Fiancé and I did two tours at Johnny Walker Princes Street. You are greeted immediately on arrival by the enthusiastic staff whose are more than welcoming and happy to help you navigate your stay.
The first experience was the Journeu of Flavour. The entire thing was like being in Willy Wonkas Scotch Factory. It’s the closest I’ve felt to being a kid during Christmas again. The visual experience was second to none. We were able to pop aromatic bubbles of smoke to experience the types of flavours. We got to see some amazing artwork that depicted the landscapes around the various distilleries, plus so much more, including drinking! Our guide on the tour was Des, he was amazing, had great comedic timing and the entire group loved him, his passion and excitement on the tour was contagious, we were in very good hands. Part way through the tour, Thomas gave us an artistic performance of the history of Johnny walker, like Des, he was flawless, made the history incredibly fun while beautifully well made graphics and audio played. I especially loved the “walking man” he did on the conveyor belt. During this tour we got to create whiskey highballs that fit our personal flavour profiles, but at the end we were given the option to jump to other flavour profiles of our choosing.
After the tour ended, we were engaged by Chris in the gift shop, I told him about where we were from and some of the occasions I wanted to buy scotch to go home with, he was able to navigate around what the expected costs would be (to ship to Australia) as well as what we could only get here in Scotland and some of the rarer scotches that were lower in stock, the conversation left me with a concise list of beautiful scotches I could return home with to share with the people I love.
After this, we went with Patrick for the Johnnie and the Chocolatier experience, Patrick had seen us earlier in the evening and asked us how our experiences were so far, which was wonderful. We then went up to level 6 where the group was sat around 4 drams of various Blue Label scotches, all paired with various chocolate. As we went through the experience of enjoying the Scotch, chocolate and both together, Patrick as our story teller of the uniqueness of each scotch we were drinking and some history behind the chocolate maker. We even got to have a look at one of Johnnie Walkers original shopping lists from when he first started out. He was incredibly engaging and like meeting an old friend you hadn’t seen in a while. The other thing both experiences had the benefit of was that everyone was having fun, it made talking with other guests much easier as we all enjoyed the journos together.
All in all it was one of the best tours I’ve had, each of the staff clearly loved working there and Johnnie Walker has put in as equal effort to cultivate a team of amazing people that are Scotch enthusiasts as they do with making a world class whisky. Not only should you do these tours, I’d also recommend that you consider doing more and allowing for the time to be in Edinburgh on days various experiences are held. In all honesty, I could do the whole thing again today and have just as much fun as I...
Read moreAn Unforgettable Whisky Journey – Beyond Expectations!
Our visit to the Johnnie Walker Whisky Explorer Experience in Edinburgh was nothing short of exceptional. As whisky enthusiasts, we were excited to explore the rich history and flavors behind one of the world’s most iconic brands—but what we got was far more than just a standard tasting.
A Warm Welcome & Immersive Experience From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was inviting, blending modern elegance with deep whisky heritage. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience feel personal rather than just another tour. What stood out was his willingness to go beyond the basic itinerary—once we showed genuine interest and asked deeper questions, he took the time to show us exclusive rooms, rare collections, and even some of the most expensive whisky bottles in their collection.
The Whisky Tasting – A Sensory Journey We sampled a wide range of whiskies, each with distinct character and depth. The selection was well thought out, offering a progression from lighter, smoother blends to rich, smoky, and complex flavors. The tasting experience was interactive, allowing us to explore aromas, tasting notes, and even how different factors like aging and cask selection influence the final product.
One of the highlights was learning how personal taste preferences play a role in whisky appreciation—our guide tailored recommendations based on what we enjoyed most, making it feel like a bespoke experience.
Rare Whisky & Exclusive Access A major bonus was the unexpected deep dive into the most exclusive and expensive whisky bottles in their collection. Seeing these rare editions up close, learning about their history, and understanding what makes them so valuable was an unexpected treat. It wasn’t something offered upfront, but simply showing curiosity led to an experience beyond the standard tour.
Final Thoughts – Worth Every Moment! Whether you're a whisky connoisseur or just starting your journey, the Johnnie Walker Whisky Explorer Experience in Edinburgh is an absolute must. The combination of immersive storytelling, world-class whisky, and passionate guides makes it truly unforgettable. Our guide’s hospitality and willingness to go the extra mile made it one of the best whisky experiences we’ve had. Highly...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Johnny Walker tour, and it was nothing short of magical! From the moment we stepped inside, the staff greeted us with warmth and kindness, setting the stage for an enchanting adventure. Our guide, Blaine, was a true magician of storytelling—entertaining, fun, and full of captivating insights. He made the history of Johnny Walker come alive in a way that felt truly spellbinding.
The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the show that delves into the Johnny Walker legacy. This wasn’t just a history lesson; it was a beautifully crafted performance with magical elements that transported us through time. The way the story unfolded, with surprising twists and delightful moments of enchantment, left us all in awe. It was a mesmerizing experience that added a touch of wonder to the entire tour.
Whether you are a whiskey enthusiast or not, and whether you drink alcohol or not, I highly recommend the Johnny Walker tour. The included cocktails & mocktails was a delightful treat, making this an experience that everyone can enjoy. This tour stands out as the best museum experience of any aliment company I’ve ever visited.
The shop downstairs was like a magical marketplace, impeccably organized and inviting. The friendly staff there were more than happy to offer tastings of any bottles that piqued our curiosity. You could easily sample half the shop without any issues! The option to engrave your whiskey bottles is a charming touch, perfect for creating personalized, unforgettable gifts for friends or family members.
Throughout the tour, we got to sample a delightful array of whiskeys—though I found myself wishing for even more! Thankfully, the bar upstairs offers a chance to continue the tasting adventure. This tour is an experience I would definitely repeat with friends. I visited with my family this time, and I look forward to returning because it was such a magical, fun-filled journey. Highly...
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