Heathrow Partners with Avolta to Deliver a Terminal-Wide Whisky Experience Including Free Tasting, Food Pairings, Limited Editions, and More

Published on May 6, 2025

This May, Heathrow Airport is transforming into a whisky wonderland with the launch of its Whisky Social Club, a dynamic month-long celebration that fuses premium travel retail with rich sensory experiences. In collaboration with global duty-free partner Avolta, the airport invites travelers across all four terminals to discover the world of whisky like never before—through curated tastings, exclusive bottles, interactive tech, and gourmet dining.

Far more than a shopping experience, Whisky Social Club offers a window into the heritage, artistry, and bold flavors that define the whisky world. Whether you’re a curious novice or a seasoned dram enthusiast, there’s something on offer to elevate every journey.

Raise a Glass to Experience

At the heart of the celebration are complimentary tastings and guided sessions hosted by whisky experts and brand ambassadors from top-tier names such as Glen Moray, Glen Scotia, Tomintoul, Bowmore, Fable, Glenfiddich, and Pernod Ricard. These masterclasses go beyond sipping—they’re immersive storytelling sessions, rich in detail about craftsmanship, origins, and tasting profiles.

Adding a gourmet twist to the event is whisky writer and educator Alwynne Gwilt, known to fans as Miss Whisky. On four special days throughout May, she’ll lead travelers through indulgent whisky pairings with fine cheeses and artisanal chocolates—designed to elevate each sip and bite into a symphony of taste.

A Personal Touch with Smart Tech

To make your experience truly memorable, Heathrow is offering live bottle engraving stations. Shoppers can customize their whisky bottles—ideal as a thoughtful gift or a unique keepsake that marks their travels with style.

Blending tradition with technology, the airport has also introduced ‘Lift & Learn’ displays. At these interactive stations, lifting a featured bottle triggers on-screen visuals revealing tasting notes, brand histories, and pairing ideas—turning a casual browse into a smart discovery moment.

Exclusive Bottles You Can’t Get Anywhere Else

One of the most exciting aspects of the Whisky Social Club is access to rare, travel-exclusive whiskies that are only available at Heathrow. Highlights include Fable’s storytelling-inspired editions such as The Lighthouse, Gulls, McArthur, and the London Edition. These limited releases are perfect for collectors or anyone seeking a distinctive bottle that goes beyond the mainstream.

Whisky on the Plate (and in the Glass)

The whisky celebration spills over into Heathrow’s vibrant restaurant scene, where chefs and mixologists have crafted whisky-inspired dishes and cocktails unique to the event:

• Terminal 2: Big Smoke’s whisky-glazed ribs & wings and Shan Shui’s wok-fried whiskey vermicelli prawns
• Terminal 3: Woodford Reserve–enhanced smoked salmon at Caviar House, plus cocktails at The Curator and Spuntino
• Terminal 4: Traditional Cranachan with whisky cream at Pilots and Co-Pilots Bar & Kitchen
• Terminal 5: Gordon Ramsay Plane Food’s Matcha Sour with Jameson Black Barrel

More Than a Stopover

Heathrow’s Whisky Social Club invites travelers to pause, engage, and taste something extraordinary. With its blend of education, exclusivity, and indulgence, the event redefines what it means to travel through one of the world’s busiest airports.

Fraser Brown, Retail Director at Heathrow, said: “Our vision for Whisky Social Club was to bring to life the timelessness and character of whisky for passengers travelling through Heathrow. This immersive experience showcases the best of British and global whiskies and invites passengers to discover something new, personal and flavourful, whether as a gift or a souvenir of their travels.” 

Alwynne Gwilt, aka Miss Whisky, commented: “Whisky, like air travel, can take you on a journey around the world and offer a window into centuries of tradition. I’m proud to partner with Avolta and Heathrow to introduce travellers to unique flavour combinations that can only be unlocked through the signature food pairings I’ve curated for Whisky Social Club.” 

As part of the Whisky Social Club celebration, Heathrow Rewards members can earn double points at participating restaurants starting 1 May, along with a chance to win an exclusive Glen Moray prize. The prize includes two tickets to the 2025 Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale this July.

Not travelling in May? No worries. You can still join the fun from home with exclusive whisky guides, tasting tips from Miss Whisky, and exciting prize competitions available at heathrow.com/whisky.

For a seamless airport shopping experience, Heathrow also offers a free Reserve & Collect service. Simply visit boutique.heathrow.com to explore the brands available throughout the airport and reserve your favourites for easy pickup before your flight.

Heathrow also reminds passengers to enjoy responsibly while travelling. Liquor purchased from World Duty Free should not be consumed in the airport.