Holyrood Distillery – A Complete Travel Guide

Scotland is synonymous with whisky, and Edinburgh, its capital, holds a special place in the hearts of whisky lovers. Among its many distilleries, Holyrood Distillery stands out as a modern, experimental, and flavor-driven whisky producer.

Established in 2019, Holyrood Distillery is one of Edinburgh’s newest distilleries, yet it carries a deep respect for Scotland’s whisky heritage. Located near the historic Holyrood Park, this distillery has quickly become a must-visit destination for whisky enthusiasts and tourists alike.

This guide explores everything about Holyrood Distillery—from its history, whisky-making process, and ownership to visitor experiences, tour details, and fascinating industry stats.

1. The Importance of Whisky in Scotland: Key Stats

Before diving into Holyrood Distillery, let’s take a look at Scotland’s whisky industry:

• Scotland produces over 1.3 billion bottles of whisky annually.
• Whisky exports contribute £5.5 billion to the UK economy, making it one of the country’s top exports.
• There are over 140 whisky distilleries in Scotland, with Holyrood being a key player in Edinburgh’s whisky revival.

With these impressive numbers, it’s no surprise that Holyrood Distillery has become a major attraction in the capital.

2. History of Holyrood Distillery

Unlike many Scottish distilleries that have operated for centuries, Holyrood Distillery is a new-age player in the whisky industry. However, it still embraces tradition while pushing the boundaries of whisky-making.

How It Started

Holyrood Distillery was founded in 2019 with an investment of £6.7 million, spearheaded by:

• David Robertson – A former Macallan Master Distiller.
• Rob & Kelly Carpenter – Founders of the Canadian Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

The Location’s Significance

• Holyrood Distillery is housed in a 19th-century railway shed, blending historic charm with modern whisky-making.
• Edinburgh was once home to over 40 whisky distilleries, but by the 20th century, most had vanished. Holyrood marks a whisky-making revival after nearly 100 years.

3. Who Owns Holyrood Distillery?

Holyrood Distillery is privately owned and operates independently.

• It raised significant funds through crowdfunding, allowing whisky lovers worldwide to invest in its vision.
• This independence lets Holyrood experiment without corporate restrictions, making it one of Edinburgh’s most innovative distilleries.

4. Where Is Holyrood Distillery Located?

• 📍 Address: 19 St Leonard’s Ln, Edinburgh EH8 9SH, Scotland
• 🏰 Nearby Attractions: Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat, The Royal Mile, Scottish Parliament
• 🚗 Best Ways to Get There:
  • By foot – A short walk from Edinburgh’s city center.
  • By public transport – Buses and trams run nearby.
  • By chauffeur service – A comfortable, luxury way to visit multiple whisky sites.

5. Holyrood Distillery: Whisky & Spirits

Unlike traditional Scotch distilleries that stick to a fixed style, Holyrood Distillery is known for its experimental and innovative whisky production.

Whisky Production Stats & Approach

✔️ Produces around 100,000 liters of alcohol per year.
✔️ Uses up to 20 different yeast strains, far more than the standard distillery.
✔️ Fermentation lasts 72-120 hours, compared to the typical 48-hour process, creating richer flavors.
✔️ Experiments with barrel aging, using American oak, European oak, and non-traditional casks.

Whisky Varieties