Palace of Holyroodhouse Bottles Up History In Inaugural Gin Release

Scotland’s palace residence of the British monarch debuts a gin featuring herbs from a historical garden. (Photo: David Cheskin)

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, has entered the juniper spirit business with the release of its very own dry gin.

Simply dubbed The Palace of Holyroodhouse’s Dry Gin, the new offering boasts an infusion of hand-picked herbs from the Physic Garden. Mint and lemon thyme, sourced directly from the historic garden, are blended with juniper. As reported by the Scottish Field, the gin undergoes a 24-hour steeping process before distillation begins, reflecting the garden’s legacy of cultivating both medicinal and culinary herbs.

According to the brand, The Palace of Holyroodhouse’s Dry Gin is best served with Mediterranean or elderflower tonics, garnished with fresh mint and a sprig of thyme.

The floral design adorning the gin bottle draws inspiration from 17th-century Scottish textiles, reminiscent of the era’s popular Jacobean crewelwork embroidery. Per Scottish Field, these textiles were used on the bed in Mary, Queen of Scots’ Bedchamber at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Established in 1670 by physicians Sir Robert Sibbald and Sir Andrew Balfour, the Physic Garden provided Scotland’s pharmacists with vital ingredients and fostered botanical education. Visitors today can encounter a diverse array of plants, including fennel, lavender and lemon balm, alongside a meadow of wildflowers reminiscent of Holyrood Abbey’s 15th-century monastic gardens.

Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin, bottled at 40% ABV, is now available for purchase at the Royal Collection Trust shop in Edinburgh for £40.00 per 70-cl bottle. All proceeds contribute to the Royal Collection’s care, facilitating public access to Royal Residences, exhibitions, loans and educational initiatives.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. Located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, it serves as the principal residence of the British monarch when visiting Scotland. The palace has a rich history, dating back to the 16th century, and is closely associated with the history of the Scottish and British monarchies. It is often used for official ceremonies and events, and parts of it are open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its historic rooms and learn about its royal connections.

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