Booze Shopping At Airports

Use spare time at the airport to hunt for your bar

Typically, getting delayed on your way back from another country is no cause for celebration.

But cocktail geeks and malt whiskey aficionados should relish the extra time in the duty-free shop, as lately these shops have become go-to spots for limited-run bottlings, many of which are available nowhere else in the States. Consider this your crib sheet:

"Overproof" spirits: As classic cocktails were originally made with these high-octane spirits, bartenders will thrill to see cask-strength offerings from both the giants (Absolut, Jim Beam) and semi-obscure producers (Wray & Nephew strong Jamaican rum). 

Whisk(e)y: Duty-free exclusives include the Glenrothes Robur Reserve (matured uniquely in European robur oak), Macallan's Select Oak and Whisky Maker's Edition, and the Balvenie 40, limited to only 150 bottles for now, and only in select airports. Bonus: Those flying via Britain can reserve some of these finds through the retailer World of Whiskies, then pick them up at the airport.