Today marks the launch of Heathrow’s annual Whisky Festival, a spirited month-long celebration taking place across the airport. In collaboration with World Duty Free, Heathrow will play host to an exciting line-up of whisky-themed events between 15 April and 14 May.
Each year, Heathrow invites aficionados, collectors and those looking to try something new into the wonderful world of whisky. This year’s festival is set to be even bigger and better than ever as Heathrow sets the stage for exclusive global product launches and immersive in-store events showcasing the variety and versatility of whisky, from rare and vintage bottles to contemporary new blends.
In 2023, whisky products accounted for 70 per cent of all spirits sales at Heathrow, with an average of 3 bottles sold per minute. Whisky topped the list of the most popular spirits bought by Heathrow passengers, followed by gin and cognac. Heathrow offers over 97 of the World’s most sought-after whisky brands, one of the best ranges of whisky in Global Travel Retail and the UK.
During this year’s Whisky Festival, Whisky Ambassadors will be on hand in each terminal to help passengers reach their destinations with the perfect gift or souvenir bottle. They will provide personalised advice on selecting the best whisky for any palate. For those hoping to enhance their whisky-drinking experiences even further, experts from premium wine and spirits brand Pernod Ricard will also be visiting the airport to lead free whisky masterclasses in Terminal 5 on dates in April and May, to share tasting and serving tips developed by Pernod Ricard’s master blenders.
This year’s festival includes global launches of new whisky lines and unique products available exclusively at Heathrow. FABLE, Wildmoor and Bushmills are among the brands launching exclusive products during the festival, and The Dalmore will celebrate the global launch of its new, limited edition release Luminary No 2 2024 Edition single malt.
Foodies can also take part in the festival this year, by sampling new whisky-infused menu items crafted for the event by chefs from a range of Heathrow’s bars and restaurants. Among the meals available exclusively during the festival are Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen’s pulled pork burger with Monkey Shoulder glaze, Caviar House & Prunier’s smoked salmon with Woodford Reserve and The Commission by D&M’s sirloin steak with ginger whisky cocktail.
As part of the festivities, Heathrow is offering Heathrow Rewards members the opportunity to win either two bottles of featured festival whiskies or the full range of FABLE whiskies with limited-edition label prints. Each collection from FABLE is decorated with captivating illustrations inspired by storytelling, animation and imagination. Together, FABLE’s collections bring to life a traditional Scottish myth, The Ghost of Clanyard Bay.
Fraser Brown, Retail Director at Heathrow, commented: “As the world’s most connected airport, the annual Whisky Festival is an opportunity for us to celebrate the growing number of master-crafted world whiskies, as well as the great British brands creating one of our key exports. Whether picking up a bottle as a gift for a loved one or travel souvenir, Heathrow shoppers choose whisky over any other spirit. We are looking forward to hosting an exciting series of events that will introduce passengers to new ways to serve and enjoy whisky when they reach their destinations.”
Heathrow’s top tips for selecting the perfect whisky gift:
1. Consider the recipient’s taste preferences
Does the recipient have a preference for a particular brand, distillery or type of whisky? Fans of traditional flavours may prefer a classic Scotch whisky, American whiskey drinkers may enjoy a rich and robust high-quality bourbon and those who enjoy smoky flavours might appreciate a peated whisky.
2. Think about the occasion
For a milestone birthday, anniversary or special occasion, consider a higher-end bottle such as a single barrel or limited edition whisky.
3. Is the gift a travel souvenir?
If the whisky is being gifted as a travel souvenir, look for special releases unique to your location. A Heathrow exclusive or locally made whisky can make for a unique and memorable gift.
To learn more about Heathrow’s 2024 Whisky Festival, visit: www.heathrow.com/whisky
Whisky Festival food and drinks menu:
- Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen, Terminal 2 – Pulled pork burger with Monkey Shoulder glaze
- Caviar House & Prunier, all terminals – Smoked salmon with Woodford Reserve
- The Commission by D&M – Sirloin steak with ginger whisky cocktail
- The Evergreen. Terminal 3 – Jameson Blossom Bride, and Apple Jack Daniels Sour
- Gordon Ramsay Plane Food, Terminal 5 – Chivas 12-year Passion Fizz, and Jameson sparkler
- The Perfectionists’ Café, Terminal 2 – Dry aged sirloin steak with whisky peppercorn sauce, and whisky sour
- Pilots Bar & Kitchen, Terminal 5 – Smoky whiskey chicken wings
- Shan Shui, Terminal 2 – Smoky whisky barbecue wings, and paprika whisky prawns
