Holyrood Distillery Embra
April 22, 2026
I think it’s important to be able to highlight the efforts of newer entrants into the field and so this is my opportunity to redirect the focus towards one of the the ones I’ve come to be impressed with. I’m talking about the Holyrood Embra, one of the first releases from the Holyrood Distillery, a Lowland whisky region distillery that’s located in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.
The distillery was started in 2019 as the first new distillery in Edinburgh in almost a century. The distillery name comes from the area at the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a neighborhood full of Scottish history as well as the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. I encourage anyone who’s interested, to explore more about the area online or, even better, go for a visit!
And, in case you’re curious, the name of the bottling, Embra, is derived from a way the locals often pronounce the name of their city. You know, when it makes more sense in conversation to shrink that four-syllable word down to two syllables.
And here’s a tiny bit of whisky trivia for you. The distillery is located near the foot of Arthur’s Seat on St. Leonard’s Lane in Edinburgh. And who was this St. Leonard? Turns out, among other things he was the patron saint of barrel makers! Now, I don’t think Holyrood actually has a cooperage on-site, but they use barrels and that gives it a nice little whisky production tie-in.
There were approximately 8000 bottles of the Embra released in 2024 and it is the only peated expression produced so far from the distillery. At the time of this review, the retail stocks were getting thin but it’s still available to those who are diligent hunters. This non-aged statement whisky was triple matured in first-fill bourbon casks, peated Islay quarter casks, and American New Oak casks, and bottled at 43.6 percent ABV. And, as a non-chill filtered, no added color whisky product, it earns the Whisky Zone Thumbs Up from me.
Visuals:
The color that’s visible in the glass is on the light side of the color scale, a very thin yellow with some amber hues. Maybe if you were in France drinking wine, and this whisky was in your glass instead, it might be mistaken for a chablis.
Nose:
Initially, I pick up a nice sense of vanilla, which is not surprising considering how much time was spent in American oak. Then there’s something butter-y there. I also get a smell that I can only describe as slightly antiseptic. There is also a fruity sensation. I get both strawberry and cherry notes. And finally, there’s a warming scent of banana bread.
Palate:
It’s interesting that the first thing I taste reminds me of a grape lollipop. There’s beautifully spicy Mexican chocolate. Then, as I fully expected, there’s the smoke. But it’s a light smoke, present more as an accent than something that’s overwhelming the rest of the flavors. I taste a bit more subtle sweetness, like caramel chews. Then my palate picks up a light licorice taste. And finally some black pepper sautéed in butter.
I will also say that my wife got eucalyptus, which I did not pick up, so there’s that.
At 43.6 percent ABV I like this just fine as is without adding water.
Finish:
I get a tinge of sugar on the lips and then inside the mouth, it’s very interesting. So many peated whiskies leave me with a full ashtray on my tongue but this one leans towards a subtle, tasty whiff of ash. There’s charred caramel and sweet earthiness, like lingering, buttered, sweet corn.
Rating:
Holyrood does not have a traditional, permanent core range of whiskies so, at the time of this review, they had stopped producing the Embra. It was a one-shot deal for them, as part of their plan to keep experimenting with flavors, using different malts and yeasts. But I think they scored big time with this one. I mention that because, foe me, this is a wonderful whisky to drink and to share with a wide group of friends! There’s just enough smoke to satisfy the peat lovers, but not enough to drive away the smoke-averse. It’s nice on the nose, nice on the palate, and not too bad on the wallet, either. I heartily encourage Holyrood to produce more smoky whiskies like this one and I encourage you to check it out. I’m giving the Holyrood Distillery Embra release, a 9 finger pour.
Age Statement: NAS
ABV: 43.6 %
Chill-filtered: No
E150a caramel coloring added: No
Average Price (700ml): £73 (UK)
