Holyrood Distillery is not your typical whiskey distillery. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the first new whiskey distillery in the city in over a century is taking a fresh and innovative approach to whiskey making. While most distilleries focus solely on the distillation process, Holyrood is bridging the gap between brewing and whiskey making. By implementing brewing techniques in the making of their wash, Holyrood is pushing the boundaries of traditional whiskey production.
At the core of whiskey production lies the fermentation of grains to create wash, which is then distilled to create the final spirit. Holyrood, however, approaches this process with a unique perspective. By experimenting with heritage barley varieties, specialty malts, and different yeast strains normally used in brewing, Holyrood is exploring how these factors influence the flavor profile of their aged whiskey. This „test, learn, improve, repeat“ approach, as coined by Calum Rae, the distillery manager, reflects a commitment to innovation and creativity in the world of Scotch whiskey.
While Scotland has a rich history of whiskey production, Edinburgh’s brewing heritage provides Holyrood with a unique advantage. Situated in the „Charmed Circle“ of Edinburgh, once home to numerous breweries, Holyrood is rooted in a tradition of craftsmanship and experimentation. Drawing on his background in brewing, Rae has assembled a team of distillers with a passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities in whiskey making.
Looking Towards the Future
Despite being in the early stages of their journey, Holyrood has released two unique expressions, Arrival and Embra, showcasing the potential of their flavor experiments. With a vast database of different beer recipes, yeast strains, and cask types to draw from, Holyrood envisions a tasting room experience that mirrors the diversity and creativity found in craft breweries. By offering a rotating selection of limited-release drams, Holyrood aims to provide consumers with a multitude of flavor experiences, each showcasing the artistry and innovation of their distillation process.
Rae emphasizes that while Holyrood aims to maintain a consistent house character in their drams, the possibilities for flavor exploration are endless. By blending spirits from a variety of beer recipes, each fermented and aged uniquely, Holyrood has a wide palette of flavors to work with. This approach not only highlights the diversity within whiskey production but also pays homage to the rich traditions that have shaped the world of Scotch whiskey.
Holyrood Distillery’s pioneering approach to whiskey making represents a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. By incorporating brewing techniques and embracing a culture of experimentation, Holyrood is redefining the boundaries of whiskey production. As they continue to explore new flavors and push the limits of creativity, Holyrood is poised to leave a lasting mark on the world of Scotch whiskey, proving that there is always room for both new and old in the evolution of this timeless spirit.
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