If you’ve ever stood in front of a glowing wall of bottles at duty free, wondering which ones are worth taking home, you’re not alone. With hundreds of travel retail-exclusive whiskies on offer, many wrapped in sleek packaging or boasting special cask finishes, it’s hard to know what’s actually worth the money.
That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re buying a gift, trying something new, or hoping to snag a bottle you won’t find at home, these five whiskies are among the best in 2025’s global travel retail market. Some offer great value, others are beautifully presented, and all bring something interesting to the table.
Here’s what to look for next time you’re in duty free.
Aberlour 13 Year Old
This travel-exclusive single malt is part of Aberlour’s new Global Traveller’s Exclusive range and offers a step up from the core 12 Year Old. Aged in Oloroso sherry casks and American oak barrels for at least 13 years, it delivers a richer, spicier profile while keeping the creamy, fruit-forward Speyside character intact.
Look for red apple, vanilla toffee, and butterscotch, followed by warming spice and a sweet finish. It’s a smart pick for casual drinkers and a safe bet for gifting.
With recyclable packaging and a clean design, it feels more special than the standard 12. At around £50 to £60, it’s strong value for the quality.
The Sexton 11 Year Old
This first age-stated release from The Sexton is exclusive to global travel retail. Made from 100 percent 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 bold, sherried single malt with dried fruit, dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and oak spice. The finish leans into fruitcake richness. It’s easy-drinking yet layered, making it ideal for gifting or sipping.
The black hexagonal bottle stands out on the shelf. Priced at around €41 (about $42), it’s affordable and distinctive.
Kavalan Grand Reserve No.2
Kavalan’s Grand Reserve No.2 shows what travel retail exclusives can offer. Aged in STR (shaved, toasted, recharred) wine casks and finished in Madeira and ruby Port casks, it brings Kavalan’s tropical style with added depth and structure.
Expect candied fruits, dried berries, and warming spice, all wrapped in jammy sweetness. Taiwan’s humid climate speeds up maturation, so it drinks older than it is.
Exclusive to Lotte Duty Free stores in Asia-Pacific, it comes in a 1-liter bottle with mountain-inspired artwork. At around $127, it’s a premium buy with genuine character.
Jameson Triple Triple Marsala Cask
This limited edition gives Jameson’s smooth style a Sicilian twist. The whiskey is triple matured: ex-bourbon barrels, Oloroso sherry casks, and finally Marsala wine casks from Sicily. It’s the first time Jameson has used Marsala casks, and the result is soft, sweet, and gently spiced.
Look for dried apricot, banana, vanilla, and toffee apple, with a nutty chocolate finish. It’s familiar but distinctive, making it a great gift or everyday sipper.
At around $45, the Marsala Cask is priced well and exclusive to travel retail. A good pick for something a little different.
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Pauillac Cask Finish
This wine cask edition of Chivas 18 offers more richness than the standard version. Finished in first-fill Pauillac wine casks from Bordeaux and bottled at 48 percent ABV, it brings extra fruit, structure, and intensity to one of the world’s most reliable blends.
Aromas of raspberry and vanilla lead to flavors of blackcurrant jam, lemon curd, spiced plums, and poached pear. Hints of fudge and chocolate from the wine-soaked oak add weight. The finish is long, smooth, and spiced.
Sold in a 1-liter format and available widely in duty free, prices for this release vary by market.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Guardian Oak
The fourth release in The Macallan’s Harmony Collection, Guardian Oak is exclusive to travel retail and was developed with Cirque du Soleil. Matured in first-fill and refill sherry-seasoned European oak casks, and bottled at 44.2 percent ABV, it offers classic Macallan richness with added depth.
Expect dried fruits, orange peel, dark chocolate, and nutmeg on the nose. The palate brings ginger syrup, cherries, and glazed dates, leading to an oak-driven finish.
With bold packaging in deep purples, Guardian Oak is as striking as it is flavorful. Launched in Singapore and JFK, it now appears at select airports worldwide for around $185.
A Rewarding Layover
Duty free shopping is more than a way to save money. It’s a place where whisky brands debut ideas, test flavors, and introduce bottles that never reach domestic shelves. For travelers, it’s a chance to discover something new, often at a better price.
Whether you’re after value, a collectible, or a memorable gift, these whiskies show what global travel retail does best.
Picked up something special on your last trip? Let us know your favorite duty free whisky.
Read the full article at 6 of the Best Whiskies To Buy at Duty Free in 2025
