Scotch rules the roost at Ezeiza
Joe Bates gets the low down on the Buenos Aires scene
Blame it on their love of all things European or their manly gaucho culture, but premium whisky still reigns as the king of alcoholic drinks in Argentina. It accounts for an amazing 75 per cent of spirits sales at the dutyfree stores at the country’s biggest airport, Buenos Aires Ezeiza.
The long-serving duty-free retailer at Ezeiza is InterBaires, which has pumped a lot of money in to upgrading its stores at the airport in recent years. There are currently six dutyfree shops selling whisky and for arriving passengers it is well worth knowing the duty-free allowance is a very generous four litres per traveller.
Although only US dollars are accepted, prices do offer a substantial 20 per cent saving over the domestic market. There is a strong emphasis on promotions, which change regularly, and can boost the saving to about 40 per cent. Examples of promotions running this Autumn include ‘Buy 4 Get 1 Free’ deals on Johnnie Walker Red Label and The Famous Grouse at $45 (£24.20).
The whisky selection extends to around 30 different brands, the best-selling being global favourites such as Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s. Higher-priced blends on sale include Royal Salute at $109 (£58.55), Johnnie Walker Blue Label at $135 ($72.50) and Ballantine’s Limited at $140 ($75.20).
Malts are growing in popularity year on year and the offer, while not containing any surprises, does extend to well known names such as The Glenlivet 18 Year Old ($60/£32.25) and Strat.....
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By Joe Bates
Section : Travel retail
Page number : 55
