Bravo, Whisky Shop! I have been timid about entering you, for I know about as much as a wicker platypus does about whisky. I don't drink, you see, and even when I did, whisky wasn't my tipple.
I came in here once before in search of some Caol Ila for my brother for Christmas, which he had specifically mentioned by name. I was too shy to say anything so I scootled around, nosing at the shelves, and being unable to see it (but seriously, there are SO MANY BOTTLES), I fled.
This time, however, I didn't have a name, just the vague notion that I wanted a Lowland whisky, ideally made near to Edinburgh, that wasn't too peaty, as a good luck gift for a friend who was leaving town. I braced myself, and stepped inside.
"Hello," I said, in the bracingly chipper manner of someone who has resolved to do something, a bit like people in films introduce themselves at AA. "My name is Cressida and I know nothing about whisky."
The chap (and I regret I didn't make a note of his name) didn't blink, and his friendly expression didn't waver. "Sure," he smiled. "What are you looking for?"
I told him my specification and right away he knew exactly what to recommend. He showed me a range of bottles and explained the differences in how they were made and the effect that it had on the flavour, and - this is the great bit - let me know the price of each. I hate it when you get the details and have to shiftily go "and... how much is that one? And that one?"
This was a chap who clearly knew his stuff, not just a bored employee bleeping bottles through the till to turn a buck. While we talked, I suddenly spotted a bottle of Caol Ila! Wow! I mentioned it to him and he explained that this one was the rare and pretty expensive 18-year version, and probably not what my brother had tried in Sandy Bell's. I had a look all the same (then hastily put it back when I saw the price).
So, in short - my misgivings about the location (bland Princes Mall) and the shop itself (chain) were allayed by this simple process: whisky specified, whiskies identified, whiskies explained, whisky selected, whisky purchased. No fuss, no judgement, and altogether a very happy experience with good conversation thrown in. Here's to you, Whisky Shop. I raise my apple juice to your good health. read more