Christmas gift guide for the whisky lover: Hand-picked ideas from Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Your personal shopper Isla suggests top gift ideas | Supplied

Let’s face it, Christmas shopping can be tricky: You definitely can have too many new jumpers, a jigsaw doesn’t always set the heather alight, and a book token, however welcome, isn’t going to make your heart sing on Christmas morning.

But whether you are hopeful recipient trying to plant last minute suggestions into Santa’s ear, or you’re trying to find a gift or experience that’s ‘dram fine’, there’s a one-stop-festive-shop in the heart of Edinburgh that could just be perfect cocktail for success.

To help you choose, we roped in Santa’s little helper, Isla McRae, retail supervisor at Johnnie Walker Princes Street and an expert on all things whisky, to give her best Christmas gift ideas of 2024.

As a Speyside girl, she and the colleagues bring their personal knowledge and years of retail experience in store to inspire your Christmas wish list.

Isla says making a special visit to Johnnie Walker Princes Street – which is an experience in itself – is well worth it, for expert knowledge, a warm welcome and down-to-earth advice without a hard sell: “There’s a huge variety of things, but the main thing is the personalisation. Everyone seems to have everything, but to get something a little bit unique makes it really worthwhile coming in.

“The team are so helpful and passionate about whisky and about helping people at this time of year; our team love to talk to people and guide you in the right direction as authentically as possible.”

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For an unforgettable day out

Edinburgh is the jewel in Scotland’s crown, and with its festive sparkle on it’s a delight. But whatever time of year you visit the 1820 Rooftop Bar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the stunning views out to the castle and Arthur’s Seat are a backdrop that’s built to wow. Pick up a cocktail or non-alcoholic serve, or enjoy a delicious meal from a menu packed with local produce.

The pairing made in heaven

Johnnie & The Chocolatier is a luxury whisky and artisanal pairing, and is one of Isla’s favourites - a feeling which has been shared by customers over the past three years.

Start your experience with a whisky highball, followed by four delicious Johnnie Walker drams, each perfectly paired with luxurious chocolate truffles crafted by Highland Chocolatier, Iain Burnett. A real treat!

Journey of Flavour

Hundreds of shoppers can’t be wrong, and Isla says the Journey of Flavour is always a winner for everyone no matter where they are on their whisky journey.

The award-winning venue’s signature experience is a show and tasting all in one, says Isla. It’s a great day out, and the cocktails, each based on guest’s flavour preferences make it a brilliant way for people who don’t think they're whisky fans, to explore the liquid and try something new.

For the novice whisky drinker

How often in life do people say they wish they loved whisky, or if only they knew enough about it to make the right choices? If you are buying a gift for an entry-level novice, Isla’s got some top tips.

“I always say to start with the Johnnie Walker range, because it is a blend, they are a little bit easier to drink, and tend to be smoother.

“Start with a lighter whisky, don’t go near smoky or spicy. Maybe something like Johnnie Walker Gold Label or the Johnnie Walker 18 year old. Both are very approachable with notes of honey and are a good starting point.

“John Walker and Sons Celebratory Blend is the closest thing to an original Johnnie Walker and is based on a Highland Blend. This homage to Johnnie Walker and its history is ideal for fans of the blend. It’s on sale for £56.

The venue also offers a personalisation service in-store, so if you’re looking to get a true one-off, Johnnie Walker Princes Street is the place to go.

Isla added: “By personalising a bottle, glass or hip-flask you can make a gift super sentimental and completely irreplaceable – you can’t get much better than that when gifting someone you love.”

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Rarity with an exotic twist

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet is available store and comes with its own puffer bag, designed by luxury ski-wear brand Perfect Moments. Isla recommends this as a top gift because of the rare drams which make up the blend, created by Diageo’s Master Blender, Emma Walker. £320.

Isla said: “It’s a version of Johnnie Walker Blue Label but is distinctive unto itself because it is made with barrels from the highest points of Scotland at the coldest times. It’s also got Brora in it which is very, very rare.

“What’s really cool is there’s so many different ways to taste it. If drinking it chilled, it’s recommended to be served at 5 degrees to conjure up a nice spice with dried fruit notes. Meanwhile, just as delicious at room temperature, the liquid’s smooth mouthfeel is highlighted, just like a classic Blue Label, but with an added kick.

“Another of my top recommendations would be a special single malt, Roseisle Origami Kite II. It’s more nutty, and is ideal for someone who knows their whiskies and is looking for something rare and a bit different.” It’s on sale for £150.

Gift ideas?

Working in a busy retail shop could leave you jaded, but Isla still has plenty of gift ideas she would love herself, and recommends to others: “The seasonal blend is exclusive and warming for autumn and winter with spicy and smoky. You don’t taste it the same way twice - it’s a different experience every time. I don’t think you would ever get bored of it, and it’s exclusive, so makes a nice gift.” It’s on sale for £100.

She also loves the 21-year-old Mortlach, a more expensive and indulgent gift but Isla describes it as “unbelievable”, or the super exclusive Bicentenary Blend, which she says is “a very elegant, smooth whisky”

Every year, Isla is sure to pick up her dad one of the Johnnie Walker Princes Street beanies – you can’t beat tradition. She said, “The fashion items at Johnnie Walker Princes Street are great, I don’t miss a Christmas without giving these out to family and friends – the quality is top notch, and a warm winter scarf or hat never go a miss here in Scotland!”

“Another one I always recommend is the gift voucher. I love a gift voucher, it’s a great one if you just can’t pick from all the amazing options on offer.”

For a last minute stocking filler

Johnnie Walker Princes Street has welcomed over one million guests since it opened in 2021, and has been on a mission to make whisky more accessible to everyone. So, it’s not all about the rare and exceptional whiskies available.

If you’re looking for a stocking filler or a gift for the person who has just started out on their whisky journey, Isla has you covered with her top picks:

- Johnnie Walker Princes Street Old Fashioned glass – only £10 and can be engraved for just £5, making it a great personalised gift

- Multi-taster kit - a great gift for anyone starting to explore whisky. This gift gives them a chance to taste some fantastic drams, including Johnnie Walker Black Label, Johnnie Walker Gold, Johnnie Walker Double Black and Johnnie Walker 18. £25

- Keep ‘em sweet and pair the multi-taster kit with the chocolates from The Highland Chocolatier. This box of artisan chocolates includes a selection of hand-made chocolates, the perfect Christmas combo for just £19.

- The handiest gift for any whisky fan - the Johnnie Walker Princes Street hip flask is one which always goes down well and is a great keepsake - £30

Discover even more to love here.

DrinkiQ.com drink responsibly. For the facts DrinkAware.co.uk