Heinemann Australia and Pernod Ricard unveil ultra-prestigious Royal Salute pop-up
Royal Salute's exquisite, limited-edition whiskies will be available at Heinemann Sydney until November 8
Heinemann Australia, Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail (GTR), and Royal Salute have announced the launch of an ultra-prestigious collection at Sydney Airport’s International Departures duty free store.
The Ultra Prestige category (+US$5,000) has seen strong growth momentum in duty free in recent years, with 17.3% CAGR reported between 2014-2021 according to IWSR, and the forecast remains optimistic and resilient post-COVID. According to the company, research has shown that rarity, exclusivity, and high-age statements are the top three purchase drivers for ultra-High Net Worth Individuals and collecting is the no.1 shopper mission (39%).
In accordance with this research, Royal Salute’s ultra-prestigious collection has been created to cater for the exquisite taste of collectors, with each innovation conveying a unique story and tasting experience, exclusive to the lucky few.
The Royal Salute pop-up at Sydney Airport will showcase a range of exquisite, limited-edition whiskies, each embodying the utmost luxury and craftsmanship. Traveling shoppers will have the opportunity to discover and indulge in the following Scotch whiskies:
- Royal Salute Art Edition - Forces of Nature:
Expertly crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, the expression is a stunning and ultra-rare 53-Year-Old blend, with just 21 decanters available (five of which are in global travel retail), individually handblown by artisan glassmakers, Dartington Crystal. Each decanter is engraved with intricate feathers and gilded in 24-carat gold leaf, with magnificent curves inspired by Kate MccGwire’s enchanting sculptures. Furthermore, each decanter is accompanied by one of 21 pieces of art, called Paragon, created by Kate MccGwire exclusively for Royal Salute, using specially selected and sustainably sourced pheasant feathers, making it a true collector’s item. Together, they are housed in a hand-crafted wooden cabinet, accompanied by a beautiful art book detailing the collaboration between Royal Salute and the British sculptor.
- Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition:
Expertly crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, the coveted Coronation expression is a timeless whisky to be treasured and savored for years to come. A blend of over 53 rare malt and grain whiskies, to reflect the year Royal Salute was first crafted, the Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition is a beautifully rich and complex expression with notes of fresh redcurrants, dark chocolate praline, and freshly roasted chestnuts, and a palate of sweet figs and fresh ginger leading up to a long and rich finish with a playful spice.
- Royal Salute Time Series II (51-Year-Old):
An ultra-rare and ultra limited edition whisky (with only 101 bottles available globally) that pays tribute to the magic of time. The youngest blends in the expression date back to 1970, including whiskies from Scotland’s finest distilleries, Strathisla, Longmorn, Glen Keith and lost distillery Caperdonich. The liquid is housed in an individually numbered, precious handblown crystal decanter, and presented in a superb five layer wooden display case, with each layer representing a decade of the life of the blend. The set also includes an exclusive illustrated booklet with beautiful imagery, offering a deep dive into the story behind the blend.
- Royal Salute House of Quinn by Richard Quinn:
A collaboration between Royal Salute and renowned fashion designer Richard Quinn. Crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, the expression combines fine and rare malt whiskies from across Scotland, including some laid down in the birth year of Richard Quinn. The finish is perfectly balanced, delicately floral and complimented with oaky tones, making for a fitting tribute to the duality of Richard Quinn’s elegant yet edgy style. Hand-blown from black Dartington crystal, each decanter has been individually numbered to mark its rarity, and hand-painted with a floral design created by Quinn, in homage to his bold and colorful collections. The bespoke motif has been elevated with gold leaf to finish the look, ensuring each decanter is collectable and unique to its owner.
- Royal Salute Platinum Jubilee:
A super-premium limited edition whisky launched to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Inspired by the Queen’s “vibrant and joyous style,” Royal Salute took inspiration from seven brooches from Her Majesty’s personal collection for the release. The designs of the brooches have been featured in seven different Dartington crystal decanter and box designs, with a color palette to reflect her wardrobe. The whisky inside was finished for more than two years in tawny port casks and featured a number of highly aged whiskies, including liquids from seven now-silent distilleries including Inverleven, Caperdonich and Lochside.
Ranjith Menon, Director of Purchasing, Beauty, Liquor, Tobacco and Confectionery, Heinemann Asia Pacific, said, "We are incredibly proud to have partnered with Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail on such a momentous release. This collaboration allows us to showcase an extraordinary assortment of ultra prestigious whiskies, highlighting Royal Salute's creativity and exquisite craftsmanship. Additionally, this collaboration marks a significant milestone as Sydney becomes the first Heinemann location globally to unveil the Royal Salute Art Edition. The launch aligns with our mission to excite travelers and position Heinemann and Sydney Airport as a key stage for luxury brands. We are looking forward to our customers visiting the activation this year."
Becky Holliday, Regional Director for Pernod Ricard Pacific Global Travel Retail, added, "This collaboration between our teams at Heinemann Australia and Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail is truly a milestone achievement. Meticulous planning has gone into creating the Royal Salute whisky zone - a space which features over $250,000 AUD (US$160,525) worth of Royal Salute for shoppers to discover. We feel incredibly privileged to offer such rare whiskies, particularly given the continued demand we see for collectability and luxury in the ultra-premium whisky category."
Heinemann Australia's commitment to providing travelers with an immersive luxury experience is further exemplified through the recent opening of the airport's Luxury Precinct, offering an array of exclusive products across Fragrance, Skincare, Makeup, Watches and Jewellery, and Fashion and Accessories.
The Royal Salute Collection activation will be open to traveling shoppers from August 9 until November 8, 2023, at the Heinemann Sydney Departures Mega B store.
