If you’re a whisky fan planning your next trip, there’s a new reason to get excited at UK airports. Glenfarclas Highland Single Malt Whisky has made a triumphant return to travel retail, with two standout expressions now available at Avolta’s World Duty Free stores. One of them is a brand-new Travel Retail exclusive – a rare chance to taste a slice of Speyside heritage while on the go.
For those who believe the journey is just as important as the destination, this is the perfect in-flight indulgence. Here’s what you can find:
- Glenfarclas 11-Year-Old (11YO) – A new natural colour, non-chill filtered expression, selected as World Duty Free’s ‘Malt of the Month’ for September. Bottled at 46% ABV (1L / £49.99), this Travel Retail exclusive brings a fresh, zesty, and buttery character to the airport shelves.
- Glenfarclas 105 – A true legend in cask strength whisky. At 60% ABV (1L / £77.59), it’s bold, smooth, and packed with character – a must-try for seasoned whisky lovers.
Glenfarclas Distillery Manager Callum Fraser has been travelling the UK, hosting tastings and bottle signings at Edinburgh Airport, London Heathrow, and London Gatwick. His appearances have helped these whiskies disappear from shelves faster than boarding calls.
The Travel Retail range also includes two other gems:
- Glenfarclas 16YO – Non-chill filtered, 46% ABV, 70cl / £79.99, also a Travel Retail exclusive.
- Glenfarclas 35YO – A luxurious aged expression, 43% ABV, 70cl / £765.
Every bottle of Glenfarclas tells a story of almost two centuries of family tradition. Since 1865, five generations of the Grant family have run Speyside’s oldest family-owned distillery, nestled at the foothills of Ben Rinnes. The distillery stays true to traditional methods – including the rare use of direct-fired stills – and ages its whisky predominantly in top-quality Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez, Spain.
William Ovens, Head of Global Travel Retail at Ian Macleod Distillers, recently appointed distributor for Glenfarclas in travel retail, explains:
“Glenfarclas is one of the most admired single malts in the world, and we are delighted to be bringing these remarkable expressions to international travellers.”
Tasting Notes for Airport Discoveries
Glenfarclas 11YO
- Colour: Light amber gold
- Nose: Fresh zesty notes with smooth butterscotch
- Palate: Warm spiciness meets stewed orchard fruits and decadent toffee
- Finish: Smooth, with subtle sherry hints
Glenfarclas 105
- Colour: Golden mahogany
- Nose: Chocolate orange, dark toffee, coffee beans
- Palate: Dry and assertive, revealing rich spice, brown sugar, and sherried fruit
- Finish: Amazingly smooth for its strength, warming with lingering spice
Next time you’re passing through Edinburgh, Heathrow, or Gatwick, make sure to check the shelves – a taste of Speyside awaits, ready to elevate your travel experience.
