Single Malt lands at Larnaca, Cyprus

Posted on June 18, 2007
Filed Under Travel, WhiskyBuzz |

‘Uisge Beatha’, the water of life, is the first of its kind malt whisky concept that has opened inside the partly refurbished Larnaca airport departure lounge with the aim of attracting the whisky connoisseurs and well-to-do travellers on their way to short or long journeys.

This pilot project is the brainchild of the marketing team of the airport’s new management, CTC ARI Airports, and plans are underway to imitate the same shop-in-shop, located within the upgraded duty free store in other countries where the Hermes Airports venture partner Aer Rianta International has a presence.

Uisge Beatha is manned by a well-trained ‘shopping advisor’ who will guide the potential buyer through the initial selection of 61 Scottish single malts, that is expected to see a number of Irish malt whiskeys added very soon.

Tasting also takes place on the spot depending on the customer’s preference or inquiries. Some of the ‘most interested’ are some Scandinavians and Russians who are prepared to spend big amounts for a quality whisky, while others are still rushing through trying to get the odd Scotch blend for the father-in-law and the cologne for the mother-in-law, while trying to catch the flight in time.

For the unknowing visitor, the best bargains are the Glenfiddichs for about a tenner while the most expensive in the store is a 30-year-old ‘Glen’ going for CYP 110 (EUR 187). This shop is expected to engulf whiskies and blends from other continents as well, such as the U.S., and is regarded as having the best whisky collection at any airport.

All four major Scottish malt producing areas are represented at Uisge Beatha – Highlands, Speyside, Islay and Lowlands and you can ask the shop keeper anything you want. If he doesn’t know it (which he probably does), then he has a vast supply of books and other resources.

But it is not just quality brands and their nice display that will attract buyers to the shop. The company’s management has secured competitive prices rating Larnaca Airport as one of the “most affordable” for whisky purchases.

“On some brands we have at least a pound’s difference from outside market prices, but in the case of others we have resorted to special deals by incorporating taxes or other costs in order to make our shop attractive for new customers,” explained Gerry Crawford, General Manager, CTC-ARI Airports that operates the Cyprus Airports Duty Free, as well as the smaller Xpress shops dotted around the airport terminal building.

“My objective is to completely demystify the sector for our consumers,” said Crawford, adding that, “we will be initially specialising in distillery bottled editions as I think it is a lot more interesting and collectible for the consumer.”

Source: The Financial Mirror