When you’ve ever stood in entrance of a glowing wall of bottles at responsibility free, questioning which of them are price taking house, you’re not alone. With lots of of journey retail-exclusive whiskies on provide, many wrapped in glossy packaging or boasting particular cask finishes, it’s onerous to know what’s truly definitely worth the cash.
That’s the place this information is available in. Whether or not you’re shopping for a present, making an attempt one thing new, or hoping to snag a bottle you received’t discover at house, these 5 whiskies are among the many finest in 2025’s international journey retail market. Some provide nice worth, others are fantastically offered, and all carry one thing fascinating to the desk.
Right here’s what to search for subsequent time you’re in responsibility free.
Aberlour 13 Yr Outdated
This travel-exclusive single malt is a part of Aberlour’s new World Traveller’s Unique vary and affords a step up from the core 12 Yr Outdated. Aged in Oloroso sherry casks and American oak barrels for at the least 13 years, it delivers a richer, spicier profile whereas protecting the creamy, fruit-forward Speyside character intact.
Search for purple apple, vanilla toffee, and butterscotch, adopted by warming spice and a candy end. It’s a wise choose for informal drinkers and a protected guess for gifting.
With recyclable packaging and a clear design, it feels extra particular than the usual 12. At round £50 to £60, it’s sturdy worth for the standard.
The Sexton 11 Yr Outdated
This primary age-stated launch from The Sexton is unique to international journey retail. Comprised of 100% Irish malted barley and triple distilled in copper pot stills, it’s matured in Oloroso sherry-seasoned French oak casks from Jerez.
It’s a daring, sherried single malt with dried fruit, darkish chocolate, toasted nuts, and oak spice. The end leans into fruitcake richness. It’s easy-drinking but layered, making it very best for gifting or sipping.
The black hexagonal bottle stands out on the shelf. Priced at round €41 (about $42), it’s inexpensive and distinctive.
Kavalan Grand Reserve No.2
Kavalan’s Grand Reserve No.2 reveals what journey retail exclusives can provide. Aged in STR (shaved, toasted, recharred) wine casks and completed in Madeira and ruby Port casks, it brings Kavalan’s tropical model with added depth and construction.
Count on candied fruits, dried berries, and warming spice, all wrapped in jammy sweetness. Taiwan’s humid local weather hastens maturation, so it drinks older than it’s.
Unique to Lotte Obligation Free shops in Asia-Pacific, it is available in a 1-liter bottle with mountain-inspired art work. At round $127, it’s a premium purchase with real character.
Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask
This restricted version offers Jameson’s easy model a Sicilian twist. The whiskey is triple matured: ex-bourbon barrels, Oloroso sherry casks, and at last Marsala wine casks from Sicily. It’s the primary time Jameson has used Marsala casks, and the result’s smooth, candy, and gently spiced.
Search for dried apricot, banana, vanilla, and toffee apple, with a nutty chocolate end. It’s acquainted however distinctive, making it an ideal reward or on a regular basis sipper.
At round $45, the Marsala Cask is priced nicely and unique to journey retail. A superb choose for one thing a little bit completely different.
Chivas Regal 18 Yr Outdated Pauillac Cask End
This wine cask version of Chivas 18 affords extra richness than the usual model. Completed in first-fill Pauillac wine casks from Bordeaux and bottled at 48 % ABV, it brings further fruit, construction, and depth to one of many world’s most dependable blends.
Aromas of raspberry and vanilla result in flavors of blackcurrant jam, lemon curd, spiced plums, and poached pear. Hints of fudge and chocolate from the wine-soaked oak add weight. The end is lengthy, easy, and spiced.
Offered in a 1-liter format and out there broadly in responsibility free, costs for this launch fluctuate by market.
The Macallan Concord Assortment Guardian Oak
The fourth launch in The Macallan’s Concord Assortment, Guardian Oak is unique to journey retail and was developed with Cirque du Soleil. Matured in first-fill and refill sherry-seasoned European oak casks, and bottled at 44.2 % ABV, it affords basic Macallan richness with added depth.
Count on dried fruits, orange peel, darkish chocolate, and nutmeg on the nostril. The palate brings ginger syrup, cherries, and glazed dates, resulting in an oak-driven end.
With daring packaging in deep purples, Guardian Oak is as putting as it’s flavorful. Launched in Singapore and JFK, it now seems at choose airports worldwide for round $185.
A Rewarding Layover
Obligation free purchasing is greater than a approach to economize. It’s a spot the place whisky manufacturers debut concepts, check flavors, and introduce bottles that by no means attain home cabinets. For vacationers, it’s an opportunity to find one thing new, typically at a greater value.
Whether or not you’re after worth, a collectible, or a memorable reward, these whiskies present what international journey retail does finest.
Picked up one thing particular in your final journey? Tell us your favourite responsibility free whisky.
