Whisky Forum - Duty Free

MarkSealey · Member Joined: 16 Feb 2015 Posts: 9

I shall be travelling to and from my home country (UK) on the way to Scotland - through Heathrow in April and May.

I know that some single malts are made available specifically and specially for Duty Free outlets (in airports).

Which brands and Expressions would Forum members recommend, please - to allow me to get the best bargains under such circumstances?

TIA!
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Mark Sealey

sorren · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 5:20 pm Post subject:

Sorry can't really help but I have to say that's a clever way to get duty free, England to Scotland by plane, someone tell me why there isn't a duty free shop on the motorway 😁

MarkSealey · Member Joined: 16 Feb 2015 Posts: 9

Sorren - thanks,

I'm actually traveling from California, where I now live, via Heathrow.

Many Distillers seem now specifically to have Duty Free Outlets or For Travel Expressions.

But which of the best single malts (for me that's Islay and full-flavoured) have the biggest percentages off, does anyone (who may have bought after check-in) know, please?
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Mark Sealey

sorren · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 5:52 pm Post subject:

Ahhhh I see now 😊, someone will be able to help, I'm sure William will have a very good idea, what sort of budget are you looking at and have you any ideas on the distilleries you actually prefer or is it just islay type, I'm sure there will be s few highland parks, in the duty free market, any way good luck and I hope you grab s bargin or two

MarkSealey · Member Joined: 16 Feb 2015 Posts: 9

Thanks, Sorren (and William, in advance).

If - as I have heard - some Expressions produced this way can be had for 45% off (and more!), I'd want to get something really good - well > Â£100/150!

It's really knowing which Distillers (I do prefer the peaty ones, including Highland Park) offer the biggest 'discounts': or maybe that's up to the retailers - or even HM Excise & Customs?
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Mark Sealey

sorren · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 6:27 pm Post subject:

Have you had a look on world of whisky ( I think that's the duty free one ) website to see what's available ?

MarkSealey · Member Joined: 16 Feb 2015 Posts: 9

Sorren,

I see this, Yes; thanks!

But it's not entirely clear what exactly is on offer.
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Mark Sealey

Keith · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:02 pm Post subject:

Highland Park have a the Highland Park Warrior Series which is exclusive to travel retail, there is the Highland Park Svein, Einar and Harald from what i can recall

Quaich1 · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:12 pm Post subject:

MarkSealey · Member Joined: 16 Feb 2015 Posts: 9

Thanks. I do like HP. It's an idea of which of all those Distilleries who sell to airports that I'm after; and hence a way to see who's offering the best bargain Smile

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Mark Sealey

Rift485 · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:31 pm Post subject:

I would recommend Glenfarclas 15. Very solid whisky and reasonably priced at around $60, when so many other distilleries are producing NAS at premium prices.

Alastair · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:46 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you will be passing through Heathrow and perhaps Edinburgh or Glasgow, all 3 of these airports travel retail shops are run by World Duty Free and have a World of Whiskies shop.

The World of Whiskies shop website gives you and idea of what is available but you will find more in the shops than what is listed on the website. The prices on the site are travel retail prices but when you are leaving the country to head outside Europe such as the US as you will be doing you should be able to save even more with duty free prices.

The Highland Park Einar is very good, around Â£45

MarkSealey · Member Joined: 16 Feb 2015 Posts: 9

Thanks, Alastair!
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Mark Sealey

drPete · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 10:14 am Post subject:

Engage cynic mode.....

Many distilleries have a "global travel retail" portfolio. Don't be fooled about duty - you will not save money and it some cases will pay significantly more than supermarket prices.

Many new GTR whiskies are NAS and a number find their way to regular retail after a few months after claiming "exclusive to travel retail" (Glemmo, Dalmore amongst others)

World of Whisky will let you taste many different things, they often have high-end stuff open(Oscuro) at LHR (T5, don't know about others). They occasionally have their own bottling (these days from G and M) but again, the prices are poor.

My advice taste before you buy .. for the big powerful malts you may like the Talker Dark Storm (claimed to be travel rail only but can be found elsewhere) and Laphoaig An Cuan Mor.
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Talisker 18 - the rest are just details

sorren · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 12:47 pm Post subject:

I've had the svein, wasn't overly impressed, probably youngish whisky but was ok if price is right,