The Scotch Whisky Experience
It is no wonder that many visitors plan a trip to Scotland to find out more about whisky. Whisky lovers worldwide want to know how it's made, and learn about the diverse range of malts and blends from the Lowlands to the Islands, its history and cultural heritage. Their first stop in Edinburgh is likely to be the Scotch Whisky Experience just down from the Castle, a prime location on the Old Town tourist trail.
The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre was launched in July 1987 when 19 individual Scotch whisky companies jointly invested £2 million to purchase the former Castlehill School in order to create a permanent exhibition on the history and development of whisky. To celebrate its forthcoming 20th birthday, the Centre is spending £2 million to undertake a major upgrade and face lift to create a world class visitor attraction, now renamed the Scotch Whisky Experience. Its mission is "to inspire, enthuse and impassion our visitors about Scotch whisky in everything we do."
With a new state-of-the-art, glass and copper entrance hall, the word Experience is at the heart of the new branding. Visitors of all ages, including children, can enjoy an interactive Whisky Tour, presented in a choice of 10 languages, including Russian and Mandarin. The Whisky Experience tour features a film on whisky production, whisky tasting, and an audio-guided barrel ride through 300 years of whisky making, with evocative smells and sound effects to entice all the senses
The creation and success of the Scotch Whisky Experience has been due to the passion and enthusiasm of Managing Director, Alastair S McIntosh, who had the initial idea for the concept back in 1987. From the negotiation and purchase of Castlehill School, he has been personally involved in the development of this 5 star tourist attraction, now with a turnover of around £3 million. He has enjoyed a lifetime career working in the Scotch whisky industry, (MD of William Muir Ltd), quickly realising that Scottish tourism could be promoted through the world's love affair with whisky. McIntosh has played key roles in the Edinburgh & Lothians Tourist Board and the Scotch Whisky Tourism Initiative.
Just inside the entrance hall, the Whisky Shop sells around 350 different malt, blended and rare whiskies, and miniatures to decanters, as well as Scottish gifts - glassware, books, shortbread and confectionary. For those who take the tour, you will receive a £2 discount voucher to spend here.
Learning About Whisky
The Scotch Whisky Experience runs a professional Whisky Training School with classes aimed at people working in bars, restaurants and hotels as well as the whisky enthusiast. The day course includes training in every aspect of whisky from history and production to tasting and serving. After a written examination, successful graduates receive a Certificate of Expertise in the sale and service of whisky.
If you simply wish to learn to distinguish and appreciate the different flavours, scent. age and strength between whiskies, you can arrange a Tutored Tasting session for a small group of friends or colleagues. Test your sensory perception and "nose." These one hour, entertaining tastings can be arranged at the Centre, perhaps before or after dinner in Amber or in your own office or home. Learning about whisky can start with school children and private group tours can be arranged - although no whisky tasting is allowed for under 18s!
Scotland's First Whisky Restaurant
The attractive Amber Restaurant at Scotch Whisky Experience has proved very popular, promoting fine fresh food complemented by a choice of 270 whiskies, open for lunch every day and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday evening. Located next to the bar at the top of the building, the original stone walls and black and gold velvet fabrics add a smart appearance, casual by day, sophisticated by night. Good views from the high windows up and down Lawnmarket and Castlehill.
Experience an enticing menu - salmon, mussels, haggis, Buccleuch estate beef, venison, island cheeses, Perthshire raspberries - everything is Scottish. Whisky is used in selected dishes to add a subtle flavour such as a whisky peppercorn sauce served with the beef, Smoked salmon with Highland whisky dill dressing, and whisky and marmalade ice-cream. If you would prefer your whisky in a glass, then there are many whisky-free (and vegetarian) dishes and you can select a dram (or indeed a glass of wine), to accompany your meal. Expert advice from the whisky sommelier is on hand who will suggest a suitable dram per course, or why not start the meal with a Whisky cocktail aperitif with an imaginative choice concocted by the bar staff.
Amber Restaurant has won the highest accolade "gold award" from the Edinburgh Restaurateurs Association.