Canadian Couple to Open Single Malt Scotch Distillery in Edinburgh

– Founders of Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada Partner with Former Macallan Master Distiller-

There’s a fresh face coming to the world of Scotch with a special Canadian connection. Canadians Kelly and Rob Carpenter have partnered with former Macallan Master Distiller, David Robertson, to establish the first Scotch whisky distillery to come to Edinburgh in more than 90 years. Located in a 180 year-old historic railway building in the heart of city, Holyrood Distillery will aim to provide adventurous, flavour-driven whisky and a unique visitor experience.

The Carpenters have been at the forefront of the Scotch industry in Canada, founding the Canadian branch of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in 2011, which bottles and sells single-cask single malts to its members. For the Carpenters, Holyrood Distillery is an opportunity to get a step closer to the production and deepen their involvement in growing the single-malt Scotch industry.

“As longtime Scotch enthusiasts, being a part of Holyrood Distillery is a dream come true,” said Robert Carpenter, Managing Director, Holyrood Distillery. “Our mission has always been to introduce new flavour profiles with whisky and expand consumer knowledge and palates. Canadians have shown a growing interest in original, high quality single malts so we are particularly excited to have one of our first test markets be in our own backyard.”

“In the last 13-15 years, the demand for single-malt whiskies has grown significantly,” said Andrew Ferguson, Scotch whisky expert and owner of Kensington Wine Market in Calgary. “Much like the craft beer movement, distilleries today have to develop new products and styles to keep up with evolving consumer tastes. Holyrood Distillery will be addressing a clear gap in the current market by committing to producing bold and inventive spirits”

The distillery will produce single malt whisky as well as gin and select liqueurs using an innovative approach to ingredients, distilling processes and maturation techniques. Production of single malts will begin in late 2018, with the first bottles hitting shelves as early as 2021, while other spirits will be available as soon as the distillery opens. Eager whisky aficionados will be able to immerse themselves in the world of Holyrood much earlier, however, as the distillery will allow visitors to witness the process behind the product and enjoy local fares at an on-site bar and restaurant.

Holyrood Distillery recently launched a $7 million funding drive to raise capital to cover the costs of early start-up and production.