Holyrood Distillery is a modern distillery in the heart of historic Edinburgh, dedicated to shaping the spirit of tomorrow.
Inspired by its unique position in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Distillery has created a brand-new gin that is both rooted in and elevated by the City of Edinburgh and experimental whisky-making.
Launching in September 2021, Height Of Arrows is a gin that has been created with whisky in mind. Drawing on the idea that whisky’s myriad of flavours rely on a handful of ingredients, Height Of Arrows rejects the idea of numerous botanical additions.
Height of Arrows is gin stripped back to its core, juniper alone and juniper celebrated. The mouth feel evocative of a whisky experience is also achieved through beeswax and salt, lending layers of texture and full-bodied flavour to the gin.
The distillery’s imposing backdrop of Arthur’s Seat provides the inspiration for the gin, Height Of Arrows being the literal translation of Àrd-Na-Said, the Gaelic name for the mountain. Standing at 251m, the height of Arthur’s Seat is the furthest distance an archer could fire a bow.
Edinburgh is at the heart of Holyrood Distillery. The city’s unique identity, its contrasts, landscapes and its brewing past and distilling present, are all explored by the team through experimental methods and collaborative projects. Holyrood Distillery is in turn at the heart of Edinburgh’s discerning drinking scene.
Boasting its own outdoor courtyard bar, Height Of Arrows was served to locals throughout the summer, giving them the opportunity to exclusively try the gin before it was launched.
“In Height of Arrows, we have made a gin that is distilled from our DNA as whisky makers. In whisky making we work with simplicity. Barley, water and yeast,” Managing Director of Holyrood Distillery, Nick Ravenhall.
“We’ve taken this same mind set to Height of Arrows and created a complex gin born from juniper alone taking centre stage. Our hope is that gin fans will be thrilled to explore a new direction in modern gin; one that elevates today’s gin drinking experience.”
Tasting Notes
Nose: A balanced presentation of clean fresh pine & resin coupled with light citrus zest
Palate: Initially oily and mouth coating with juicy and rich orange zest and lemon pith then a bold
emergence of black pepper and cardamom, tempered with tapered herbaceous smoothness.
Finish: Long, smooth and dry finish with effervescent spicy notes
Serve: With Height Of Arrows, the drinker is invited to revisit the classics; The Martini, Gibson, Negroni and rediscover these timeless serves anew. Height of Arrows takes these recipes deeper into their classic space by minimising the ‘noise’ around the juniper and accentuating its power by delivering layer, texture and mouthfeel.
Sold in a 70cl bottle and priced at £34.95, Height Of Arrows is currently available to buy at Hard to Find Whisky and Royal Mile Whiskies but will also be available from Holyrood Distillery’s website from late September 2021.
