A TANTALISING first-glimpse has been revealed of a new whisky visitor experience that will open in Edinburgh in the summer of 2021.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street will feature rooftop bars, private dining areas, modern sensory tasting rooms, personalised tour and tasting and live performance areas.

The interior of the landmark building, which has been under meticulous transformation over the past 18 months, has been kept a closely-guarded secret until today, with the release of select design renderings that give a tantalising taste of what is to come.

The National: The 1820 Bar will offer views of the Edinburgh skylineThe 1820 Bar will offer views of the Edinburgh skyline

The 1820 bar will be a world class cocktail bar and outdoor terrace with breathtaking views of the Edinburgh skyline. It is described as the perfect location to enjoy a morning coffee, meals and refreshments throughout the day or a cocktail in the evening.

The National: The Explorers' Bothy will stock more than 150 rare and one-off whiskiesThe Explorers' Bothy will stock more than 150 rare and one-off whiskies

The Explorers’ Bothy is also at rooftop level and this whisky bar will stock over 150 rare bottles and one-of-a-kind cask editions. The space features a signature centrepiece sculpture and original artwork from Scottish landscape artist, Scott Naismith.

The Johnnie Walker Label Studio: This flexible performance space will host a variety of live events and performances, and will become a fixture in Edinbugh’s thriving cultural life.

The National: The Label Studio will have live events and performancesThe Label Studio will have live events and performances

Barbara Smith, managing director of Diageo’s Brand Homes across Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer people a first small taste of what is to come at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

“As well as building a whisky visitor experience like no other, we are also creating incredible hospitality and events spaces that will become a landmark destination for people from Edinburgh, Scotland and visitors from around the world.

"The images released today offer just a small preview glimpse of Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s eight-story attraction. Still to be revealed in the future are spaces for the participatory whisky tours and tastings that will immerse guests in the flavours and magic of Johnnie Walker and Scotch whisky."

The National:

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is designed in collaboration with world-renowned experience and production agency, BRC Imagination Arts, responsible for planning and designing some of the world’s most famous visitor attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse, NASA Kennedy Space Centre, Museum of Liverpool and Jameson Distillery Bow St.

It will tell the 200-year story of the world’s best selling scotch and the history of whisky and Scotland, through a multisensory and immersive visitor experience.

“We hope people will enjoy this glimpse into Johnnie Walker Princes Street,” added Barbara, “and be excited to see the incredible interiors for themselves when we open our doors in summer 2021. In the meantime, we’ll be sharing more exclusive news and updates as part of e-newsletter, which people can sign up to on our website, as we gear up for the grand opening.”