The Holyrood Distillery is the first malt distillery to open in Edinburgh in nearly 100 years and its founding comes amidst a truly exciting time for the whisky industry in Scotland. With an innovative and ambitious spirit sweeping the country buttressed by steadily growing global demand for the world’s most famous distillate, Scotch whisky has been reinvigorated by new start-ups and micro distillers placing the ancestral homeland of whisky back at the forefront of this global industry.

Founded by Canadians Rob & Kelly Carpenter and Scot David Robertson, it is in many ways remarkable that Holyrood is the first malt distillery for so long to make a home in Edinburgh (Glenkinchie is well out of town in Pencaitland and North British is single grain only). The city has a long and proud history of brewing and distilling (legal and otherwise) and the city’s natural underground water supply is known through history as “the Charmed Circle” for its purity and abundance.

The focus in this casks is the barley variety; distilled from a mash bill of 100% pure Golden Promise barley - the same type used in the distillation of The Macallan and Glengoyne single malts, and filled them into 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry hogsheads (in which Golden Promise has shown excellent success at both the aforementioned distilleries) of the highest possible quality.

Filled in April of this year, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow the development of a new distillery with one of their earliest distillations. Imagine having a cask of 2001 Port Charlotte bought for under £17 IB per bottle when casks now go for £60,000-plus! The one difference being that Port Charlotte is just a sub-brand from the Bruichladdich distillery which had been running for many years already; here we have a new distillery entirely founded with a commitment to making the best possible whisky in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

The focus in this casks is the barley variety; distilled from a mash bill of 100% pure Golden Promise barley - the same type used in the distillation of The Macallan and Glengoyne single malts, and filled them into 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry hogsheads (in which Golden Promise has shown excellent success at both the aforementioned distilleries) of the highest possible quality.

Filled in April of this year, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow the development of a new distillery with one of their earliest distillations. Imagine having a cask of 2001 Port Charlotte bought for under £17 IB per bottle when casks now go for £60,000-plus! The one difference is that Port Charlotte is just a sub-brand from the Bruichladdich distillery which had been running for many years already; here we have a new distillery entirely founded with a commitment to making the best possible whisky in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

Savour the magnificent Horst Sauer Escherndorfer Lump Riesling Spatlese Trocken 2004, an epitome of exceptional craftsmanship from Germany's renowned winery. Delicate and complex, this finely aged Riesling hails from the heart of Escherndorfer, an esteemed vineyard of Lump. The wine was carefully crafted using Spatlese, an intricate German viticulture involving late-harvested grapes that promise deeper hues and sublime balance. This darling of Horst Sauer, the iconic winemaker, embraces precision and tradition, yielding a trocken (dry) vintage with captivating aromas and a lingering finish. Notes of ripe apricot, honey, and soft spice interplay with an invigorating mineral backdrop. Its vibrant acidity is enthrallingly balanced against underlying sweetness, presenting a symphony of flavours. Art seamlessly meets dedication in Horst Sauer Escherndorfer Lump Riesling Spatlese Trocken 2004, a wine adored by connoisseurs worldwide.

The Horst Sauer Escherndorfer Lump Riesling TBA 2010 epitomises the pinnacle of Mosel viticulture. Crafted from meticulously handpicked Riesling grapes sourced from the esteemed Escherndorfer Lump vineyard, this vintage showcases Horst Sauer’s unwavering commitment to quality. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, ensuring perfect balance and concentration. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve the delicate floral and mineral characteristics, the wine undergoes extended ageing on lees, enhancing its complexity and texture. The 2010 vintage benefits from the unique slate soils of the region, imparting a distinctive minerality and vibrant acidity. On the palate, it reveals layers of citrus, ripe stone fruits, and subtle hints of petrol, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Bottled with precision, the Escherndorfer Lump Riesling TBA 2010 stands as a testament to Horst Sauer’s expertise and the exceptional terroir of the Mosel. Ideal for discerning collectors, this wine promises enduring grace and sophistication.

Discover the enchanting Hovel Oberemmeler Hutte Riesling Auslese 2005, a fine testament to Germany's rich viticultural heritage. Hailing from Saar, the Mosel sub-region renowned for its steep-vineyard Rieslings, this dessert wine boasts a purity and vitality unique to its terroir. The 2005 vintage was made from late harvest grapes handpicked from the Hütte vineyard, ensuring the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Hovel, a family-run estate since 1808, practises meticulous, low-intervention wine-making. The result? A Riesling Auslese offering captivating tropical fruit and honeyed aromas, balanced by electric acidity and a minerality that speaks true to its origin. A masterpiece of subtlety and complexity, this full-bodied wine presents an elegant palate, culminating in a lingering finish. The Hovel Oberemmeler Hutte Riesling Auslese 2005 exhibits German wine-making at its finest, a possession cherished by every serious wine connoisseur.

The Immich Batterieberg Riesling 2020 exemplifies the pinnacle of refined viticulture from the renowned Mosel region. Crafted by the esteemed Immich family, who have meticulously tended their vineyards for generations, this Riesling benefits from the slate-rich soils that impart its signature minerality. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo a gentle fermentation process in stainless steel tanks to preserve their delicate aromatics and vibrant acidity. On the nose, aromas of ripe peach, citrus zest, and subtle floral notes intertwine seamlessly with a crisp, elegant palate exhibiting flavours of green apple and a lingering mineral finish. The Immich Batterieberg Riesling 2020 is a testament to artisanal winemaking, offering unparalleled balance and complexity, making it a perfect companion for seafood, poultry, or fine cheeses.

Inchgower Speyside Single Malt 14YO NV is a distinguished expression from the renowned Inchgower Distillery, nestled in the heart of Speyside. Crafted with precision, this single malt undergoes a meticulous 14-year maturation in a combination of American oak and European sherry casks, which impart a harmonious balance of rich flavours and complexity. The pure spring water from Inchgower’s pristine sources, combined with traditional copper pot stills, ensures a smooth and refined spirit. Produced by a family-owned operation with a legacy of excellence, Inchgower Speyside Single Malt 14YO NV showcases elegant notes of orchard fruits, subtle spices, and a hint of vanilla, culminating in a long, satisfying finish. This exceptional single malt embodies the heritage and craftsmanship of Speyside, making it a prized selection for connoisseurs seeking quality and distinction in every sip.

Immerse yourself in the luxurious essence of J. Heinrich Alte Reben Blaufrankisch 2011, an elegantly curated Austrian red wine. Produced by one of Burgenland's top winemakers, J. Heinrich, this exceptional vintage was flawlessly created from the region’s indigenous Blaufränkisch grapes, harvested from 45-year-old vines, testifying to a deep connection to its terroir. This wine represents the cultivator's commitment to tradition married with modern winemaking techniques, skillfully crafted through sustainable practices. After the handpicked grape selection, the vinification process involves firm, gentle pressing and 18-month aging in new German oak barrels. This meticulous method imparts an alluring amalgamation of rich dark fruit flavours with undertones of spice and mineral hints. J. Heinrich Alte Reben Blaufrankisch 2011 embodies a velvety, full-bodied texture, backed by a perfectly balanced acidity that creates a memorable palate sensation. One sip and be transported to the picturesque slopes of Burgenland, with every bottle amplifying the elegant charisma of Austrian viticulture. A true gem for the discerning wine connoisseur.

Without a shadow of doubt, J. Heinrich Alte Reben Blaufrankisch 2017 is a remarkable expression of finesse and power from the heart of Mittelburgenland, Austria. This revered producer meticulously cultivates 100% Blaufrankisch grapes using sustainable practices to craft this outstanding vintage. Lovingly aged for 18 months in old oak barrels, it boasts a captivating complexity that reflects the elegance and richness of the terroir.

The J. Heinrich Alte Reben Blaufrankisch 2017 showcases an impressive depth of flavour, teeming with notes of ripe dark cherries and blackberries, underscored by undertones of dark chocolate and spice. Encased within its velvety tannins, a refreshing acidity builds to a lingering, sophisticated finish. It is a wine of an impeccable balance and a testament to the vintner Johanna Heinrich's dedication to creating world-class wines.

Decant this wine to allow the beautiful aromas to unfold fully, then savour the exquisite character of a true Austrian classic, the J. Heinrich Alte Reben Blaufrankisch 2017.

Hailing from the illustrious wine region of Burgenland, Austria, the J. Heinrich Elegy Burgenland 2017 is an exquisite blend of Blaufränkisch and Cabernet Sauvignon. A meticulous creation of the renowned vintner, Johann Heinrich, this refined red wine stands as a testament to his unparalleled expertise and innovative spirit.

Hand-harvested and attentively matured in 500-litre French oak barrels for 18 months, J. Heinrich Elegy Burgenland 2017 parades a complex structure of ripe fruit, spice and opulent tannins. It embodies a seamless fusion of tradition and modernity, mirroring its home—the terroir of Köpfwerk and Ungerberg.

The olfactory experience rewards the senses with nuanced aromas of dark berries, lavender and earthy undertones. Scintillating notes of plum, black cherry and savorous spice grace the palate, underlined by a robust and velvety finish. Enjoy the J. Heinrich Elegy Burgenland 2017, a luxuriant wine that engages the senses with the orchestral elegance of Austria's winemaking tradition.

Discover the exceptional Jean Stodden Krauterberg Spatburgunder Alte Reben GG 2021, a pinnacle expression of Pfalz’s renowned terroir. Crafted from meticulously selected Pinot Noir grapes sourced from ancient vines on the esteemed Krauterberg vineyard, this Grand Cru dry wine exemplifies Jean Stodden’s commitment to excellence. Hand-harvested and gently pressed, the grapes undergo a careful fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving their delicate aromatics and vibrant acidity. Matured in French oak barrels for 12 months, the wine develops a nuanced complexity with notes of ripe red berries, subtle earthiness, and elegant spice. Jean Stodden, a family-owned estate with decades of winemaking heritage, ensures each bottle reflects the unique characteristics of its vineyard site. The 2021 vintage showcases a harmonious balance between finesse and structure, offering a silky texture and a lingering finish. Ideal for discerning connoisseurs, this Spatburgunder is a testament to Jean Stodden’s artistry and dedication to producing fine wines.

Discover the exquisite Jean Stodden Krauterberg Spätburgunder Alte Reben GG 2022, a testament to meticulous craftsmanship from the esteemed Jean Stodden estate. Cultivated on the historic Krauterberg vineyard in Baden, this Spätburgunder is crafted from ancient vines, some exceeding 50 years, ensuring depth and complexity. Hand-harvested with precision, the grapes undergo gentle fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving their pure fruit essence. The wine is matured in French oak barrels for 12 months, imparting subtle tannins and a refined structure. On the palate, it reveals vibrant red berry flavours, intertwined with earthy undertones and a hint of spice, culminating in a silky, elegant finish. The Grosses Gewächs designation underscores its superior quality, making it a distinguished choice for fine wine enthusiasts. Perfectly balanced and expressive, Jean Stodden Krauterberg Spätburgunder Alte Reben GG 2022 exemplifies the pinnacle of German Pinot Noir excellence.