Johnnie Walker - Edinburgh, Scotland

I traveled well in 2023, with adventures in both Scotland and Egypt.

While in Scotland, my friend Krista and I visited the Johnnie Walker flagship store on Princes Street in Edinburgh. We took the Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavor  tour, and it was full of unexpected surprises. You don’t need to like—or even know anything about—whiskey to enjoy this interactive experience. It’s a deep dive into Scotland’s rich whisky history that employs all of your senses.

We had such a great time that after hiking Arthur's Seat the next day, we went back for the Whisky Makers’ Cellar experience. This one took us underground, into a cozy cellar, where we tasted four unique Scotch whiskies and then got to blend our own right there on the spot. I also got to draw and taste whisky straight from the barrel.

But the coolest part? Filling my own bottles of a seasonal blend that's only available at the Johnnie Walker Princes Street store. Since I was there in May, I had the chance to fill both a spring and a winter bottle. Each one was hand-numbered, labeled and recorded in the big book kept in the store listing each special bottle filled. With engraving available, I dedicated both bottles to Adam and his badge number. The spring bottle was for my new basement whiskey shelves, and the winter bottle went to Adam’s brother. I haven’t opened mine yet—and I’m not sure I ever will. It’s one of my most favorite bottles, full of meaning and memories.

I love the Johnnie Walker Striding Man logo. Even before I stepped foot in that store, “Keep Walking” was a phrase I used often in my writing. I still remind myself: every day is a journey. All we can do is take the next step.

Keep walking, my friends.

As they say in Scotland - Slàinte Mhath. Cheers!