A Fusion of Gin and Storytelling: Distillery After Hours Review | Zoe Sievwright

Photo by Adam Wilson on Unsplash

‍ ★★★★★ ‍

If you are searching for a Fringe experience that brilliantly merges local history, fantastic spirits, and evocative storytelling, the Distillery After Hours tour at Holyrood Distillery is an absolute must-visit. Taking place in the shadowy atmosphere of late evening, this isn't your average factory walkthrough or quick tasting session. It is an immersive, sensory journey into the darker, grittier corners of Edinburgh’s past, paired with exceptional local gins and a delightfully hands-on approach. A five-star experience from start to finish, it stands out as an atmospheric highlight of the entire festival.

‍From the second you step inside the venue, the ambiance sets a captivating tone. The clever lighting and evocative setting make you feel as though you have been transported back in time, sitting inside an authentic Scottish bothy in Old Edinburgh. The sensory magic truly takes off when the tour guide invites everyone to smell various raw ingredients and whisky elements, encouraging the group to close their eyes and fully immerse themselves in the rustic, historic environment. It adds a whole new dimension to the tasting process, transforming simple sip-and-savor moments into a rich, multisensory story that keeps every guest engaged throughout the night.

‍The historical storytelling woven into the evening is fascinating, shedding fresh light on famous local legends. Even if you think you know Edinburgh’s history, the tour uncovers surprising details. While most locals and visitors have heard of the infamous body-snatchers Burke and Hare, learning the unsettling detail of how Hare ultimately walked free by betraying his partner adds a chilling twist to the narrative. Similarly, many know the famous Deacon Brodie’s pub, but discovering that Brodie was a respected cabinet maker who used his insider knowledge to rob his wealthy clients after fitting their homes gives a whole new context to the city's dark heritage. It is informative, dark, and utterly entertaining without ever feeling dry or academic.

To top it all off, the gins were top-tier, and getting to mix up cocktails made the evening feel wonderfully interactive and generous. Our wonderful tour guide, Holly, was the absolute heart of the experience—warm, incredibly knowledgeable, and a master at holding the audience's attention with her natural charm. Distillery After Hours is a brilliant, unique fusion of storytelling, hands-on mixology, and atmospheric history. It is a total triumph of a tour that leaves you thoroughly entertained, delightfully refreshed, and seeing Old Edinburgh in a whole new light.

Distillery After Hours was performed at Holyrood Distillery from 3-26 August as part of Edinburgh Fringe.

‍ ‍By Zoe Sievwright