London Heathrow launches whisky festival to celebrate holidaymakers’ favourite spirit

Travellers will have front-row seats to expert-led masterclasses and exclusive product launches from iconic whisky brands.

London Heathrow will be launching its 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.

What is London Heathrow’s whisky festival?

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% of all spirits sales at Heathrow, with an average of three bottles sold per minute. Whisky topped the list of the most popular spirits bought by Heathrow passengers, followed by gin and cognac. London 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.

Food galore!

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 London 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.”

To ensure everyone reaches their destination safely, Heathrow reminds passengers to always drink responsibly when travelling. Liquor purchased in World Duty Free stores should not be consumed in the airport.

To learn more about Heathrow’s 2024 Whisky Festival, visit: www.heathrow.com/whisky