THE HOLYROOD DISTILLERY
Region - Scotland
Holyrood Distillery opened with the aim of bringing single malt distilling back to Edinburgh after a century. The distillery is testament to Canadian Rob and Kelly Carpenter and Scot David Robertson’s shared love for the city and for Scotch Whisky. Rob and Kelly founded the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Robertson has 25 years’ experience in the industry.
Holyrood distillery launched in 2019 in a 180-year-old converted railway goods building. The magic happens on St Leonard’s Lane in Holyrood Park, widely considered the heart of Edinburgh’s distilling history. There, a team of 30 work together to create unique spirits that are young and vibrant, and inspired by the city.
2022 has been a big year for Holyrood Distillery. Besides picking up numerous awards for their products, they recently launched a cask programme to produce Heavily Peated and Lightly Peated distillates, and a Japanese Sake yeast New Make spirit.
HEIGHT OF ARROWS GIN
43% ABV — 700ml
A minimalist gin offering, Height of Arrows takes juniper and puts it centre stage, where it is ably supported by Isle of Sky Sea Salt and beeswax. Together they combine to add a full-bodied flavour to the gin. Salt gives it deeper flavour and beeswax, smooth texture.
This gin was created while the distillery was waiting for their first casks to mature. Inspired by how whiskey could be made with just a few ingredients, they decided to try the same with gin. The spirit gets its name from the literal translation of Àrd-Na-Said, the Gaelic name for Arthur’s Seat, the famous hill close to the distillery, which was the furthest distance a bow could be fired.
This expression was crowned Whiskey Exchange’s Gin of the Year 2022 and won a Bronze at the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2022.
Clean and bright, this spirit works well in a G&T or a classic gin cocktail, such as Martini, Gibson, or a Negroni.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, it is bright and piney, with some floral and citrus notes. On the palate, it is oily, with orange zest and lemon coating the mouth leading into woody black pepper and herbs. There is an underlying touch of sweetness. The finish is lingering, with peppery heat and some juniper.
HEIGHT OF ARROWS BRIGHT
48% — 700ml
This multi-shot gin is a juniper-forward expression of Holyrood Distillery’s award-winning Height of Arrows.
A multi-shot gin is a distilling technique that concentrates botanical flavour and retains essential oils, thus creating a bolder and brighter expression. This gin uses thrice the amount of juniper than the original.
It picked up a Silver at the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2022.
It is best had in a gimlet or paired with tonic water.
Tasting Notes: The gin is bold and juniper-forward on the nose, with some mild spice notes. In the mouth, it is sweet and smooth, and has a clean and dry finish.
HEIGHT OF ARROWS HEAVY
48% — 700ml
This is the bolder version of the original Height of Arrows. In this expression, juniper is roasted to reduce the sugar in it and extract more flavour. This robustness is balanced out with saltiness and some sugar, added Old Tom-style, after distillation.
The robust gin picked up a Bronze at the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2022.
It is best paired with grapefruit tonic or served in a classic gin cocktail.
Tasting Notes: There are notes of vanilla and citrus on the nose, and a touch of spices. The vanilla and spice notes are found on the palate too, and the finish is lingering, with prickly juniper.
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