Finns can only get better
Joe Bates looks at the solid duty free store in Helsinki
Store focus: Helsinki If your travels take you to the modern and compact Helsinki-Vaanta airport and you have time on your hands, head towards Gate 28. You’ll find the airport’s biggest duty-free shop there and a solid, no-nonsense Scotch whisky assortment and a good range of bourbons and Irish whiskeys.
The store is run by Finnair and stocks around 40 different whisky brands with five to 10 new products introduced to the in-store selection each May. Among the whisky aisles your fellow shoppers are likely to be Swedish businessmen – it would seem the Finns are more interested in Cognac these days.
The malt offer will hold few surprises for the serious collector, but there is nevertheless a good range of brands on sale, which would make good gift items for the whisky lover, including Laphroaig Cask Strength 10 Year Old ( 39.50/ £27), Balvenie Single Barrel ( 49/£33.50) and a Highland Park gift pack containing one 33cl bottle each of 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old and 25 Year Old ( 69/£47.20).
The shop’s top sellers being international favourites such as Grant’s, Chivas Regal, Glenfiddich, Jameson and The Famous Grouse.
Examples of prices on popular premium blends includes Chivas Regal 12 Year Old at 27.50 (£18.80), Royal Salute 21 Year Old at 93 (£63.65) and The Famous Grouse Port Wood Finish at 32 (£21.90).
Best Buy Caol Ila Distillers Edition Travelling fans of peaty Islay whisky Caol Ila should make a point of visiting BAA’s World Duty Free stores this summ.....
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By Joe Bates
Section : Travel retail
Page number : 47
