Holyrood Distillery is a special distillery in a special location. Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Southside in a revitalized former rail yard building, Holyrood is the first distillery to operate in Scotland’s capital city in over 100 years. It’s an easy walk from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh’s major attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and its namesake Holyrood Palace. The distillery sits directly below Arthur’s Seat and its well-stocked bar, offering neat pours of its spirits, tasting flights as well as deliciously crafted cocktails, provides perhaps the best view of the extinct volcano in the whole of Edinburgh. It’s easy appreciate to Holyrood’s motto ‘Made by Edinburgh’ after a visit to the distillery.
Opened in 2019, Holyrood Distillery was founded by Canadian couple, Rob and Kelly Carpenter and Scot, David Robertson. The distillery’s founders had a vision to create a new kind of distillery, one that would reflect the dynamism and diversity of present-day Edinburgh. Experimentation is a literal way of life at Holyrood, with Distillery Manager Callum Rae leading the path forward.
Holyrood is a modern distillery in the heart of historic Edinburgh. Inspired by its surroundings, Edinburgh’s rich brewing history, and never afraid to experiment, the distillery is dedicated to shaping the spirit of tomorrow. Each flagship release explores new recipes using heritage malts, specialty malts and different yeasts in the production process. The result are unique small-batch single malt whiskies, along with single cask releases. Each promises a special mash bill that won’t soon be repeated.
For those visiting Scotland, Holyrood’s individual style combined with its superb location in historic Edinburgh make it a no brainer. No scary wrong side driving, ferries or multiple train and bus hops necessary! This is Edinburgh and this is Holyrood Distillery.