My Honest Review of the Holyrood Distillery Gin Tasting Experience 2025

You know, Edinburgh is a city with a very long list of amazing things to see, right? Sometimes, you feel like you’ve seen every castle and walked every cobblestone street. I was honestly looking for something a bit different, a kind of activity that felt more hands-on and, frankly, a bit more grown-up. As a matter of fact, I found myself walking in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat when I saw it: the Holyrood Distillery. It just sort of called to me, promising a pretty interesting afternoon away from the usual tourist spots. So, I went online and booked their ‘Gin Tasting and Cocktail Making Experience’ for the very next day, feeling just a little bit of excitement for what was in store. Basically, I had no idea what to expect, but I was definitely ready for a change of pace.

First Impressions: Arriving at the Distillery

So, the next day, I showed up a few minutes early for my scheduled time slot. The building itself is quite something; it’s an old railway goods shed that has been given a really modern makeover, you know? It’s almost got this cool industrial vibe on the outside, but then you step inside and it’s something else entirely. The first thing that really hits you is the smell, which is honestly a wonderful mix of something sweet, something spicy, and that clean scent of alcohol being made. The atmosphere was incredibly warm and welcoming, just a little different from some other tours I’ve been on. Staff were buzzing about, and you could hear the distant, happy sound of glasses clinking and people laughing, which frankly put me at ease right away. The check-in was incredibly straightforward; the person at the desk was clearly happy to be there and got me sorted out in no time at all. In short, the whole place just had a really good energy about it from the moment I walked through the door.

The Gin Tasting: A Guided Sip Through Holyrood’s Best

After a quick look around the shop, our group was led upstairs to a room that was basically set up for the tasting. We each had a spot at a long table with three glasses, a bottle of tonic, a glass of water, and a little pot of botanicals, which was a nice touch. Our guide, a friendly chap named Ewan, was clearly very passionate about gin. He didn’t just read from a script; he actually had great stories about how the distillery got started and the thinking behind their spirits. For example, he explained that they create gins that reflect the city itself – its history and its personality. The first gin we tried was their classic ‘Height of Arrows,’ which was seriously a beautiful, straightforward spirit. It was very juniper-forward, just how you might like your gin to be. Next up was a gin with a very different character, one made with local botanicals like heather and pink peppercorn that gave it a slightly spicy, floral feel. To be honest, this one was my personal favorite of the bunch. The final tasting was a fruit-forward gin, more or less a nod to their ‘new make’ spirit program, and it was pretty much a party in a glass. Ewan showed us how to properly taste them—first neat to get the full profile, then with a little tonic to see how the flavors opened up. It was all very relaxed and you felt like you could really ask any question that popped into your head.

Getting Hands-On: The Cocktail Making Session

Now, this was the part I was really looking forward to. After the tasting, we moved over to these individual cocktail-making stations that were set up just for us. Each station was frankly like a bartender’s dream, kitted out with a shaker, a strainer, a jigger for measuring, and a collection of fresh ingredients. We’re talking freshly squeezed citrus juices, homemade syrups, and little pots of herbs for garnish. The idea, basically, was for us to create our very own ‘Southside Fizz’ using the gin we’d just been tasting. Ewan, of course, gave us a demonstration first, making it look incredibly easy with a bit of flair and a few good jokes. Then it was our turn to give it a go. I mean, there’s just something incredibly satisfying about measuring out the gin, adding the lime and the mint-infused syrup, and then giving it a really good shake. I will be honest, I almost spilled half of mine trying to look as cool as he did, but at the end of the day, it was all part of the fun. We strained our creations into a tall glass filled with ice, topped it with soda water, and then came the best part—the taste test. I must say, the cocktail I made was absolutely delicious, really fresh and perfectly balanced. It was seriously a great feeling to sip on something that you had made with your own two hands.

Was It Good Value? What You Really Get for Your Money

Okay, let’s talk about the practical stuff, you know? Was this whole experience worth the price of admission? In short, my answer is a definite yes. When you break it down, you actually get a lot packed into the 90-minute session. You get a little bit of a story about the distillery’s unique place in Edinburgh. You get a fully guided tasting of three pretty generous samples of their premium gins, which on their own would cost a fair bit at a bar. Then, you literally get a hands-on class where you learn to make, and then drink, a full-sized, high-quality cocktail. On top of all that, you get a small discount on any bottles you might want to buy in their shop afterwards, which is a nice little bonus. In that case, when you compare it to the cost of just buying three gins and a cocktail in a city center bar, the value is quite obvious. Honestly, you’re not just paying for drinks; you’re paying for a really entertaining, educational, and memorable afternoon activity. For a solo traveler like me, or for couples or a group of friends, it’s pretty much a fantastic way to spend a part of your day in Edinburgh.

Final Thoughts and My Top Recommendations

At the end of the day, the Holyrood Distillery Gin Tasting and Cocktail Making Experience was a real highlight of my trip to Edinburgh. It’s so much more than just a standard distillery tour; it’s genuinely interactive and fun from start to finish. You walk away not only with a lovely gin buzz but also with a new appreciation for the spirit and a new skill, sort of. The experience is probably perfect for a wide range of people. If you’re a hardcore gin lover, you’ll obviously appreciate the quality of the spirits and the background information. If you’re a complete beginner, it’s an incredibly welcoming and non-intimidating way to learn a little more. And if you’re just looking for a fun and different activity with friends or a partner, well, it’s honestly hard to beat. The staff’s passion is infectious, the setting is beautiful, and frankly, the drinks are top-notch. I left with a big smile on my face and a bottle of their heather and pink peppercorn gin in my bag.

“I went in expecting a simple tasting, but I actually left with a new favorite gin and the confidence to make a killer cocktail at home. It’s pretty much an experience that gives back, you know?”

• The experience is very interactive: This isn’t just a lecture; you’re actively tasting and making things, which is just great.
• You get excellent value: Honestly, for the price, the number of drinks and the quality of the session are really impressive.
• It’s perfect for all knowledge levels: Whether you’re a gin expert or a total newbie, the guides make it very accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
• You get to make your own cocktail: Seriously, this hands-on part is the highlight and makes the experience very memorable.
• The location is very convenient: It’s right in the heart of the city, so it’s super easy to get to.

Read our full review: [Holyrood Distillery Gin Tasting and Cocktail Making Experience Full Review and Details]

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