Discovering Embra

Last week, I was lucky enough to get invited to Holyrood Distillery’s exciting second single malt whisky launch - Embra. The distillery has already delighted with its Arrival – a tasty union of sweetness and spice, matured in Oloroso Butts, Pedro Ximénez Hogsheads, Bourbon Barrels and Rum Barriques. However, this time, we were set on a smoky adventure.

The evening started with a distillery tour guided by Calum Rae, the distillery manager himself. Calum’s enthusiasm and passion for his work were clearly visible and added bright colors to the tour.

The Holyrood Distillery was founded in 2019 by David Robertson, former master distiller at Macallan, and Rob Carpenter, a Canadian lawyer whose love for whisky led him to open a Canadian branch of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

The main idea was to create a new modern distillery that would reflect the experimental soul and dynamism of 21st-century Edinburgh, and it’s safe to say that the goal, indeed, had been achieved.

In October 2023, the distillery’s first single malt whisky launch, Arrival, was marked as one of the first single malt whiskies produced in Edinburgh in a century.

The evening continued with a scrumptious 6-course dining experience curated by the award-winning chef patron of Wedgwood, Paul Wedgwood.

It included a delicious whisky bone marrow crème brulee and a decadent chocolate and buckthorn coffee cake, which was a winner in my books.

The small plates of true culinary art paired wonderfully with a specially created cocktail menu, featuring new make spirits and, of course, the star of the event – Embra.

The striking name resonates with the city it was born in – Edinburgh. A quick Google search suggested that the Scottish capital used to be called Embra in the old days, but don’t quote me on that!

At first, I was a little bit worried about the peatiness of Embra as it’s not my favorite style, but I was surprised by how drinkable the spirit was! The distillery describes it as “a gateway to the world of peated whisky” and let me tell you, it is one of the most pleasant yet still complex smoky drams I’ve ever tried.

The light golden liquid was smooth with a hint of chocolate and sweet pears. My favorite part about it was a clear peppermint aftertaste, which reminded me of my favorite Pukka Triple Mint tea paired with a dollop of Manuka honey and a trace of sage smoke.

The evening ended with yummy homemade chocolate truffles and a tarot reading by the fabulous Mystika Glamoor. Whisky and tarot – quite a unique combo!

All in all, it was an affair to remember that taught me to welcome new experiences. Mind open. Judgment gone. It’s the only way to truly enjoy the nuanced complexities that a dram in front of me can offer.

I’m excited about Holyrood Disitllery’s new launches and grateful to be able to taste the history it’s been making. Budmo!

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