Holyrood Distillery

Holyrood Distillery is located in the heart of Edinburgh, near the Royal Mile, and is one of Scotland’s newest whisky producers. It is known for its experimental approach to flavour creation, combining traditional whisky-making techniques with innovative yeast, malt, and fermentation styles.

Awarded Global Distiller of the Year 2024 at the World Whisky Awards, Holyrood Distillery has gone from strength to strength since opening its doors in 2019.

About Holyrood Distillery

Founded in 2019, Holyrood Distillery was the first single malt whisky distillery in Edinburgh in nearly a century. It produces both whisky and gin, with a strong focus on flavour experimentation and modern production techniques.

The distillery is known for its creative approach, using unusual yeast strains, specialty malts, and diverse cask types to develop distinctive spirit character. Its urban location reflects Edinburgh’s growing role in modern Scotch whisky production.

Holyrood Distillery Tours & Experiences

Whether you are visiting a distillery for the first time, want to learn something new about modern whisky production, or simply try some delicious spirits you can choose from a range of tours and tastings, with experiences available for all levels of knowledge and interest.

Holyrood Distillery Tour £25

Our signature guided tour will take you through our gin and whisky production spaces, explaining the processes behind making our award winning Height of Arrows gin and our single malt whiskies. Get to know our spirits with sample tastings throughout your tour.

Duration: 1hr

Journey to Whisky £30

Conversational and tasting-led, your tour takes you through the detailed processes of our single malt whisky production. Learn how we push the boundaries of what it means to be a modern whisky producer with our experimental approach to flavour, with samples provided throughout.

Duration: 1hr

Distillery After Dark Experience £35

Edinburgh retold and reimagined. We invite you to an evening of dark tales of our city's past, alongside our finest spirits...

You’ll be accompanied throughout our production areas by an expert story teller, and learn to mix and enjoy a bespoke cocktail. Your journey also features a spooky 'Bothy Session', where we'll share tales of the Wizard of the West Bow, Deacon Brodie, Bald Agnes and the Wee Red Cap.

Other tours, experiences and events can be found regularly updated on the Holyrood Distillery website - including seasonal celebrations, Distiller-Led Tours and product launches.

Plan Your Visit to Holyrood Distillery

Address:

19 St Leonards Lane, Edinburgh, EH8 9SH

Tour:

This distillery is included as part of our Edinburgh Tour.

Directions:

Holyrood Distillery is conveniently located in the centre of Edinburgh:

15 minutes walk from both the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace
A two minute walk from main bus routes on Clerk Street and St Leonards Street
On National Cycle Network number 1
A 10 minute walk from the Edinburgh Bus Tours Stop at National Museum Scotland

Opening Times:

Sun-Thurs 11:30am-5:30pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-6:30pm

Facilities:

Visitor centre and shop
Tasting bar
Café and event space
Accessible location

Podcast

In the May 2023 edition of the Distillery Tours podcast we speak to Holly Aynsley and Calum Rae, Distillery Manager at Holyrood Distillery.

Calum explains their approach to distilling and the experimental work they have been doing using different casks and yeasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Holyrood Distillery?

Holyrood Distillery offers a range of modern whisky and gin experiences in the heart of Edinburgh, including the Holyrood Distillery Tour, Journey to Whisky, Distillery After Dark Experience, and seasonal events. Visitors can explore a flavour-led, experimental distillery focused on innovative yeast, malt and cask combinations, with guided tastings included throughout each experience.

How long does a Holyrood Distillery tour take?

Most Holyrood Distillery experiences last around 1 hour, with some extended tours and evening experiences lasting up to 1.5–2 hours depending on the format and tasting elements included.

Is whisky tasting included at Holyrood Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included in all Holyrood Distillery experiences. Guests typically sample new make spirit, gin and whisky expressions, with guided tastings included throughout the tour to showcase the distillery’s experimental flavour approach.

Do I need to book Holyrood Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended for Holyrood Distillery tours and experiences, especially during weekends and peak tourist periods, as time slots can sell out quickly due to high demand in central Edinburgh.

What are the opening hours of Holyrood Distillery Visitor Centre?

Holyrood Distillery is generally open daily, with visitor experiences running between approximately 11:30am and early evening (around 5:30pm–6:30pm depending on the day). Opening times may vary slightly between weekdays and weekends.

Is Holyrood Distillery family friendly?

Holyrood Distillery is family friendly in its visitor centre, bar and shop areas. However, distillery tours and tastings are intended for adult visitors, with alcohol sampling restricted to those aged 18 and over.

Is Holyrood Distillery accessible?

Holyrood Distillery is fully accessible in its main public areas, with lift access to upper floors and accessible toilets available. Most visitor spaces are step-free, making it suitable for wheelchair users.

Is parking available at Holyrood Distillery?

Holyrood Distillery does not offer public parking on site. Visitors are encouraged to use nearby public transport, walking routes or city centre parking facilities, as the distillery is located within central Edinburgh.

Does Holyrood Distillery have a café or shop?

Yes, Holyrood Distillery features a visitor bar and tasting space serving drinks, along with a dedicated shop offering gin, whisky, merchandise and exclusive releases. Guests can also enjoy a relaxed drink overlooking Holyrood Park.

Where is Holyrood Distillery located?

Holyrood Distillery is located at 19 St Leonard’s Lane in Edinburgh, just a short walk from the Royal Mile and Holyrood Park, making it one of Scotland’s most accessible urban distilleries.

Is Holyrood Distillery dog friendly?

Pets and animals are prohibited, with the exception of guide dogs, hearing or other registered assistance dogs.