Holyrood Distillery: Revolutionizing Whiskey Making

When we think of whiskey, we often associate it with a long history of tradition and craftsmanship. However, Holyrood Distillery is challenging this notion by bringing a fresh and innovative approach to whiskey making. While many distilleries focus on the distillation process itself, Holyrood is taking a step back and looking at the foundation of whiskey – distilled beer.

Holyrood Distillery is blurring the lines between brewing and distilling by approaching washmaking with the same attention to detail as brewers approach beermaking. By experimenting with different grains, yeast strains, and malt varieties, Holyrood is pioneering a new way to create unique and flavorful whiskeys. This approach is reminiscent of craft breweries, where experimentation and creativity are encouraged.

Located in Edinburgh, the heartland of malt whiskey and with a rich brewing history, Holyrood is perfectly situated to marry the traditions of beermaking and whiskeymaking. The distillery is surrounded by a rich brewing heritage, with underground wells supplying water ideal for brewing. This unique combination of location and expertise allows Holyrood to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey making.

While Holyrood has only released two expressions so far, the distillery has a vast database of flavor experiments waiting to be explored. With a minimum aging requirement of three years for Scotch whiskey, Holyrood is playing the long game, patiently waiting for their creations to reach maturation. The distillery’s tasting room, inspired by craft beer taprooms, will offer a wide range of limited-release drams for visitors to sample and enjoy.

Holyrood Distillery is paving the way for a new era of whiskey making, where creativity, innovation, and experimentation are at the forefront. By embracing the principles of craft brewing and applying them to distillation, Holyrood is challenging the status quo and redefining what it means to create a truly exceptional whiskey. As Calum Rae, the distillery manager, aptly puts it, “There’s room for both new and old in the world of whiskey.” Holyrood is proving that whiskey making is an art form that can evolve and adapt to meet the changing tastes of consumers.