The Macallan opens first West Coast U.S. flagship boutique at LAX in partnership with DFS
Following the landmark opening at Heathrow Airport in May, The Macallan is expanding its global retail presence with a new flagship at Los Angeles International Airport
The Macallan has officially opened its newest boutique in travel retail at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Tom Bradley International Terminal, in partnership with DFS Group. This marks The Macallan’s first boutique on the West Coast USA, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering world-class experiences that engage single malt whisky lovers and collectors, while inviting a wider audience to discover and enjoy the spirit of The Macallan.
With its status as a major global gateway and host to upcoming global events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics, LAX offers The Macallan the perfect stage to reach discerning travelers from around the world. The new 92-square-meter boutique is located in Tom Bradley International Terminal alongside leading luxury brands such as Hermès, Gucci, Cartier and Burberry. This opening further strengthens The Macallan’s presence in the Americas, inviting global travelers to discover the brand’s exceptional single malt whiskies and signature experiences.
An immersive retail concept inspired by nature
Designed in collaboration with acclaimed architect Jamie Fobert, the boutique brings to life The Macallan’s latest retail concept – ‘Nurtured by Nature’, with every detail playing a role in telling the story of The Macallan Estate and its Six Pillars. The design draws inspiration from these Six Pillars – unique elements that define The Macallan’s craft and character and invites guests to discover what sets the brand apart. Elements such as oak wood and copper highlight the role of The Macallan’s signature oak casks and its uniquely small stills, both fundamental to the whisky’s character.
The distinctive wave wall echoes the design of The Macallan Distillery's roof in Speyside, while the color red – a historic part of the brand – symbolizes its enduring passion and legacy. The prestige copper wall showcasing rare releases creates a direct link to the distillery’s iconic stills, and charred oak petal shelves and podiums reference the oak staves that shape each whisky’s depth and flavor. The Albariza brick wall, crafted from the same white soil used to grow sherry grapes in Jerez de la Frontera, underscores the importance of sherry cask seasoning in The Macallan’s whisky-making process. Botanical-inspired visual merchandising and olfactory displays, along with local artist collaborations, bring the natural beauty of The Macallan’s estate in Speyside to life.
Within the boutique, the exclusive “Dancing Leaf” installation by local artist Sarah Ippolito stands as a highlight. Inspired by the lush foliage of The Macallan Estate, the sculpture takes its form from the leaf of the American oak tree – one of the essential cask types used to mature The Macallan’s whiskies, including the travel retail exclusive color collection. This nod to the casks and maturation process at the heart of The Macallan highlights the role both American and European oak play in developing the whisky’s distinctive character and natural color.
The vibrant spectrum of entirely natural color in the installation mirrors the rich hues found in The Macallan’s single malts, capturing the essence and character of the whisky in a unique, contemporary artwork created especially for the LAX boutique. The entire boutique atmosphere is further enhanced by an ambient soundscape, with an original score created by Mimi Xu Studio, using field recordings from The Macallan Estate in Scotland.
With discovery at the heart of the shopper journey, a number of services and shopping rituals enhance the experience. Throughout the space, knowledgeable boutique hosts are on hand to guide shoppers through The Macallan’s portfolio, share the stories behind each expression, and ensure a personalized experience for every guest. From a discreet private consultation room, boutique hosts can provide tastings and deliver exclusive experiences, while a dedicated gifting area offers complimentary gift-wrapping and personalization.
Travelers can discover an expanded selection of The Macallan’s most sought-after releases, including boutique-exclusive, limited edition and travel exclusive whiskies such as the Colour Collection. The boutique will also offer ultra-prestige expressions, making it a true destination for enthusiasts and collectors.
Kasper Andersen, Regional Managing Director – Global Travel Retail at Edrington, says,“Bringing The Macallan to Los Angeles International Airport is an exciting step for us, marking our first West Coast boutique and an important new chapter for the brand in the Americas. LAX is a true crossroads for global travelers and this boutique lets us share the story of The Macallan’s heritage, craftsmanship and deep connection to nature in a truly immersive way. Whether someone is a long-standing enthusiast or discovering our whiskies for the first time, we look forward to welcoming everyone to experience the very best of The Macallan in this remarkable new space.”
Wilcy Wong, Commercial Director – Global Travel Retail at Edrington, says, “The opening of our flagship boutique at LAX is an exciting moment for The Macallan and for our travel retail business in the Americas. Los Angeles is a vibrant, international hub, and this new space allows us to engage with a diverse community of travellers and whisky enthusiasts. Working closely with DFS, we’re proud to offer an exceptional experience, exclusive releases, and the very best of The Macallan to customers on the West Coast and beyond.”
Daniel Licari, Senior Director of Merchandising, DFS Group, adds, “We are delighted to partner with The Macallan to introduce this extraordinary boutique at LAX, bringing an unmatched whisky experience to one of the world’s leading airports. The boutique’s immersive design, innovative storytelling, and exclusive range of ultra-prestige expressions reflect our ongoing commitment to offering travelers unique, memorable moments and access to the world’s finest brands.”
Denise Sample, Director of Concessions and Tenant Relations, Los Angeles World Airports, comments, “The opening of The Macallan boutique adds a new dimension to the retail landscape at Tom Bradley International Terminal. As LAX continues to evolve as a premier global gateway, we are excited to welcome this renowned brand and its retail concept. The Macallan’s partnership with DFS further strengthens LAX’s reputation as a destination for luxury shopping and discovery.”
