THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step inside Edinburgh’s first single malt distillery in over 100 years for a one-hour guided tasting that spotlights innovative whisky-making techniques. Sample unique spirits as you learn about Holyrood Distillery’s blend of heritage and modern creativity.
Step inside Edinburgh’s first single malt distillery in over 100 years for a one-hour guided tasting that spotlights innovative whisky-making techniques. Sample unique spirits as you learn about Holyrood Distillery’s blend of heritage and modern creativity.
Book with Holyrood Distillery
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Holyrood Distillery · Edinburgh, Scotland
In the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Holyrood Distillery invites whisky aficionados and curious visitors alike to step into the rebirth of a storied tradition. As Edinburgh’s first single malt distillery in over a century, Holyrood Distillery offers a unique gateway to Scotland’s rich distilling heritage, coupled with an experimental edge that pushes the boundaries of modern whisky-making.
Located on St Leonard’s Lane, the distillery occupies a prime spot both geographically and culturally—just a stone’s throw from the historic Royal Mile and the looming presence of Arthur’s Seat, a reminder of Edinburgh’s volcanic geology and rugged landscape. The whisky journey here is as much about place as process, intertwining the old with the new through innovative cask maturations and inventive yeast selections.
The Journey to Whisky Tour is a focused, one-hour experience tailored for adults eager to understand the craft beneath the spirit. Participants engage in rich conversations about the production stages—from malt selection to fermentation and distillation—highlighting Holyrood’s modern techniques alongside time-honored practices. Sampling is integral: guests taste two expressions of new make spirit followed by two distinct single malts, each showcasing the distillery’s signature character.
What sets Holyrood apart is its drive to redefine tradition without losing sight of its roots. This spirit of innovation is what places Edinburgh back on Scotland’s whisky map after a century-long gap, making the distillery a standout destination within the urban outdoor landscape. The tour is fully wheelchair accessible, emphasizing inclusivity in a setting where flavor complexity meets easy access.
Whether you’re mapping out whisky tastings or planning a cultural dive into Edinburgh’s local craftsmanship, Holyrood Distillery’s Journey to Whisky Tour offers a memorable pit stop. It’s a concise yet rich introduction to Scotch whisky’s evolving story, set against one of Scotland’s most dynamic cityscapes.
easy.
1 hour.
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels
No, the Journey to Whisky Tour is for guests aged 18 and older due to alcohol tastings.
The tour focuses primarily on whisky tasting and production and does not include food, so allergy concerns are minimal.
Yes, the distillery shop offers bottles from their range, including exclusive expressions available on-site.
Yes, the entire tour route is fully accessible with a lift available for easy movement between levels.
Upgrades are available to include additional tasting of Single Cask whisky; check add-ons when booking.
Tours are conducted in English. Private bookings with translators can be arranged upon request.
Edinburgh’s distilling heritage dates back centuries, with Holyrood Distillery reviving the city’s single malt legacy after a 100-year hiatus.
Holyrood Distillery commits to sustainable practices by minimizing waste and sourcing local materials wherever possible, supporting Edinburgh’s environmental goals.
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