It is indeed one of the best times to fly the friendly skies.
Not only are there more flights then ever, the destinations breathtaking and the air travel itself affordable, you also don’t have to step out of the airport to do your shopping.
It’s not just shopping for “cheap” booze either. Some of the stuff coming out at the airports has been nothing short of amazing.
Don’t believe us? There are three things happening at our very own Changi Airport that might change your mind.
Louis XIII Pop-Up Boutique
We’ve written a fair bit about Louis XIII already. We think that its characterisation as “liquid time” is not far from the truth. The shifting orchard aromas from a glass of Louis Treize marks the passage of seasons. A sip of the cognac conjures a symphony of melodious flavours and a cascade of emotions.
Of course, time asks its due. A marriage of 1,200 eau-de-vies, some of which are a century old, doesn’t come cheap. Louis XIII isn’t available just anywhere for one to take it in, either.
The good news is that until 13th November 2019, there will be a Louis XIII pop-up at Changi Airport Terminal 3 Depature Hall. Before you ask: nope, sadly, there won’t be samples of Louis XIII being handed out.
So why bother? Well, there’s plenty of fun to be had for free while killing time before the flight. There’s the Century Wheel, displays of some of the most precious liquid you might ever see, and a real treat: a tiercon cask. The one on display is an heirloom; it’s likely more than a century old and has never travelled out of Cognac- until now, that is.
For those who prefer something a little more hands on, there is “Le Cloud”, a fascinating bit of technology that produces a cloud of cognac droplets. Treat it as the best sort of aromatherapy ever.
Of course, while we’re content seeing the sights, if your wallet is sufficiently stocked, you can purchase some Louis XIII and its ancillary products. That includes those famous chiming crystal glasses and Louis XIII in various sizes, including a 6-litre LOUIS XIII Le Mathusalem autographed by LOUIS XIII Cellar Master, Baptiste Loiseau himself.
DFS Cocktail Festival
If you’re into cocktails, the DFS Cocktail Festival will be on for eight weeks from 1st September, across Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4.
From 6 to 19 September, travelers going through DFS Departure stores at Terminal 1, 2 and 3 will be offered free tastings of festival products. If you visit Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 Departures between 6pm to 10pm, or Terminal 2 Departures between 5pm and 9pm, you will get both free samples and a recyclable straw. Other than that, there will be weekend tasting activations throughout the two months.
There will also be 4 separate sessions of “Bartender Battle Off”, where you can vote for your favourite DFS bartender.
- Weekend Tasting Activation Schedule
- Dates
- September 6 – 7
- September 13 – 14
- September 20 – 21
- September 27 – 28
- October 4 – 5
- October 11 – 12
- October 18 – 19
- Locations & Times:
- Terminal 1 Departures: 6pm – 10pm
- Terminal 2 Departures: 5pm – 9pm
- Terminal 3 Departures: 6pm – 10pm
- Dates
- Bartender Battle Off
- September 13, 27
- October 11, 25
- Terminal 3 Departures: 6pm – 9pm
DFS has not lacked for variety, and if you’re mostly interested in buying booze, there will be literal tons of spirits on offer. There will even be exclusives, including Marylebone Gin (Asia First), Legent Bourbon (Asia First) and Sipsmith Raffles 1915 Gin (Changi Exclusive).
The good news is that if you don’t already have a bar kit, DFS has got you covered. If you spend S$150 or more, they will provide a kit that includes an iridescent shaker, jigger and spoon.
You can also get the festival spirits at iShopChangi.com, from 12 hours to 30 days before their flight. If you spend S$100 or more there, you will receive a gift with purchase of a travel sized cocktail kit.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru Outpost
To commemorate the launch of the new Grand Cru 23 Years Old, Glenfiddich will be putting up a pop-up at Terminal 3 Departures from 5th September to 8th October.
There’s quite a lot of interesting stuff to do there, including a showcase of the new whisky, complete with scent experiences where you can get a nosing of the various notes of the whisky. There will also be photo- taking opportunities, personalisation of your own Grand Cru gift box and some complimentary gifts.
Stay tuned for our full review of the Grand Cru, but if you’re already travelling through Terminal 3 Departure during the pop-up period, be sure to check it out for the hands-on experience.
If you find yourself taken with the whisky, 75cl bottles of Grand Cru will also be available for S$350.
