The Whisky Shop

I’m a whiskey novice, and I made the mistake of asking the assistant what the Japanese whiskeys were like. «Which one», he replied, «it’s a bit like asking what is whiskey like». I’ve rarely encountered such rude and condescending service.
They do seem to have a decent range. It has the atmosphere of an airport shop — all fancy sponsored displays and gleaming surfaces. There’s a much nicer shop on Bloomsbury St, so will go there for sure next time.

I agree with previous reviews about the staff. I visited a sister store in Oxford and really enjoyed my interaction with the staff there.
Overall, this is a great place to pick up a bottle or two of whisky. I love they have small sampler boxes so one pick up a variety to take home. They are easier to pack, less likely to break, and do not exceed the duty free restriction when returning home.

Really great to know that you have a place to go that a doesn’t just cater to the Talisker, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Glenmorangie crowds. There is so much more out there, all they need is a retail outlet… oh, hang on, yip, here we are.
A great selection here, you can even take a bottle of some great aged Whiskys home straight from the cask. They usually have 5 different ones at any one time and my current favourite is the 18 year old Macallan — get it while it’s on people!
I have 2 minor gripes however:
1. Whiskey shops in my opinion should be a little dark, be wood paneled, have a well used Chesterfield or wing-​back chair in them and be a little dusty. This place is almost clinical in its cleanliness and does lack a certain charm that helps people fall in love with an expensive bottle and the story around it.
2. The staff is equally characterless and cold for such a place. Don’t get me wrong, they have great knowledge and will tell you ‘the story’ when you approach them and ask. It just seems there is no attempt to sell you the culture and the history of Whisky, get excited about it guys, you’ll sell more and people will be back more often!
You’ll probably get the product you are looking for here, just don’t expect the passion.

For being a plain Jane unimaginative chain store, The Whisky Shop offers a stellar assortment of single malts from all around the world.
Whilst the décor heavily features dark warm wood and plenty of glass, the staff are certainly more wooden than warm. You’d find an equivalent reception at your garden variety offie.
If you’re seeking that hard-​to-​find dram that your corner store just doesn’t have, The Whisky Shop is likely to be able to sort you out. However, chances are you could obtain the same fine spirits at an independent retailer like Gerry’s or The Vintage House without hauling to St. Paul’s.