Johnnie Walker Experience Edinburgh

What is the Johnnie Walker Experience?

The Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh will guide visitors through two centuries of Johnnie Walker whisky history in an immersive and sensory way. It’s due to open in the summer of 2021. It’s not a distillery, but is linked to distilleries around Scotland. It is set to be an integral part of Edinburgh’s and Scotland’s whisky tour and tourism experience.

What’s in the Johnnie Walker Experience?

It is aimed at whisky drinkers and non-whisky drinkers from around the world and is set to be a worldwide visitor attraction. The experience will lead visitors up over number of floors through themed areas. The promotional video suggests themes could include:

Four distilleries four corners

Four distilleries from four whisky making regions are a focus. The smokiness of Caol Ila (Islay), the floral nature of Glenkinchie (Lowland), the waxiness of Clynelish (Highland)  and the light grassy characteristics of Cardhu (Speyside).

The Art of Whisky Alchemy

A journey of discovery from Johnnie Walker’s roots in Kilmarnock to a worlwide whisky brand. What’s it like to be a Johnnie Walker whisky maker? Interactive displays tell the brand story.

Art of Whisky Making

Interactive displays using the senses to demonstrate the whisky making process including digital representations of cask charring. Learn about the importance of the cask in maturation and taste the results.

The Next Stride

The next stride brings everything together in the signature bar and retail experience. The rooftop bar has view across the city to Edinburgh Castle.

When does it open?

It’s due to open in summer 2021.

What type of tastings will there be?

It’s difficult to tell exactly what types of tastings there will be but possibilities include:

Cocktail tastings and perhaps cocktail making masterclasses
Vertical Tastings where some of the range can be tasted.
Luxury Tasting e.g. Johnnie Walker 18 year old, Johnnie Walker Ghost and Rare and John Walker