Ambir is the latest single malt from Edinburgh-based distillery, Holyrood. It follows the company's sold-out inaugural whisky—the aptly named Arrival, launched in the fall of 2023—and its peated second release, Embra, which hit the market earlier last year.
Ambir embodies everything great about single malt whisky: it’s clean, elegant, balanced, deliciously malty, and undeniably comforting. And yet, it’s also unlike any other single malt Scotch you've ever encountered.
First and foremost, Ambir’s label carries no age statement. Since Holyrood was founded in 2019, the distillery’s young age plays a role in this decision. Its oldest whisky in maturation is just around six years old, so Holyrood can't compete with more established distilleries whose entry-level offerings are 10- or 12-year-old drams.
The truth, though, is that age simply doesn’t factor into the quality equation here. Distillery manager Calum Rae uses a variety of barrels—including first- and second-fill bourbon, Oloroso sherry butts, and hogsheads—that contribute to flavor. But Rae doesn’t rely on wood alone. He focuses on a distinctive blend of malts and an innovative approach to yeast and fermentation.
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Rae complements classic Scotch pot still distiller's malt with a selection of specialty malts, including chocolate malt, Highland peated, Vienna, caramalt, and crystal 240. All add overlapping layers of complexity to the aromatic profile and contribute to a rich, creamy texture.
The yeast strains are equally varied, including several familiar to brewers, such as S-04, US05, and tetley 70. Rae used the ingredients in varying quantities and combinations across multiple recipes and maturation barrels and only chose the final combination at the blending stage, eventually creating a one-of-a-kind whisky.
The nose opens with classic notes of green apple, vanilla, and gentle spice reminiscent of Speyside whisky, which adds freshness to underlying tones of caramel and fudge. That's complemented by subtle hints of toast, pencil shavings, custard cream, demerara sugar, and delicate touches of red fruits and berries.
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The palate is unexpectedly rich—much richer than the pale color might suggest. There’s a prominent malt quality to it, enhanced by flavors of ground coffee, chocolate, cacao beans, licorice, and bitter dark chocolate. The finish is delightfully biscuity and comforting, with notes of shortbread, caramel, and a whisper of salinity that brings freshness and balance to the overall profile.
The nuanced complexity of this whisky perfectly embodies Holyrood’s production philosophy. The distillery is driven by flavor research. This commitment was evident from day one, when Holyrood began releasing its series of new make spirits. These white spirits continue to provide a glimpse into Holyrood’s approach—often by highlighting specific malts or yeast types. But Ambir finally brings the concept full circle, translating Holyrood’s philosophy into a fully realized whisky.
“We were newcomers to the market, so the goal of our initial releases was to demonstrate what Holyrood is all about,” says Rae. “Ambir feels like a real milestone for us—the missing piece of the puzzle.”
Ambir offers drinkers the best glimpse into the future direction of Scotland’s craft distilling scene, so it’s certainly worth dropping the $100 it retails for in the US. As all of Holyrood releases, it’s limited in quantity, so once it’s gone, it’s gone. If you want to get your hands on a bottle, you'd better act fast. If you do miss out, though, don’t panic—chances are the next release will push the unexpected even further.
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