U.K. and Ireland - Scotch whiskey in London

my brother in law is a scotch afficianado, although not an "expert". We are in London for a few days in August and I was wondering if there are any "go to" places to sample, learn, enjoy or buy scotch. Crazy out of the way stores, pubs, hotel lounges that would be a memorable experience.

i am not looking for a place just to buy scotch but am looking for an afternoon experience

I hope he knows to spell it whisky otherwise he'll be subjected to rather loud tutting

Atheneum Hotel has a whiskey bar and they are known to stock an extremely wide selection of Scotch whiskey. Also, a very pleasant ambiance.

I hope he knows to spell it whisky otherwise he'll be subjected to rather loud tutting

my bad - i am more of an irish whiskey drinker

Oddly enough, the cheapest place I've found to buy Scotch is at "World of Whiskies" in London Heathrow. I've gotten some amazing bottles that were a steal!

Try Milroys of Soho (http://www.milroys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentPageView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&contentSpot=CON_SMilroys&contentTitle=Milroys%20Of%20Soho&).

I'm not a big whisky drinker so I'm sure that there are other bars in London that also offer a similar or perhaps even more extensive range but the Millbank lounge at the City Inn in Westminster specialises in whisky and offers taster 'flights' from a large choice with tasting notes http://www.cityinn.com/london/eating_drinking/millbanklounge/whiskylist.htm

Oddly enough, the cheapest place I've found to buy Scotch is at "World of Whiskies" in London Heathrow. I've gotten some amazing bottles that were a steal!

Indeed...

Of course if the OP wants the 'real' experience then catch a flight up to Glasgow and go to the Auchentoshan (http://www.auchentoshan.co.uk/auth/) distillery a half hours drive away. ;)

This place has the best selection for sale in London (and as good as anywhere in the UK)

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/Vinopolis.aspx

The guys that work there are very knowledgable and will chat for hours.

I don't really drink much whisky while I'm out in London. I have a friend with a collection of 80+ single malts which means I don't need to!

This is a decent bar but is not going to be a cheap afternoon out

http://www.scotchwhisky.net/bars/albannach.htm

This place has a great selection but again isn't cheap and rather overdoes the Scottish theme.

http://www.boisdale.co.uk/belgravia/macdonaldbar.aspx

If you really want a memorable whisky experience I'd take a plane to either Islay or Aberdeen, then a hire car for a tour of the Island or Speyside respectively.