In case you’ve ever stood in entrance of a glowing wall of bottles at responsibility free, questioning which of them are price taking residence, you’re not alone. With a whole bunch of journey retail-exclusive whiskies on provide, many wrapped in smooth packaging or boasting particular cask finishes, it’s exhausting 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 gained’t discover at residence, these 5 whiskies are among the many greatest in 2025’s world journey retail market. Some provide nice worth, others are fantastically offered, and all carry one thing attention-grabbing to the desk.
Right here’s what to search for subsequent time you’re in responsibility free.
Aberlour 13 12 months Previous
This travel-exclusive single malt is a part of Aberlour’s new International Traveller’s Unique vary and gives a step up from the core 12 12 months Previous. Aged in Oloroso sherry casks and American oak barrels for a minimum of 13 years, it delivers a richer, spicier profile whereas retaining 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 sensible choose for informal drinkers and a secure 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 robust worth for the standard.
The Sexton 11 12 months Previous
This primary age-stated launch from The Sexton is unique to world 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 excellent 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 fashion with added depth and construction.
Count on candied fruits, dried berries, and warming spice, all wrapped in jammy sweetness. Taiwan’s humid local weather hurries up maturation, so it drinks older than it’s.
Unique to Lotte Responsibility Free shops in Asia-Pacific, it is available in a 1-liter bottle with mountain-inspired paintings. At round $127, it’s a premium purchase with real character.
Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask
This restricted version provides Jameson’s clean fashion a Sicilian twist. The whiskey is triple matured: ex-bourbon barrels, Oloroso sherry casks, and eventually Marsala wine casks from Sicily. It’s the primary time Jameson has used Marsala casks, and the result’s tender, 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 important reward or on a regular basis sipper.
At round $45, the Marsala Cask is priced properly and unique to journey retail. A superb choose for one thing slightly totally different.
Chivas Regal 18 12 months Previous Pauillac Cask End
This wine cask version of Chivas 18 gives extra richness than the usual model. Completed in first-fill Pauillac wine casks from Bordeaux and bottled at 48 p.c 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, clean, and spiced.
Offered in a 1-liter format and accessible extensively in responsibility free, costs for this launch range 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 p.c ABV, it gives traditional 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 placing as it’s flavorful. Launched in Singapore and JFK, it now seems at choose airports worldwide for round $185.
A Rewarding Layover
Responsibility free buying is greater than a means to save cash. It’s a spot the place whisky manufacturers debut concepts, take a look at flavors, and introduce bottles that by no means attain home cabinets. For vacationers, it’s an opportunity to find one thing new, usually at a greater value.
Whether or not you’re after worth, a collectible, or a memorable reward, these whiskies present what world journey retail does greatest.
Picked up one thing particular in your final journey? Tell us your favourite responsibility free whisky.
