The Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich distilling heritage. This one-hour guided tour provides visitors with a welcome cocktail, tastings of gin and whisky, and insights into the art of production. Guests can expect an immersive experience as they tour the distillery’s facilities and learn from knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re a spirit enthusiast or simply curious about the local distilling scene, the Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour is a must-visit attraction in the heart of Edinburgh.
Key Points
- Holyrood Distillery offers a guided one-hour tour in English, providing insights into whisky and gin production and Edinburgh’s brewing heritage.
- The tour includes a welcome cocktail, gin and whisky tastings, and an exploration of the distillery’s production areas.
- Holyrood Distillery is the first single malt whisky producer in Edinburgh in nearly a century, offering innovative production methods.
- The tour covers key ingredients, whisky-making ethos, oak barrel aging, and Edinburgh’s brewing and distilling history.
- The distillery is located in central Edinburgh and is wheelchair accessible, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Edinburgh Whisky & Gin Tour provides visitors with a guided tour of the Holyrood Distillery, located in the heart of Edinburgh.
Priced from £27.00 per person, the tour lasts an hour and is conducted in English only.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and travelers can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Visitors can reserve now and pay later.
The experience offers a welcome cocktail, gin and whisky tastings, and insights into the distillery’s production methods and Edinburgh’s brewing and distilling heritage.
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Distillery Experience
Highlights of the tour include a fully guided exploration of the whisky and gin production areas, along with an introduction to Edinburgh’s rich brewing and distilling heritage.
Guests begin the experience in the Lounge with a seasonal cocktail before venturing into the Spirits Lab and Gin Distillery. Here, they’ll gain insights into the distillery’s innovative production methods.
The tour concludes with a visit to the whisky distillery floor, where guests can observe the various stages of the whisky-making process.
Throughout, the knowledgeable guides discuss Holyrood’s experimental approach to flavor profiles and the whisky-making ethos.
Educational Aspects
As part of the tour, guests learn about Holyrood’s position as the first single malt whisky producer in Edinburgh in nearly a century.
The experience offers insights into the distillery’s experimental approach to flavor profiles, discussing:
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The use of three key ingredients to create unique whisky and gin expressions.
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The whisky-making ethos and its application in gin production.
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The role of seasoned oak barrels in flavor creation and myth-busting around whisky aging.
Visitors gain a deeper understanding of Holyrood’s innovative production methods and the rich heritage of brewing and distilling in Edinburgh.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
According to customer reviews, the Holyrood Distillery tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 712 reviews.
Guests have particularly praised the tour guides, who earn a 4.9/5 rating. Reviewers highlight the informative content and knowledgeable guides, providing insights into the distillery’s unique approach to whisky and gin production.
The tour guides at Holyrood Distillery receive exceptional praise, with a 4.9/5 rating for their informative and knowledgeable insights into the distillery’s unique whisky and gin production.
The value for money aspect scores 4.3/5, with many satisfied customers recommending the tour.
Specific testimonials emphasize the enjoyable experience and encourage others to visit the distillery to learn about Edinburgh’s brewing and distilling heritage.
More Great Tours NearbyLocation and Meeting Information
The Holyrood Distillery is located in central Edinburgh, just a 10-minute walk from the city’s iconic Royal Mile or Holyrood Palace.
Visitors are recommended to arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins. To gain entry, guests must present a valid passport or ID card, as large bags and luggage aren’t permitted on the premises.
The distillery provides a convenient and accessible experience, making it an ideal stop for anyone exploring Edinburgh’s renowned whisky and gin scene.
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Location: Central Edinburgh, 10-minute walk from Royal Mile or Holyrood Palace
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Arrival: Recommend arriving 10 minutes before tour start
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Allowed Items: Passport or ID card (no large bags or luggage)
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Discovering Holyrood’s Whisky and Gin Heritage
Holyrood Distillery holds a unique place in Edinburgh’s rich brewing and distilling heritage.
Holyrood Distillery holds a unique place in Edinburgh’s rich brewing and distilling heritage.
As the first single malt whisky producer in the city in nearly a century, Holyrood takes an experimental approach to crafting its spirits. Visitors learn about the distillery’s innovative flavour profiles, using just three key ingredients.
The tour also explores Holyrood’s whisky-making ethos and how it’s applied to gin production. Guests discover the role of seasoned oak barrels and bust myths around whisky aging.
Throughout the experience, knowledgeable guides share insights into Edinburgh’s brewing legacy and Holyrood’s position as a modern trailblazer.
Innovative Flavor Profiles at Holyrood Distillery
As visitors explore Holyrood Distillery, they’ll discover the innovative approach the team takes to crafting their spirits.
From their experimental use of three key ingredients to their unique barrel aging techniques, Holyrood’s commitment to flavor creation is evident throughout the tour.
Highlights include:
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The distillery’s exploration of unconventional flavor profiles, leveraging an array of botanicals and production methods.
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Insights into the application of their whisky-making ethos in the creation of their award-winning gins.
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Myth-busting sessions that dispel common misconceptions about whisky maturation and the role of oak casks.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
Beyond the insights into Holyrood’s innovative approach to flavor profiles, the distillery’s guided tour aims to enhance the overall visitor experience. From a complimentary welcome cocktail to behind-the-scenes access, the tour immerses guests in the world of artisanal spirits.
| Experience Highlights | |
| — | — |
| Seasonal Cocktail | Welcomes visitors in the cozy Lounge |
| Spirits Lab Tour | Showcases the distillery’s experimental ethos |
| Gin Distillery Visit | Provides closer look at innovative production |
| Whisky Distillery Tour | Observes the intricate stages of crafting single malt |
| Tasting Opportunities | Samples of Holyrood’s gin and whisky creations |
This multisensory journey leaves guests with a deeper appreciation for the art of distilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The provided information does not mention any restrictions on photography, so visitors are likely allowed to capture images throughout the guided experience at Holyrood Distillery.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The minimum age requirement for the tour is 18 years old. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted on the tour, as it involves tasting alcoholic beverages.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tastings?
The tour doesn’t mention any specific dietary restrictions for the tastings. However, visitors should let the staff know if they have any allergies or dietary requirements beforehand to ensure they can accommodate them during the experience.
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?
The tour is only available in English, as the description states there are "no translations or audio guides" provided. The guided experience does not offer language options beyond English.
Can I Purchase Products at the Distillery After the Tour?
Yes, visitors can purchase Holyrood’s whisky, gin, and other distillery products after the tour. The distillery’s shop offers a range of spirits and merchandise for visitors to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
The Sum Up
The Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour offers a captivating exploration of Edinburgh’s distilling legacy. Visitors can expect an immersive experience, learning about production methods and enjoying tastings of the distillery’s innovative gin and whisky offerings. With knowledgeable guides, a convenient central location, and highly-rated customer reviews, it’s a must-visit destination for spirit enthusiasts visiting the Scottish capital.
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