Discover the Johnnie Walker Vault, a hidden whisky atelier in Edinburgh that redefines exclusivity with bespoke blends, rare casks, and creative collaborations.
For over 200 years, Johnnie Walker has shaped the world of Scotch whisky. Now, with the launch of Johnnie Walker Vault, the brand is taking its legacy in a new direction — one that blends history with personalisation, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
Tucked beneath Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh, the Vault is more than a whisky archive. Described as a hidden creative ‘atelier’, it holds 500 of the rarest aged and ‘ghost’ casks, personally curated by Dr Emma Walker, the brand’s Master Blender. These are drawn from over 30 distilleries, including stocks aged over 50 years and elusive old distillery stock from Port Ellen and Brora.
Interestingly, the whisky selection isn’t static; Dr Walker rotates and re-curates the Vault’s collection, ensuring that only the finest casks are featured at any given time.
The Private Blend: A whisky made just for you
For those seeking a whisky tailored to their taste, the Private Blend experience offers just that. In a one-on-one session with Dr Walker, guests will help shape a bespoke blend crafted from some of the world’s most exceptional whiskies.
The experience doesn’t come cheap — packages start at £50,000 — but extends well beyond the dram itself. Guests will get the full luxurious Scottish experience, which includes:
- VIP travel and hospitality
- A stay at the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire
- A private tour of the invite-only Diageo Archive
- Michelin-star dining with locally curated menus
- Scottish cultural experiences
At the end, the personalised whisky is presented in a handcrafted Baccarat crystal decanter, and its unique recipe is archived in the Vault for potential future commissions.
“Johnnie Walker Vault is our treasure trove,” says Dr Emma Walker. “It’s where I can curate and share our rarest Scotch whiskies and translate deeply personal stories into unique blends.”
A new direction for luxury
The Vault is Johnnie Walker’s latest effort at defining its place in whisky’s luxury landscape. “Building on over two centuries of craftsmanship, we’re transforming luxury spirits through elevated personalisation, unique experiences, and exceptional products,” explains Julie Bramham, Managing Director of Diageo Luxury Group.
Beyond bespoke blends, the Johnnie Walker Vault will also serve as a stage for creative collaborations. The first, launching in the spring of 2025, will see a renowned couture fashion designer co-create a limited-edition collection with Dr Walker. The project signals the Vault’s intent to merge whisky with other cultural disciplines, bringing a fresh lens to Scotch appreciation.
Further collaborations are expected in the coming years.
While whisky collecting has always catered towards exclusivity, the Johnnie Walker Vault adds a new dimension — blends designed to be owned and shaped by the drinker. Whether this model reshapes the high-end whisky market or remains a niche pursuit, this experience-driven Johnnie Walker Vault certainly challenges expectations of what luxury Scotch can be.
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