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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.
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.
Book with Holyrood Distillery
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Operated by Holyrood Distillery · Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery stands out as a rare beacon in Scotland’s storied whisky landscape. Located at 19 St Leonard's Lane, this distillery is carving a niche as the city’s first single malt producer in more than a century. Visitors step into a world where tradition and innovation collide in the crafting of award-winning spirits, including the distinctive Height of Arrows gin and rich single malt whiskies.
The guided tour lasts about an hour and takes guests through the intricate processes behind distillation, fermentation, and maturation. The experience offers a hands-on view of copper pot stills bubbling and washbacks foaming—moments that reveal the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Throughout the tour, tastings punctuate key stages, allowing visitors to savor samples of both gin and whisky, along with a welcome cocktail to set the tone.
This visit is accessible and family-friendly, catering to anyone aged eight or older, with accommodations such as a distillery lift for those needing it. While children participate with soft drinks, the whisky and spirits tastings are reserved for adults. The distillery prides itself on being a modern steward of Edinburgh's whisky heritage, blending local history with a forward-looking approach to spirit production.
Sitting just a short walk from Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park, Holyrood Distillery links urban charm with authentic Scottish craftsmanship. Visitors often pair the tour with nearby walks through volcanic hills and rugged rock formations, enriching the connection to Scotland’s landscape and culture.
Holyrood Distillery’s distinct blend of historic resurgence and hands-on spirit education makes it an essential stop for anyone interested in Scotch whisky’s evolving story and the artisanal techniques fueling its renaissance in Edinburgh.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
Children aged 8-17 can join, with soft drinks provided, but those under 8 are not permitted for safety reasons.
Yes, the tour route is fully wheelchair accessible with a lift available.
Yes, guests can buy Holyrood Distillery’s gin and whisky at the distillery’s bar.
The guided tour lasts approximately one hour and includes multiple spirit tastings.
Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start can be refunded.
Tours are conducted in English, with written translations available via QR code in French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin.
Holyrood Distillery marks the return of single malt whisky distillation to Edinburgh after a century-long absence.
The distillery emphasizes sustainable sourcing and energy-efficient processes to minimize environmental impact.
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.
Book with Holyrood Distillery