Holyrood Distillery Ambir

 

 

 

49;8°

Distillery : Holyrood Distillery - Lowlands

Ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original bottling

Core Range 

Single Malt

Launched in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

The Holyrood distillery was born in 2019. It is located in the very heart of Edinburgh, close to the city centre, so it is easy to find. It produces gin, vodka, rum and whisky. After a first limited edition called Arrival, which was the first Single Malt produced in the city itself for nearly a hundred years, two expressions were born this year. This one is the more common, unpeated, and aged for 3 to 5 years in Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. It aims to bring out the fruity character of the distillery. Ambir means ‘amber’ in Gaelic.

Let's Taste It : 

Malty hints, a red cherry, pearlescent with chocolate. Like the Mon Chéri brand. Gooseberries, raspberries, but still light. Creamy fudge, shortbread biscuits, buttered rusks, Swedish bread. A drizzle of caramelised vanilla. A few drops of lemon. On the palate, it's solid, with fairly strong vegetal notes, softened by molasses and melting chocolate. Pepper on the tip of the tongue, then an honest, relatively long finish, with orchard fruits, juicy pears, muscat grapes.

In Short, 

There are some qualities here, the palate and finish hold their own. On the other hand, I found the nose a little shy, the Oloroso Sherry not asserting itself enough for my taste, and the Bourbon struggling to bring out the fruit. I found it more vegetal than fruity. It's quite good nonetheless, given its very young age. A few more years will do it good. 

Score : 84

                                                    To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

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