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[title]For all its huge international success, it doesn’t get more Scottish than Johnnie Walker whisky. The world’s leading blended whisky – as in, Johnnie Walker Red has been the most popular blended Scotch since the ’40s – has a must-visit immersive experience slap bang in the centre of Edinburgh. Johnnie Walker Princes Street is home to a lavish whisky experience that has played host to over a million visitors since opening its doors in September 2021.
The Johnnie Walker Experience is far more than just an opportunity to sample top-tier whiskies. It’s a hub for the type of theatrical whisky tasting that nobody should leave Scotland without visiting. Maybe you’re here on a full-on holiday and it’s exactly the sort of Scotch-based tourism you came to the country looking for specifically. Maybe you’re up for the Fringe and weren’t thinking of doing any ‘tourism’ but actually this fits in perfectly. Heck, maybe you’re a local who just hasn’t got around to it yet: it is, after all, a fairly new attraction.
Immerse yourself on the Journey of Flavour
Central to The Johnnie Walker Experience is the Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavour, an immersive theatrical experience that’s much more than just a tour. Beginning with a quiz to establish your flavour profile, over the course of 90 minutes you’ll receive three cocktails – or neat whisky if you want – that are matched to your tastes. Think you don’t like whisky? Well there’s going to be something here for you, and you owe it to yourself to discover what (and for non-drinkers there are taste-matched non-alcoholic options). That’s combined with a highly sensory journey through the 200-plus year history of Johnnie Walker, led by experts. And at £30 it’s cracking value. Really, no visit to Edinburgh is complete without it.
Taste a dram or four
If you want to do more of a traditional guided whisky tasting – you can do that too! There are all sorts of options, notably the 60-minute, £40 Whisky Explorers tutored tasting of single malts from across Scotland – including Cameronbridge, a whisky exclusive to Johnnie Walker Princes Street. The 90-minute, £95 Whisky Makers Cellar takes place in the underground cask cellar and will see you try four extremely premium whiskies straight from the barrel, and have a blend mixed for you before your very eyes.
Visit Edinburgh’s most stunning rooftop bar and restaurant
And then there’s the 1820 Rooftop Bar. Offering stunning views out to Edinburgh Castle, it’s a popular destination that offers high quality, locally sourced Scottish plates and an imaginative and lengthy drinks selection. Clearly whisky and whisky cocktails feature heavily, but whether you’re after a refreshing non-alcoholic serve or a beer, wine or other cocktail, they’ve got you covered.
All year round, but particularly in August, Edinburgh is a city that’s all things to all people. But don’t let the fact you’re up for the Fringe or the Tattoo mean you let the rest of Edinburgh pass you by. Check out The Johnnie Walker Experience, taste some whisky cocktails, and and enjoy the view from the 1820 Bar as the sun sets – it’ll all enrich your Edinburgh experience.
Book your whisky experience now at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Please drink responsibly. bedrinkaware.co.uk