The award-winning Johnnie Walker Experience is launching a striking new whisky pop-up in Edinburgh. By Gareth Edwards

The latest addition to The Johnnie Walker Experience is set to bring whisky, cocktails and culture to the streets of Edinburgh in a new pop-up experience.

The former Hope Street police box, which sits just outside the hugely popular Princes Street destination, has been transformed into The Johnnie Walker Experience Booth.

The Booth will see the venue expanding beyond its walls for the first time. And the official launch will include a specially designed cocktail created by the team at the in-house 1820 Rooftop Bar, as well as live music organised by local independent record label Lost Map Records.

The Booth's bespoke exterior artwork has been created by acclaimed Scottish artist Gabriella Marcella, whose colourful works have captured the imagination in Glasgow Queen Street station and Inverness, and has been designed as a celebration of modern Scotland.

The Booth is the latest addition to The Johnnie Walker Experience, which holds titles as the World's Leading Spirit Tourism Experience and as one of Edinburgh’s top tourist landmarks for whisky lovers and novices alike since opening in 2021.

The decision to take over the former police box has allowed the team to create a pop-up spot where passersby will be treated to a taste of what they can expect inside the eight-floor immersive experience venue, just a few feet away.

It is planned for The Booth to host a programme of surprise tastings, live music and special events throughout the year, creating new reasons for locals and visitors to stop by.

The performances at The Booth are a signifier of a new path as The Johnnie Walker Experience expands its presence in the local music and culture scene. The 1820 Rooftop Bar has recently been host to regular DJ slots on Friday and Saturday evenings, with more expected to come from the bar which boasts one of the best views of Edinburgh.

For its launch on September 19 (1-4pm), the team from The 1820 Rooftop Bar, known for their experimental use of local ingredients, will give Edinburgh locals and tourists a chance to try one its newest cocktails and non-alcs, the Harbour Gimlet, as well as samples of Johnnie Walker drams and an exclusive offer for the retail store and 1820 Rooftop Bar.

The Harbour Gimlet is a light pink cocktail made up of Johnnie Walker Black Label, grocer's cordial, yellow pepper and lime zest. Its inspiration harks back to local trading ports where the world first discovered Scottish excellence, including the whisky produced by John Walker & Sons, which was recognised by a Royal Warrant from King George V in 1934.

Anastasia Graham, Head of The Johnnie Walker Experience, said: "We're delighted to officially launch The Johnnie Walker Booth and create another reason for locals and visitors to discover The Johnnie Walker Experience.

“Featuring striking artwork by acclaimed Scottish artist Gabriella Marcella, The Booth brings our experience beyond the walls of the building and into the heart of Edinburgh.

“We're kicking things off with an activation inspired by the recently relaunched 1820 Rooftop Bar, giving people the chance to sample our new Harbour Gimlet alongside Johnnie Walker whisky, while enjoying live performances from artists signed to Lost Map Records.

“Featuring striking artwork by acclaimed Scottish artist Gabriella Marcella, The Booth brings our experience beyond the walls of the building and into the heart of Edinburgh.

This is just the beginning. Throughout the year, we'll host a programme of tastings, live music and special events, giving people even more reasons to stop by and discover what's new at The Johnnie Walker Experience."

Anastasia Graham

Among the acts set to take part in the launch are Minneapolis-born singer-songwriter Faith Eliott whose richly imaginative music brings together contemporary folk, atmospheric electronics and poetic storytelling, Edinburgh poetic-psychedelic ensemble Acolyte, led by award-winning poet and performer Iona Lee, who blend spoken word with hypnotic bass loops, synths and percussion and Glasgow-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Isa Gordon who blends traditional Scottish songs with electronics, club music and experimental pop.

Johnny Lynch, who runs Lost Map Records, said: “We’re really chuffed to be part of the launch, and to bring a wee slice of Lost Map to The Johnnie Walker Experience. We’ve put together a brilliant line-up of artists from the label, mixing inventive and unique singer-songwriters with atmospheric and experimental electronica, psychedelia and spoken word.

“It feels particularly nice to showcase some of the amazing music and creativity happening here in Edinburgh, alongside Gabriella Marcella’s beautiful design work and everything The Johnnie Walker Experience's 1820 Rooftop Bar team are putting together for the day. It’ll be a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the city”

The Booth has been designed to give people a snapshot of the varied and exciting offering within The Johnnie Walker Experience. In addition to the 1820 Rooftop Bar, where guests’ expectations and understanding of whisky is challenged and deepened through cocktails, tastings and unusual pairings are also available throughout the building. Guests who step inside can discover everything from the Luxury Whisky & Chocolate Pairing where guests can enjoy a curated pairing of premium drams and locally sourced artisan chocolates, to The Signature Experience which alights the senses, taking guests on a trip through Johnnie Walker’s history and on an exploration of flavour.

Follow @TheJohnnieWalkerExperience on Instagram or find out more about The World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience at JohnnieWalkerExperience.com

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