With restrictions all but lifted, events back on and tourists descending on the capital’s cobbled streets once more, it's the perfect time to check out Edinburgh's hottest new visitor attraction: Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
Cynics will perhaps argue that Edinburgh already boasted a dedicated hub to the nation’s favourite tipple - The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile - but, make no mistake: the eight floors of Johnnie Walker Princes Street offer something utterly unique.
First off, Diageo’s development team deserve considerable praise for their work in renovating the landmark former House of Fraser department store. This West End gem had been in dire need of a facelift for many years and now the grand old lady is looking better than ever.
The former store’s musical timepiece, a meeting point for generations of Edinburghers, is one of the key external features to have been fully restored, while the inside of the building has been completely transformed and resembles a boutique hotel.
Depending on your preference, there are four different tours to choose from. Seeing as I specialise in nostalgia here at Edinburgh Live, I opted for the Johnnie Walker History Adventure. Lasting approximately 1.5 hours, the tour is truly a five-star experience that I would highly recommend booking.
Entering via the ground floor, I was warmly greeted in the brightly-lit reception area, and was asked to take a short whisky profiling quiz.
A wristband was then issued to me, the colour of which was determined by the choices I made. This is a really fun way to find out which whisky flavour best suits your palate.
For the record, I opted for a tropical flavour and received a yellow band. Alternative flavours include spicy, creamy, fruity, fresh and smoky.
From here, I proceeded by elevator up a couple of levels into the heart of this shrine to Scotland’s best-known whisky brand to commence the tour and a fascinating chat with the on-site archivist for a personal viewing of rare and historic objects and documents relating to Johnnie Walker.
Diageo has gone to great lengths to celebrate Johnnie Walker’s origins and you’ll be amazed to see some of the rare items and genuine museum pieces that are on display, including an array of delightful, vintage ads and bottles and packaging from the earliest days of the world-famous whisky.
I was personally blown away by the immersive part of the tour in which a particularly charismatic and well-versed Johnnie Walker actor, all done up in the company’s signature top hat and tails, confidently strides and turns on a moving platform whilst relaying the company’s entire story. Thunderous audio and quite stunning visuals are cleverly-utilised to tell the tale of Johnnie Walker, from humble beginnings in 1820s Kilmarnock to eventually becoming the globally-recognised label that it is today.
My head now crammed full of Johnnie Walker knowledge, and having built up quite a thirst in the process, I was pleased to then be whisked through to the Grocer's Sensorium where an interactive blending station awaited - the business end of the tour.
Highball in hand, I proceeded to pour the blend I’d chosen at the start of the visit. Other samples were also on offer, with the opportunity to try out a multitude of different blends.
Given the context, it feels strange to admit that I’m not usually big on drinking whisky, but I very much enjoyed my tailored tipple.
I finished my visit to Johnnie Walker Princes Street with a delicious meal in what is, to my mind, quite easily one of the incredible dining spaces in the capital: the 1820 Rooftop Bar.
The vista of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street from here is truly epic and gave me a new found appreciation for my hometown. Add a wee dram of Johnnie Walker and you're in heaven.
Tickets for the Johnnie Walker History Adventure cost £50 per person and can be booked here.
