From virtual tastings and Christmas parties, distillery tours, festive drinks and gift packs, and a bespoke cask programme, Holyrood Distillery is launching a series of festive options for whisky and gin lovers.
Those looking for alternative ways to come together for office or family and friends gatherings can enjoy a virtual tour of the distillery accompanied by a live online tasting – exploring the heritage and flavour of whisky and gin, and gaining a fascinating insight into the way they are produced at Holyrood. Guests will be sent whisky or gin tasting packs in advance so that they can enjoy these as they experience a tutored tasting with one of the distillery experts. These virtual tour and tastings can be booked exclusively for Christmas parties, and with a choice of add-ons such as a bespoke ‘pub’ quiz, or virtual stand-up comedy. Individuals, pairs and groups of all sizes from across the UK can take part in these ‘Christmas Nights Out, In’. Groups that include international participants can be arranged specially. Prices start at ￡55 for two people, and include a virtual tour of the distillery, live online tasting session, up to 40cl worth of different spirits to share, Glencairn tasting glasses, and a choice of gin or whisky.
The distillery’s spirits and gift shop doors are also open from Thursday to Sunday 12 – 6pm, stocking a beautifully displayed selection of whiskies, gins, liqueurs, gifts and even chocolates created especially for the distillery. The line up includes:
‧ Holyrood Gins are available in the following flavours: Pink Gin, Spiced Gin, Auld Tam, and Dry Gin. These are all available in 50cl bottles for ￡25.
The gins are also available as gift packs with complementary handmade gin liqueur chocolates and tasting glasses, or as a gift box containing 10cl bottles of all four gins.
‧ Holyrood Spirit Merchants Whisky range in the following flavour profiles: Spicy, Smoky, Sweet, and Fruity. All available in 70cl bottles for ￡39.50.
The whiskies are available as gift packs with handmade whisky barrel chocolates and tasting glasses, or as a gift box containing 10cl bottles of all four whiskies.
‧ Holyrood Gin Liqueurs are available in the following flavours: Rhubarb & Black Pepper, Blood Orange & Fennel, Apricot & Ginger, , and Raspberry & Lemon Gin Liqueur. These are all available in 50cl bottles for ￡18.50.
The gin liqueurs are available as a gift box containing 10cl bottles of all four liqueurs.
Vouchers that can be redeemed from January 2021 for products and tours are available with a special 20% off rate until 23rd December 2020.
These special gifts, drinks and vouchers (with the 20% seasonal discount) are also all available from the distillery’s online shop alongside smaller gifts and ‘Secret Santa’ options.
Restrictions permitting, it’s also possible to book in-person tours at the distillery, up to six people from two households. Giving visitors the chance to enjoy a more sensory experience and take in the sights, smells and tastes of the distillery; the tours include a flight of gin or whisky to try on the day (or to take away). Prices start at ￡28 per person and are available Thursday to Sunday 12 – 6pm on a pre-booked basis.
For whisky fans who are looking to get even more involved in this pioneering distillery’s whiskies, there’s a truly personalised opportunity to take part in the distillery’s cask programme and create whisky to your exact specifications. Working with the master distiller, you’d select the raw materials (the specific type of barley, yeast, etc.), shape your whisky with distillation cut points, and control the final flavour with the wooden cask of your choice. This level of control over your spirit is truly unique, with such bespoke options unavailable at other distilleries, providing an unrivalled opportunity to explore how the different elements of whisky-making affect the final spirit’s flavour. For a curious whisky fan, this is the ultimate opportunity to be a distiller for a day, and a whisky maker across the decade, as you watch your fledgling spirit develop into a mature single malt and decide when the time is right for bottling. With a limited run of casks, and virtual and physical options available, the cask programme options start at ￡4,950.
Head of Visitor Experience at Holyrood Distillery, Debs Newman said:
“We know lots of people are looking for alternative ways to celebrate Christmas this year and are keen to support independent producers. Our range of Christmas gifts, spirits and experiences offer innovative ways to treat your friends and family – or yourself – whilst shopping local. Our virtual experiences provide an ideal way to bring together teams, families and groups of friends from across the country for a unique and entertaining shared experience.”
The first single malt whisky distillery in Edinburgh for almost 100 years, the striking distillery is based on the edge of Holyrood Park on St Leonard’s Lane, where pre-booked tours are available and the spirits and gift shop is based. Unconstrained by tradition, Holyrood Distillery started distilling in September 2019 with a focus flavour and innovation. Located right in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic distilling district. With views over Holyrood Park, the 180-year-old building has been thoughtfully renovated to produce gin, liqueurs and of course, whisky. While cask ownership programmes are now available, the whisky itself will be available after a period of maturation in the coming years.
Find out more about the Holyrood Distillery at https://www.holyrooddistillery.co.uk/
Holyrood Distillery, 19 St Leonard’s Lane, Edinburgh EH8 9SH. 0131 285 8977
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