Holyrood Distillery

A modern spirit in historic Edinburgh 

Holyrood Distillery opened in 2019. The founders, Canadian couple Rob and Kelly Carpenter, and Scot David Robertson, aimed to create a modern distillery that reflects the dynamism of contemporary Edinburgh, combining its rich historical heritage with modern innovation and cultural vibrancy.  

Holyrood was one of the first distilleries to open in Edinburgh’s city centre in nearly 100 years. Inspired by Edinburgh’s distilling history, and never afraid to experiment, the distillery is dedicated to shaping the spirit of tomorrow. In its gin production, Holyrood incorporates locally foraged botanicals, reminiscent of how gin was made using indigenous herbs and plants in the past.  

The Holyrood team, self-proclaimed ‘geeks’ might be better called experts in their field, and it is that expertise that has won them thousands of fans from all around the world, especially in Edinburgh. The distillery itself caters to a diverse demographic of drinks lovers, offering whiskies, gins, and rums, avoiding a single house style to appeal to many.  

The mindset for its whisky ‘Ambir’ was to create a deliciously sticky and sweet single malt expression, using the team’s knowledge of speciality malts and yeasts. A harmonious balance of sweet malts, and fruity yeasts, wrapped in a blanket of warming, spicy vanilla from bourbon barrels. It was created for a whisky drinker who wants to try something different.  

Holyrood is one of the only rum makers in Edinburgh as well, offering varieties of their Elizabeth Yard rum including single cask and sherry cask. Their mission is to source rare and exciting rums from across the world and finish these in the finest casks.  

Many visitors to the distillery have never tried whisky before, so being able to try a variety under one roof allows a more balanced and exciting experience. 

[spokesperson] at Holyrood Distillery, commented:  

“Edinburgh shines through in many aspects of what our team does at Holyrood Distillery. Its whisky-making process is inspired by Edinburgh’s rich brewing history. It has adapted recipes for classic Edinburgh beers, like 80 Shilling and Black Cork, which were traditionally deep and malty flavour beers, as well as using a yeast strain originally sourced from the breweries in the city, in a number of its whisky recipes.  

“Our Height of Arrows Gin features beeswax from Edinburgh Honey Co., and the packaging and merchandise proudly declares ‘Made by Edinburgh’. As one of the first distilleries in central Edinburgh in nearly a century, we love to connect with locals and international visitors, offering experiences that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. 

“The team is massively inspired by the city’s culture and history, digging into the past and using that to inform what it does now, while also helping to chart the future. The distillery connects with the Lowland whisky tradition, known for lighter, triple-distilled whiskies. The city’s history as a place of enlightenment is something that continues to inspire the team and directly influences their thinking.  

When they’re not overseeing the distillery, the team can be found at one of Edinburgh’s many bars and eateries, including The Athletic Arms, also known as The Diggers for its huge selection of whiskies, or The Black Cat, Bow Bar or Cocktail Geeks.  

This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund