Overview: Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh introduces a limited edition single malt Scotch whisky named Smoulder, released on September 1st, 2026. The release features a unique mash bill and cask selection designed to highlight gentle, spicy smoke notes within an earthy profile. The product is positioned as a limited edition release with a retail price of £58.00.
The Full Story
The Edinburgh-based Holyrood Distillery has announced the launch of its latest limited release, said to bring the distillery’s flavour-first approach to whisky-making to life through a carefully curated selection of malt, yeast and casks not typically seen together in the whisky world. Holyrood Smoulder (47.1% ABV) is a single malt Scotch whisky produced using a mash bill of Heavy Peated Highland Peated Malt (75.73%), Scotch Pot Still Malt (17.42%), Plumage Archer (5.71%) and Brown Malt (1.14%). It was matured in a combination of first-fill Bourbon barrels, ex-Rum Barriques and Oloroso Octave casks.
The latest release takes inspiration from its main tasting note, gentle, spicy smoke, and brings it to life through Smoulder. It is a tongue-in-cheek play on the romance novel genre, featuring over-the-top tasting notes and playful artwork. Holyrood is not only looking to push the boundaries of whisky-making, but also to challenge the way whisky is talked about.
Production & Profile
The bottle label, designed by illustrator Jamie Edler, takes the smouldering character of the whisky and brings it to life through the passionate gazes shared between lovers, as commonly seen in classic romance novels. Holyrood Smoulder has been described as delivering an intoxicating earthiness that deliberately tantalises the tongue, deepening with every second. A slow build, the final seductive crescendo of smoky and deeply nutty flavours is said to be worth the wait.
What This Means
Calum Rae, Distillery Manager, commented on the launch regarding the philosophy behind the release. He stated, “At Holyrood, we take our whisky-making very seriously, but we also believe whisky can be fun and playful.” He continued, “We’ve taken inspiration from the main tasting note, which is a gentle, spicy smoke, and brought it to life through Smoulder. It is a tongue-in-cheek play on the romance novel genre, with over-the-top tasting notes and a bit of fun art.” Calum added that they want to challenge how whisky is talked about and hope people will love the taste and quirkiness of Smoulder as much as they do.
Consumer Takeaway
Holyrood Smoulder is now available from the distillery shop and selected specialist retailers, for a RRP of £58.00.
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