Raise a glass as Johnnie Walker strides into a capital showcase
It was found in the tumblers of Sir Winston Churchill, Richard Nixon and even Harrison Ford’s character in Blade Runner.
Now, whisky brand Johnnie Walker has a new showcase in Edinburgh. The brand, which originated in Kilmarnock, opens a new visitor centre on Princes Street tomorrow as part of a £185 million investment in whisky tourism.
A Johnnie Walker flag was unveiled above the landmark 71,000sq ft centre which will employ 150 people.
Visitors will be able to enjoy two rooftop bars and a terrace with views of Edinburgh Castle. The centre is part of the largest single investment programme of its kind in Scotch whisky tourism.
“We’re thrilled to be opening the doors and helping to rebuild the tourism and hospitality industry after a very difficult 18 months,” Barbara Smith, managing director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
“The story of the world’s best-selling whisky has been brought to life with flair and imagination and we have built a team which includes some of the most talented individuals in their fields. We are ready to welcome visitors and begin telling the next chapter of how we are woven into the fabric of Scotland’s history and communities.”
In 2019, the Scotch Whisky industry attracted a record 2.16 million visitors.
The investment includes the transformation of distillery visitor experiences around Scotland, including Glenkinchie, Clynelish, Cardhu and Caol Ila – the Lowland, Highland, Speyside and Islay homes of Johnnie Walker.
Walker created his whisky in 1825 and it became popular following his death in 1857; since 1945 the Red Label has been the best-selling brand in the world.
Ivan Menezes, chief executive of Diageo, who own Johnnie Walker, said: “Last year Johnnie Walker celebrated 200 years since founder John Walker opened the doors to his small grocery store and today represents the next chapter of the incredible story.
“It celebrates Scotland’s remarkable heritage, our incredible skilled whiskymakers, and looks to the future by engaging new generations of consumers from around the world in the magic of Scotch whisky.”