Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, the Holyrood Distillery invites visitors to embark on a captivating journey through Scotland’s rich brewing and distilling legacy. This immersive one-hour guided tour offers a rare chance to explore the country’s first single malt whisky producer in nearly a century, unveiling the innovative techniques behind their unique flavor profiles. With a welcome cocktail, samples of gin and whisky, and insights into the distillery’s heritage malts, this experience promises to engage both enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Prepare to be transported, for there’s more to discover beyond the first sip.

Good To Know

• 1-hour guided tour of Holyrood Distillery, Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky producer in nearly a century, featuring tastings of gin, whisky, and a welcome cocktail.
• Explore Edinburgh’s brewing and distilling heritage, learn about innovative production methods, and discover unique flavor profiles in the Spirits Lab, Gin Distillery, and whisky distillery.
• Enjoy a tutored tasting in the Cask Room, highlighting the nuances of single malt whisky, and gain insight into the use of heritage malts, alternative yeasts, and signature flavors.
• Conveniently located in central Edinburgh, with a wheelchair-friendly facility and no translations or audio guides available, the tour immerses guests in the city’s distilling legacy.
• Tour is highly popular, with a 4.4/5 overall rating based on 607 reviews, and advance booking is recommended due to frequent sell-outs, with a "reserve now, pay later" option available.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Edinburgh Whisky & Gin Tour offers a captivating 1-hour guided exploration of Holyrood Distillery, the first single malt whisky producer in Edinburgh in nearly a century.

Priced from $36.11 per person, this tour promises an immersive experience, with highlights including a tasting of gin and whisky, a welcome cocktail, and access to the Spirits Lab, Gin Distillery, and whisky distillery floor.

Visitors will learn about Edinburgh’s brewing and distilling heritage while discovering the distillery’s innovative production methods and unique flavor profiles.

Reservations are highly recommended, as the tour is likely to sell out, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. A "reserve now, pay later" option provides added convenience.

Experience Highlights

Fully guided tours of the whisky and gin production areas offer visitors an immersive glimpse into Holyrood Distillery’s innovative approach to creating unique flavors.

The experience highlights include:

• Tasting a welcoming cocktail and samples of the distillery’s gin and whisky offerings
• Learning about Edinburgh’s rich brewing and distilling heritage from knowledgeable guides
• Exploring the Spirits Lab, Gin Distillery, and whisky distillery floor to understand the experimental production methods
• Discovering the distillery’s focus on heritage malts, alternative yeasts, and signature flavor profiles
• Visiting the Cask Room for a tutored tasting of the distillery’s single malt whiskies.

Distillery Features

Holyrood Distillery stands as the first single malt whisky producer in Edinburgh in nearly a century, breaking new ground with its modern and experimental approach.

The distillery’s focus on heritage and specialty malts, along with alternative yeasts, creates unique flavor profiles. Visitors can explore the Cask Room, where they’ll enjoy a tutored tasting of single malt whisky, delving into the nuances of this time-honored spirit.

At the heart of Holyrood’s innovative production methods are three key ingredients: water, barley, and yeast. This emphasis on quality and craftsmanship ensures a truly distinctive whisky and gin experience for all who step through the distillery’s doors.

Location and Accessibility

Located in the heart of central Edinburgh, Holyrood Distillery sits just a 10-minute walk away from the iconic Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace.

Easily accessible, the distillery recommends visitors arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled tour. The facility is wheelchair-friendly, ensuring an inclusive experience for all guests.

While tours are conducted in English only, the distillery doesn’t offer any translations or audio guides.

Visitors can expect to be immersed in the rich history and innovative spirit of Edinburgh’s brewing and distilling heritage during this captivating tour.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Visitors to the Edinburgh Whisky & Gin Tour have overwhelmingly praised the experience, with an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 607 reviews.

Reviewers were particularly impressed by the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who earned a remarkable 4.8/5 rating.

While the overall value for money was noted as excellent at 4.3/5, the service rating was slightly lower at 3/5.

Numerous positive reviews highlighted the authenticity and personal touch of the tour, with guests appreciating the opportunity to learn about Edinburgh’s rich brewing and distilling heritage.

With such glowing feedback, it’s no wonder this tour is proving increasingly popular and likely to sell out.

Booking and Availability

Given the popularity of the Edinburgh Whisky & Gin Tour, visitors would do well to book their spot in advance. The tour frequently sells out, so reserving early is essential.

Luckily, travelers have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later. Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, providing peace of mind.

To ensure a seamless experience, guests should plan to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. The tour is conducted exclusively in English, with no translations or audio guides available.

With its central location, the distillery is easily accessible, even for those with mobility challenges, as it’s wheelchair-friendly.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Holyrood Distillery tour offers visitors an immersive and engaging experience, guiding them through the production areas of both whisky and gin.

Guests learn about Edinburgh’s rich brewing and distilling heritage as they explore the modern facility. The tour highlights the distillery’s innovative approach, focusing on unique flavors created through specialty malts, alternative yeasts, and experimental techniques.

Visitors enjoy tastings of gin and whisky, as well as a welcome cocktail, while touring the Spirits Lab, Gin Distillery, and whisky distillery floor. The knowledgeable guides provide an authentic and personal touch, bringing the distillery’s heritage and craftsmanship to life.

The tour culminates in the Cask Room, where guests savor the nuances of single malt whisky.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’re some commonly asked questions about the Edinburgh Whisky & Gin Tour?

Visitors often want to know if they can sample the spirits during the tour. The answer is yes – the tour includes tastings of both gin and whisky, as well as a welcome cocktail.

Another common question is whether the tour is wheelchair accessible. The distillery is indeed fully wheelchair-friendly.

Some guests also inquire about tour duration; the guided experience lasts approximately one hour.

Lastly, many ask about the dress code – there’s no formal attire required, just comfortable clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour, but visitors are advised to check with the guide first. The distillery encourages capturing the experience, though some areas may have restrictions for safety or operational reasons.

Can Visitors Purchase Products at the Distillery?

Yes, visitors can purchase products at the distillery. The tour includes a visit to the on-site shop, where guests can browse and buy the distillery’s gin, whisky, and other souvenirs to take home.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is open to all ages, but visitors must be 18 or older to participate in the gin and whisky tastings. Children are welcome to join the tour and enjoy the educational aspects.

Is the Tour Suitable for Non-Drinkers or Children?

The tour is suitable for non-drinkers and children. It offers an engaging experience focused on the distillery’s history and production methods, with tastings optional. Younger visitors can participate in the tour without sampling the spirits.

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size, allowing individuals to experience the guided journey. Visitors can reserve their spot and enjoy the distillery’s offerings, whether as a solo adventurer or part of a larger group.

The Sum Up

The Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour offers a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s rich brewing and distilling heritage. Visitors savor a welcome cocktail, sample innovative gin and whisky, and gain insights into the distillery’s unique production techniques. Whether a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, this immersive experience promises an engaging and educational exploration of Scotland’s first single malt whisky producer in nearly a century.

You can check if your dates are available here: