Whisky is only equalled by perfume for dominance in the international luxury travel retail sector

Airport travel retail has changed dramatically. No longer a destination that differentiates itself from the high street by simply offering litre bottles of spirits, it has become an exclusive and highly sought-after shopping experience. Collectors, in particular, have huge affection for the whisky experience in major international airports, and brands fight for space in the coveted moments that an international shopper may be passing by.

Airports now offer many thousands of square metres of shopping space designed for that crucial hour-plus of leisure time between when a traveller checks in and when their flight departs. It’s an intoxicating experience to peruse the 24-hour retail spaces of modern world leaders such as Dubai International Airport or Hong Kong International Airport. 

Whisky brands have cornered this market beautifully, creating bespoke and exclusive bottlings that can only be found in airport retail or indeed, in some cases, only in one particular airport, such as the collaborations that have appeared in London’s Heathrow. This makes building a rare collection exciting for the international traveller but incredibly frustrating for those of us who travel less. 

In its search for exclusive releases, The Single Malt Shop often finds very rare bottles that were previously only available in airports – and usually only one bottle at a time. Here are three formerlly travel-retail exclusives that would be a perfect fit for your collection. 

Cragganmore 43-year-old

Bottled in 2015, this wonderful vintage was created for Dubai Duty-Free in the United Arab Emirates and, at the time, was exclusive to that location. A superior bottling of this incredible single malt, this 1971 vintage is one of only 474 bottles and matured in a European oak butt for the entirety of its maturation. It was bottled at 47.4% ABV. 

Cragganmore is a Diageo-owned distillery in Speyside that is particularly well-known for the rich aromas of its whiskies. Master Distiller Laura Vernon is one of a growing number of female master distillers in Scotland. She continues Cragganmore’s tradition of using a flat-top still and a short distillation; both approaches being recognised for their effectiveness in creating the whiskie’s signature nose. 

Girvan 28 Patent Still

This Lowland whisky captures all the light and fruit-forward elements that the region is known for. It’s a terrific 42% single grain release and because its owners, Grant & Sons, are normally completely caught up with developing blends at Girvan, this bottling is a rare and welcome example of what the distillery is capable of. 

If you’ve been confined to a world of single malts, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the complexity and profile of this elegant single-grain release. Released in the European Travel Retail sector, it was matured in American white oak for nearly three decades, and the master distiller at Girvan, John M Ross, heralds its notes of honey, toffee, vanilla and caramelized fruit.

Macallan Oscuro

This elegant single malt from the house of Macallan turned heads in every airport it featured. A beautifully designed bottle and case helped shine a spotlight on a whiskey that is drawn from casks first filled in 1987 and 1997. Matured in oak seasoned with oloroso sherry, each bottle has been endowed with a rich, deep colour and intense flavour. 

On the nose, you can expect lots of dark fruit, chocolate, orange and vanilla. The palate is rich and sweet with layers of dried figs and crisp green apples, leading to a delicious finish with just a hint of warming wood smoke. Bottled at 46%, this complex travel retail Macallan is an ideal collector’s item.

For more exclusive bottlings, visit our new arrivals section