Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tasting Tour

Summary

Holyrood Distillery whisky & gin tasting tour in Edinburgh’s heart

You’ll step right into Edinburgh’s whisky revival at Holyrood Distillery, sipping a seasonal cocktail before exploring both whisky and gin production up close with a local guide. Smell fermenting malts, taste single malt whisky and Height of Arrows Gin, then relax in the tasting bar or browse the shop. It’s an experience that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I always thought distilleries would smell like old barrels and something sharp, but walking into Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh, it was more like toasted grains and a little hint of citrus from the gin room. Our guide, Jamie, handed us these cocktails that looked too pretty to drink — I tried to take a photo but honestly just wanted to taste it. He started off with a story about how this is the first single malt distillery in the city for over a century. That kind of hit me — you could feel people were proud of it.

The place itself is all copper stills and glass, with these huge washbacks bubbling away (which Jamie said was normal, but I kept thinking they might overflow). There was this moment where he let us stick our heads near the fermenting tanks — not too close — and the smell was weirdly sweet and sour at once. I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a whisky tour, but Jamie made jokes about “yeast being alive and plotting escape.” Maybe you had to be there.

We tasted their single malt first — warm, kind of nutty, with this peppery finish that lingered longer than I thought it would. Then came the Height of Arrows Gin (just three ingredients!) which surprised me because it wasn’t flowery at all, just clean and sharp. The tasting room had light pouring in through high windows; you could see dust floating around when someone moved their glass. Afterward, we wandered into the shop for “research,” which is what I called buying another tiny bottle for later. Still thinking about that first sip of whisky — it sort of hangs around in your memory.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Holyrood Distillery tour and tasting

• Arrive at Holyrood Distillery
• Enjoy seasonal welcome cocktail
• Listen to distillery introduction
• Watch whisky production process
• Learn about whisky and gin making
• Taste classic single malt whisky
• Discover oak barrel flavour methods

Top questions

Is Holyrood Distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are alcoholic beverages included on the tour?

Yes, tastings of both whisky and gin are included.

Can infants or children join the tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Are service animals allowed inside Holyrood Distillery?

Yes, service animals are allowed during your visit.

Is there public transportation near Holyrood Distillery?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

How long does the Holyrood Distillery tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect enough time for guided touring and tastings.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

No booking policy is stated but advance booking is recommended for tours with limited spots.

What’s included

Your experience includes guided entry to Holyrood Distillery in central Edinburgh with tutored tastings of both single malt whisky and Height of Arrows Gin — plus a welcome seasonal cocktail on arrival. The entire venue is fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers, and service animals are welcome throughout your visit.