Is the tour suitable for first-time whisky drinkers?

Yes, the tour is designed to cater to all levels of whisky knowledge, providing clear insights and guided tastings.

Can I bring children to the tour?

No, the experience is restricted to guests aged 18 and over due to alcohol laws.

How long does the Holyrood Highlights tour last?

The tour is 30 minutes, including a 15-minute walk through the distillery and a 15-minute whisky tasting.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Is there parking available at the distillery?

No, there is no on-site parking; visitors should consider public transportation or nearby car parks.

Whisky Tastings at Holyrood Distillery, Edinburgh

Q: Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the entire experience is wheelchair friendly, including lift access.

Edinburgh’s Holyrood Distillery offers a focused, no-fuss whisky experience for those who know their malts or simply can’t carve out hours for a full tour. Situated in the city’s historic St Leonard's Lane, the Holyrood Highlights - Whisky tour delivers a succinct 30-minute journey into the heart of local spirit craftsmanship. This express experience spotlights the essentials: a 15-minute guided walk through the whisky production area and a 15-minute tutored tasting of a single malt in their atmospheric Cask Room.

This experience is perfectly suited for travelers balancing a busy itinerary or seasoned distillery visitors who want to reacquaint themselves quickly with Scottish whisky-making traditions. The distillery’s location in Edinburgh places it within striking distance of landmarks like Holyrood Palace and Arthur’s Seat, blending urban charm with whisky heritage.

The highlight is the tasting itself—focused and purposeful, designed to deepen your appreciation for the nuances of Holyrood’s spirits. And if your schedule allows, lingering on with an Enhanced Tasting flight at their lively bar means sampling a broader range of expressions, elevating the experience from a quick stop to a memorable whisky session.

Holyrood Distillery distinguishes itself not only through efficient, insightful tours but also accessibility—the entire experience is wheelchair friendly, including lift access that eases movement through the production areas. The distillery embraces responsible enjoyment, with a strict Challenge 25 policy.

Whether you’re a local looking to sharpen your palate or a visitor seeking a streamlined whisky insight amid Edinburgh's rich cultural landscape, Holyrood Highlights cuts to the chase. It offers a refreshing alternative to lengthier tours while anchoring you firmly in the city’s contemporary whisky revival scene.

About Holyrood 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.