Edinburgh: Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour

Our review of the Holyrood Distillery’s Whisky & Gin Tour offers a detailed look at what visitors can expect from this popular experience in the heart of Edinburgh. While we haven’t personally tackled the tour, the feedback from hundreds of travelers paints a clear picture of a well-structured, informative, and fun outing that appeals to spirit enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s the fully guided experience that takes you through the process of making both gin and whisky, with plenty of opportunities to taste and learn. Second, the friendly, knowledgeable guides consistently earn praise for their engaging presentations and answers to questions. The only potential snag? The tour is in English only, which might be a consideration for non-English speakers.

This experience suits those who love craft spirits, enjoy learning about production methods, and prefer a relaxed, small-group atmosphere. If you’re after a taste of Edinburgh’s modern distilling scene, combined with a dose of spectacular views and insider info, this tour could be just right.

Key Points

• Authentic Insights: Learn how Edinburgh’s distilling heritage influences modern spirits.
• Tastings Included: Samples of award-winning gin and whisky, plus a welcome cocktail.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: See the copper stills, washbacks, and cask storage in action.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides make everything approachable and fun.
• Good Value: At $36, it offers a comprehensive look at spirits making with tastings included.
• Accessible: The tour lasts around an hour, is wheelchair accessible, and suitable for most travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Holyrood Distillery Experience

Location and Accessibility

Holyrood Distillery is conveniently situated in central Edinburgh, just a ten-minute walk from the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace. This central location makes it easy to include in a day of sightseeing. The tour begins at the distillery’s Lounge, where you’ll be greeted and given a brief introduction to Edinburgh’s brewing and distilling past. Arrive about 10 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.

The Tour Itinerary

The experience lasts about an hour, making it perfect for travelers with limited time but a curiosity for spirits. The tour is fully guided, with live commentary in English from staff who clearly love what they do.

First Stop: The Lounge
You start in the Lounge, where your guide introduces the distillery’s ethos—modern, experimental, and inspired by Edinburgh’s heritage. Here, you’ll sip on a seasonal cocktail, which sets the tone for the tasting journey ahead. Reviewers mention the warmth of the welcome and the engaging storytelling that makes the history accessible without feeling overwhelming — “highly recommend,” according to one.

Spirit Research and Creation
Next, you’ll visit the Spirits Lab and Gin Distillery, where the team experiments with flavor profiles using just three ingredients. Here, we loved the way the guide explained the thought process behind their award-winning Height of Arrows Gin. You get a sample of their classic gin, and learn how they apply their whisky-making principles to create innovative spirits. The laboratory setting adds a fun, science-meets-art vibe that appeals to those interested in the craft behind the drinks.

Whisky Production in Action
Moving into the whisky distillery area, you’ll see the copper stills bubbling away and the washbacks foaming—an authentic peek into the process. The guide highlights how Holyrood is different, using heritage malts, alternative yeasts, and other techniques to craft unique flavors. Several reviews highlight how interesting and easy to understand the explanation was, with one saying, “Beautifully explained the process of scotch making, history, and culture.”

The Cask Room
The tour concludes in the Cask Room, reminiscent of a traditional dunnage warehouse. Here, a guided tasting of the distillery’s single malt whisky takes place. You’ll learn how seasoned oak barrels from around the world influence flavor, and there’s often a chance to sample something special. Some reviews note that the guide busts myths about whisky aging and flavor development—adding educational value.

Tastings and Extras

Included are generous samples of the distillery’s award-winning gin and whisky, along with the welcome cocktail. Many reviewers appreciated the quality of the tastings, calling them “great,” “delicious,” and “well-paced.” After the tour, there’s usually the option to purchase bottles or fill your own, which adds a memorable souvenir aspect.

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Price and Value

At $36 per person, the tour offers what many would consider excellent value. For that price, you’re getting a comprehensive look at both gin and whisky production, tastings, and personal interaction with guides. The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable staff and well-thought-out presentation, making it clear that this is more than just a sell-out experience—it’s an educational and enjoyable activity for spirits fans and casual drinkers alike.

Group Size and Accessibility

The tour is designed for small groups, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed and allows ample opportunity for questions. It’s wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a wider range of travelers. The duration (about an hour) is just right for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips

• Arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in smoothly.
• Bring your passport or ID—necessary for age verification.
• Luggage or large bags are not permitted inside, so plan accordingly.
• Tours are only in English, which might be worth considering if language is a concern.
• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak travel times.

What Real Travelers Say

Across hundreds of reviews, the common themes are enthusiastic guides, good value, and stunning views. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable,” and others appreciated the mix of learning and tasting. Several noted the tour’s relaxed feel and the opportunity to ask questions freely.

A few reviews highlighted the engaging presentation style of guides like Dave, Connor, and Roy. Several visitors have expressed that they learned a lot about the process of distillation—some even calling it “a science lab,” which makes the experience memorable. The tastings, especially the whisky, are often described as “delicious,” “nice,” or “interesting,” reinforcing the value of the included samples.

Additional Experiences

Post-tour, many visitors take the opportunity to fill bottles or purchase souvenirs at the distillery shop. The option to customize your own bottle or take home a sample pack makes it a fun, tangible reminder of your Edinburgh visit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a lover of spirits or simply curious about what goes into your gin and whisky, this tour offers a friendly, accessible way to learn. It’s ideal for those who appreciate craft production and want a behind-the-scenes look at a growing, innovative distillery. It’s also a good choice for travelers who value quality tastings and expert guides.

Families with older children could enjoy the educational aspect, while the relaxed pace suits most travelers. However, if you’re after a more in-depth whisky tasting or a guided experience in multiple languages, you might want to explore other options.

The Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour offers a well-balanced blend of education, tasting, and entertainment, all set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s vibrant city center. For just $36, you gain access to expert guides, behind-the-scenes views of production, and samples of award-winning spirits—all in an accessible, friendly environment.

This tour is especially valuable for curious travelers who want to understand the craft of distilling without feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon. The emphasis on innovation and experimentation makes it a fresh take on the traditional spirit tour, perfect for those who appreciate the artistry behind their favorite drinks.

Overall, it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to add a local, authentic experience to their Edinburgh trip. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky connoisseur or just someone who enjoys a good gin and a story, this tour will likely leave you with both new knowledge and a few memorable tastes.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the tastings are part of the experience, the main focus is on learning about spirits production. Non-drinkers can still enjoy the guided explanations and the behind-the-scenes views.

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts around one hour, making it a manageable activity in a busy sightseeing day.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Holyrood Distillery, located in central Edinburgh, just a ten-minute walk from major landmarks like the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card for age verification. Large luggage or bags are not allowed inside the distillery.

Is the tour accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most travelers.

Can I book the tour now and pay later?
Absolutely. You can reserve your spot with the “Reserve & Pay Later” option and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Whether you’re in Edinburgh for a weekend or a longer stay, the Holyrood Distillery Whisky & Gin Tour offers a unique, authentic glimpse into Scotland’s spirits craftsmanship. It’s an experience that balances education, taste, and fun — perfect for adding a memorable flavor to your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: