Whisky Experience returns to Heathrow

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 20 April, 2016

Heathrow Airport is launching its month-long Whisky Experience to once again push one of its top-selling products.

The airport, which shifts around 1.1 million bottles of whisky every year, has teamed up with fashion designer Giles Deacon for the initiative.

The experience is taking place from April 27 to May 25 in all terminals, with over 300 whiskies available to try.

The initiative follows 2016's budget announcement last month, when Chancellor George Osborne froze the duty on whisky, beer and cider.

Wine is due to rise at the same rate as inflation.

Every year, Scotch whisky accounts for a high proportion of UK drink exports, generating £4 billion for the economy.

Whisky is the highest selling beverage at the airport.

Commenting on the collaboration, Deacon said: "I'm a huge fan of whisky and particularly enjoy sipping on Japanese blends whenever I travel, so what better way to keep my drink cool than to add a couple of hand crafted whisky stones to my tumbler.

"The inspiration for my design came from a print inspired by the Victorian textile designer and writer William Morris. I love the idea that passengers can take a little inspiration from British history with them on their travels from Britain's most iconic airport."

Whisky Experience at Heathrow Whisky Experience at Heathrow

Deacon has designed a set of bespoke whisky stones, which will be offered as an exclusive gift with purchase to customers spending £70 or more on whisky in World Duty Free stores and World of Whiskies stores at Heathrow.

Whisky stones are cubes of solid soapstone that will chill your liquor without diluting it.

Jonathan Coen, retail director at Heathrow, said the airport has seen a rise in whisky popularity over recent years, despite already being one of the UK's most popular beverages.

"Whisky has become increasingly popular in recent years," he said. "Whether you're a fan of the classic whisky advertisements of the sixties or simply love an Old Fashioned cocktail from time to time, we're proud to stock a diverse range of whisky across our terminals.

"From Scotch, bourbon or single malt varieties, there's something for everyone, and for anyone struggling to make up their minds, our expert tasters will be on hand to offer passengers advice on how best to enjoy this iconic British drink."

The Whisky Experience takes place annually at Heathrow and is designed to give passengers the opportunity to taste and learn more about the popular spirit.

Exclusives from well-known distillers and premium single malt whiskies will be on offer.

As well as being available at the airport there will be a limited number available via Your Heathrow.

Printer friendly version