and a great addition to your Edinburgh itinerary.
🛍️ Distillery Shop
Purchase unique bottles and sampler packs to take home.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Holyrood Distillery for its innovative approach to whisky and gin making, with knowledgeable and engaging guides like Lloyd and Conor receiving special mentions. The tasting experiences are highlighted as excellent, even for those new to spirits, and the modern distillery offers a fresh perspective on Edinburgh's distilling scene. Some minor critiques mention guides who might try to dominate attention, but overall, the experience is highly recommended.
"Had an amazing tour at Holyrood Distillery. My tour guide, Lloyd, was very personable and knowledgeable. I highly recommend checking out Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park, and then walking over to the Distillery. They start you off with a taste of their special cocktail, which was delicious. All of the spirits that I tried were really good, and I decided to purchase a few small bottles of their Gin and New Make, and then a large bottle of their peated whiskey, Embra. The distillery is just one more amazing place to check out when visiting Edinburgh."
Sean Leen
"Had a lovely experience with the whiskey gin tour via getyourguide. Got some really interesting insights into the making and tasting of several whiskeys and gins. I used to be a big hater, but our tourguide Ezra pulled through with some wonderful suggestions in the bar to make me like whiskey for the very first time. Overall a wonderful experience, except for when Lloyd stormed into the room and tried to selfishly steal all the attention. Would recommend this experience to anyone!"
Bryan Janson
"I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of this distillery in Edinburgh. It provides with an excellent overview of the Gin and Whisky making process. They are also experimenting with different combinations of the ingredients which was interesting. A tasting was included and their gin and whisky were quite good."
Luis Albisu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Holyrood Distillery is conveniently located in the city center of Edinburgh. You can easily reach it by public transport, including buses that stop nearby. For those arriving by tram, the closest stop is likely within walking distance. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from other central Edinburgh attractions.
Yes, Holyrood Distillery is situated close to Holyrood Palace, making it easy to combine a visit to the historic palace with a distillery tour.
Absolutely! The Royal Mile is a central artery of Edinburgh, and Holyrood Distillery is within a comfortable walking distance from many points along it. It's a great way to see more of the city.
Parking in central Edinburgh can be challenging and expensive. While there might be some limited street parking or nearby car parks, it's generally recommended to use public transport or walk to the distillery to avoid parking hassles.
From Edinburgh Airport, you can take the tram directly into the city center. From there, you can either take a local bus or enjoy a walk to Holyrood Distillery. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tickets for Holyrood Distillery tours and tastings in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or weekends. This ensures you secure your preferred time slot.
Opening hours can vary, but Holyrood Distillery typically operates during daytime and early evening hours, often extending into the evening for bar service. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
The 'Holyrood Highlights' tour is a shorter, insightful journey lasting around 30 minutes, focusing on their modern distillery setup and a tasting of new make spirits. Other tours may vary in length.
Yes, Holyrood Distillery offers various tours that delve into their whisky and gin-making processes, often including tastings. Check their website for specific tour options and durations.
Tour prices can vary depending on the type of tour and what's included. It's advisable to check the official Holyrood Distillery website or booking platforms for current pricing information.
🎫 🥃 Whisky & Gin Experience
Holyrood Distillery is known for its experimental approach, exploring different malts, yeasts, fermentation times, and cut points to create innovative whisky flavors. They are pushing boundaries in modern whisky production.
Yes, tastings are a key part of the experience at Holyrood Distillery. You can sample their new make spirits, gins, and their emerging whiskies, often guided by knowledgeable staff.
Many visitors who were initially hesitant about whisky have found themselves enjoying the experience at Holyrood Distillery, thanks to engaging guides and well-explained tastings that can change perceptions.
Yes, Holyrood Distillery has a shop where you can purchase their own range of spirits, including their new make spirits, gins, and their first whiskies like 'The Arrival'. They also offer sampler packs.
'The Arrival' is Holyrood Distillery's first officially launched whisky, marking a significant milestone for the Edinburgh-based distillery.
📸 📸 Photography & Onsite
Photography policies can vary within distilleries. While general photos of the public areas and bar are usually permitted, filming or photography inside production areas might be restricted. It's best to check with your tour guide.
Yes, Holyrood Distillery features an upstairs bar where you can enjoy a dram of their spirits, engage in whisky conversations, and relax after your tour.
The atmosphere is generally described as modern, innovative, and friendly. The staff are enthusiastic, and the bar area provides a relaxed setting for enjoying drinks and discussions.
While Holyrood Distillery primarily focuses on spirits, their bar may offer some light snacks or bar bites. For full meals, nearby restaurants like Makar's Mash Bar are recommended.
Distillery tours often involve stairs and uneven surfaces. It's advisable to contact Holyrood Distillery directly in advance to inquire about accessibility for specific tours and facilities if you have mobility concerns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For the distillery visit itself, it's important to note that tours and tastings are typically for individuals aged 18 and over. However, the bar area might be accessible to younger visitors accompanied by adults, though they won't be able to participate in tastings. Always check the distillery's specific policies regarding age restrictions for different areas.
🥃 Whisky Enthusiasts
Engage with their knowledgeable guides who can explain the intricacies of their process. Don't miss the opportunity to taste their 'new make' spirits to understand the foundational flavors, and of course, sample their emerging whiskies. The bar also features a good selection of spirits from other new distilleries, making it a hub for craft spirit discovery.
🍸 Gin Lovers
Their experimental approach means you might discover gins with unexpected botanical combinations or flavor profiles. It's a great opportunity to broaden your palate and find new favorites in the world of craft gin.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Experimental Whisky Making
This experimental ethos is evident in their 'new make' spirit releases, which offer a glimpse into the foundational flavors before maturation. Visitors can often sample these unaged spirits, appreciating the raw character and the distillery's diverse approach to spirit creation. The distillery's philosophy is about understanding the 'why' behind every decision, from grain selection to distillation cuts, ensuring a deep dive into the science and art of whisky making.
By embracing a spirit of curiosity and a willingness to deviate from convention, Holyrood Distillery is carving out a unique niche in the Scottish whisky landscape. Their tours and tastings provide an excellent opportunity to witness this innovative spirit firsthand and to taste the results of their creative endeavors.
A Taste of Edinburgh's New Spirit
The tasting experience at Holyrood is designed to be both educational and enjoyable. You'll have the chance to sample a range of their spirits, from their innovative gins to their developing whiskies. Guides like Ezra have been noted for their ability to make even whisky skeptics appreciate the nuances and flavors, offering personalized recommendations from the bar.
Beyond the whisky, their gin offerings are also noteworthy, showcasing the same experimental spirit. Whether you're a dedicated whisky lover or simply curious about Scotland's national drink, Holyrood Distillery provides an accessible and engaging introduction to the world of craft spirits.
Beyond the Distillery: Exploring the Neighborhood
Just a short walk away is Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The surrounding Holyrood Park provides a beautiful natural escape within the urban landscape, perfect for a pre- or post-distillery stroll.
Combining a visit to Holyrood Distillery with these nearby attractions creates a well-rounded Edinburgh experience. You can immerse yourself in royal history, enjoy stunning natural scenery, and then cap it off with a tasting of innovative spirits.
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