$80k for a whiskey? Sure, at Changi Airport’s new whiskey wonderland

Changi Airport has definitely upped its ante as the world’s best airport with the launch of the Wines and Spirits Duplex by Duty Free Shop (DFS) on Wednesday (27 July).

Housing a two-storey whiskey wonderland where visitors can find over 200 different types of whiskeys (including one that costs over $80,000), seven boutiques by popular whiskey brands, the duplex even has a section called “Whiskey House” that offers complimentary tastings for over 100 types of whiskeys to help you make the best buy.

“We continually aspire to deliver the most engaging and exciting experiences for travellers, whether they are at the airport of downtown,” said CEO and chairman of DFS Group, Philippe Schaus, of the new offering.

Located in the transit area of Terminal 2’s departure hall, the Wines and Spirits duplex features a total of 179 single malts, 68 blended Scotch whiskeys and 30 American whiskeys.

Japan’s leading whiskies Yamazaki and Hibiki, as well as Taiwan’s Kavalan, are also available for travellers looking to buy a bottle before their flight.

For whiskey fans and connoisseurs, take a tour through the seven branded whiskey boutiques (located on the second level) by Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Hennessy, Johnnie Walker, Remy Martin, The Dalmore and The Macallan, where you can learn more about the brands’ heritage, sample their whiskeys and feast your eyes on their selection of limited edition products.

Some, such as the $80,850 Glenfiddich 50-year-old, are exclusive to Singapore. Almost all of the brands offer special engraving services at their boutiques if you’re looking to buy one as a gift.

Other brands of whiskeys, such as the David Beckham-endorsed single grain whiskey, The Haig Club, are also available at the Whiskey House.

If you’re unfamiliar with buying whiskeys, staff are also available to help you select according to your preferred flavours, such as floral and delicate, fruity and elegant, smoky and intense, or bright and rounded.

Wine lovers are also able to sample from 12 different types of wines at the Wine Reserve on the first floor, which houses 350 products from the world’s top wineries.

As part of DFS’ celebration of its new duplex, it is organising a Whiskey Festival, which runs on Fridays and Saturday evenings, from 29 July to 10 Sept.