Johnnie Walker, Edinburgh
If you have heard of any Scotch Whiskey, it's almost guaranteed it was about Johnnie Walker at some point. Some purists are against the 'blended' drink, but it is a consistent and enjoyable range of drinks (Ok, Red and Black can go hang, but the rest are good).In addition, they own a huge number of other distilleries, most are single cask, so stop getting yer kilt in a bunch, there is amazing drink for every tongue.
A distillery since 1820, they have a very rich tradition. This location in Edinburgh is their world HQ, and the home of many awesome experiences, a rooftop bar, branded items, and more whiskey than even I can drink. Just quite the place.
The Arrival - Walking down Princes Street
Deja Vu... wasn't I walking down Princes Street for another location here? Oh yeah, I was. It's a good street, and actually on level ground, which I appreciated too! Way west of the train station, the temple of drink stands on a street corner.The Store
All the drink and all the promotional items you can think of. I never imagined a smokey JW Blue scented hand lotion, but yep, there is that too. Also, rare whiskeys from dead distilleries, high end exclusives, and the items from many of the places they own.The Bar 1820
On the roof, there is 1820. The whiskey bar (and with food but I wasn't going to ruin my day with that!). Great views of the valley and the castle. Lots of great drinks. Cool place to waste time while you wait for your particular tour to start that you may have booked (You want to book option 1 or 3, they are really fun).Corporate Lobby
Ok, not just the lobby to the business, but also the gathering area for the various tours like the chocolate pairing tour, or... the cellar and mixing event.The Whiskey Makers Cellar
So, I was there, and I like blended, and they have a tour/class/event where you get to taste many, and determine a mix you might like. It's super interesting, fun, and very very drinky.Oh, also, apparently I was the only one who had signed up for it that evening, so it was only for ME!!!
After 8 shots of whiskey, I was absolutely knackered. I don't regret anything.
Various specials like JW Blue Unami (I was skeptical too, until I had some)
Fairly readily available scotch
More regular fare
More scotch precisely for tasting (and selling to you)
Show your love of John
From sophisticate to CHAV looks, they have it all
Oh there it is, that smokey hand lotion
I was looking for a way to take this home
Mmmm, Oban 18, the smooth of the smooth
Very much Johnnie walking at the entrance
Where you sign up for tours and things
A very visual representation of where all this boozey candy comes from
Entrance, down in the cellar, to the vault of gold
People to aspire to, yes the casks are full
And more full and rare casks, you can smell it in the air, for real"
My station for tonight's experiments
Things, whiskey and something I think
Here I am, myself, drawing whiskey from a 30 year old, no longer made, cask
After I had tasted many (omg, so so much), there were blends that had been made by the master blenders to match my choices
Many different types, based on what YOU like
And then I tasted it, and holy crap, I have never had anything so good
The current masters who made our blends
The notes I took while tasting, if you are interested in what Rob likes (and sending him some?) wait for the next slide
So, I like Coal Ila 2007, Roseisle, Mortlach, Port Dundas 2009 (no longer exists in the wild), and the blend for me is at the bottom
Summary
The chapel of Scotch (I don't like Macallans so bleh on you) that is a liver destroying but die happy kind of place.If you don't drink, don't bother. If you do, it's a sin you haven't already gone.