Discover the art and craft of Scotch whisky at Holyrood Distillery. Join 'EH Evenings' for exclusive tours, tastings, and a behind-the-scenes look at Edinburgh's newest distillery.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors; no special physical fitness required
Wildlife
History
Holyrood Distillery is one of Edinburgh’s newest craft distilleries, established in a former Victorian brewery, merging classic brewing architecture with modern distilling techniques.
Conservation
The distillery prioritizes sustainable practices, including waste reduction and sourcing ingredients locally to lessen their environmental footprint.
Holyrood Distillery
Discover the art and craft of Scotch whisky at Holyrood Distillery. Join 'EH Evenings' for exclusive tours, tastings, and a behind-the-scenes look at Edinburgh's newest distillery.
Holyrood Distillery is an independent distillery in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the city's first single malt distillery in over a century. The distillery produces Height of Arrows gin and single malt whiskies, and offers a range of guided tours, tastings and bar experiences tailored to both novices and enthusiasts.
Experiences include guided distillery tours, gin tastings, curated tasting flights, whisky masterclasses and special pairings such as the whisky and chocolate collaboration with The Chocolatarium. Visitors can explore the distillery floor, lab and cask room on tours that explain production methods, maturation and innovative flavour development.
Sample tastings are included with many experiences, and select offerings highlight exclusive or rare expressions, including single cask pours not available elsewhere. The Distillery Bar and cosy Lounge host tasting flights, welcome cocktails and hands-on sensory challenges that introduce botanicals, tasting techniques and cocktail making.
Holyrood also runs community-focused experiences such as EH Evenings offering complimentary guided tours and samples for residents alongside a paid bar. The distillery emphasises education and hospitality, guided by knowledgeable staff who present tasting notes, pairing guidance and the story behind each spirit. Practical details such as group sizes, booking requirements and accessibility are provided directly by the distillery at booking. Built around a clear commitment to craft, Holyrood Distillery blends Edinburgh whisky heritage with contemporary production to deliver memorable, flavour-led visits.
Guests are encouraged to book in advance for experiences, and the distillery offers a year-round range of tasting options—from quick highlights to in-depth masterclasses and private tastings for groups.
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
Central city distillery
Historic First
First single malt in over a century
Revitalising whisky heritage
Tours Offered
9 experiences
Tasting flights to masterclasses
Flagship Spirit
Height of Arrows gin
Gin and single malt whisky onsite
Book a tour, tasting flight or masterclass at Holyrood Distillery to experience Height of Arrows gin and Edinburgh single malts firsthand.
Arrive early for the tour
Parking and space can be limited, so arriving a bit early ensures a relaxed experience.
Sample responsibly
Taste the spirits but remember to pace yourself, especially if you plan to explore more of the city afterward.
Book in advance
Tours are popular and fill up quickly—reserve your spot online beforehand.
Check for special events
Holyrood often hosts themed nights or limited tastings; see their schedule for unique opportunities.
Comfortable walking shoes
You'll be walking through the distillery; comfortable shoes make the tour more enjoyable.
Notebook and pen
Great for taking tasting notes or jotting down favorite spirits.
ID for age verification
Required for legal alcohol consumption and tasting.
Light jacket or layers
The distillery maintains a controlled environment but layers can ensure comfort.
spring;summer;fall;winter