Discover Edinburgh's revival of whisky heritage at Holyrood Distillery. Join a guided tour that takes you inside the craft of award-winning gin and single malt whisky production, complete with tastings.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
Holyrood Distillery marks the return of single malt whisky distillation to Edinburgh after a century-long absence.
Conservation
The distillery emphasizes sustainable sourcing and energy-efficient processes to minimize environmental impact.
Holyrood Distillery
Discover Edinburgh's revival of whisky heritage at Holyrood Distillery. Join a guided tour that takes you inside the craft of award-winning gin and single malt whisky production, complete with tastings.
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.
Bring Valid ID
Guests who look under 25 must bring original photo ID to sample spirits due to 'Challenge 25' policy.
Arrive Early
Arrive at least 10 minutes before your tour start time to ensure smooth check-in.
No Parking On-site
There is no parking available at the distillery; plan to use public transport or nearby paid parking.
Accessible for Wheelchairs
The tour route is wheelchair accessible with a distillery lift available for convenience.
Valid Photo ID
Required for alcohol tasting and age verification.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Tour includes indoor walking on smooth floors and some standing periods.
Weather-Appropriate Jacket
Edinburgh weather can be unpredictable; dress in layers for outdoor walking before or after your tour.
spring|fall|winter
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated between tastings and on nearby walks.