Edinburgh’s experimental whisky producer Holyrood Distillery has completed its pioneering ‘Founding Series’ with the launch of Pitch, a single malt that challenges conventional whisky-making traditions through yeast selection.
Holyrood Distillery Founding Series ‘Pitch’
According to Holyrood’s Distillery Manager Calum Rae, the name “Pitch” references the process of adding yeast to wort to initiate fermentation, a crucial step in their flavour-focused approach.
“At Holyrood, it’s our goal to continue to push the boundaries of traditional whisky making,” said Rae. “While others tend to use more traditional yeasts and malts, we like to do something a little bit different. With Pitch, think chocolate and hazelnuts from the malt, with the yeast specially selected to boost those chocolatey flavours. The chocolatey spirit is then matured in Oloroso casks dialling up nutty notes. It’s like being chased by a fruit and nut bar determined to give you a giant hug.”
The distillery collaborated with artist Grace Leaney, whose striking ‘lino-cut’ label designs draw inspiration from St Leonard, the patron saint of barrel makers and coopers – a fitting connection as Holyrood Distillery is situated on St Leonards Lane in Edinburgh. The vibrant packaging echoes craft brewery aesthetics, reflecting the cross-industry influences that inform Holyrood’s approach to whisky production.
Pricing & Availability
Pitch is priced at £64 and will be available directly from Holyrood’s website, their Edinburgh distillery shop, and selected specialist whisky retailers across the UK. This release completes the distillery’s statement of intent through its Founding Series, establishing Holyrood as an innovative force in Scotland’s evolving whisky landscape.
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