Contortionists. A Scottish pipe band. And a bottle of whisky worth almost $37,000. The Airport Authority opened North America’s first World Duty Free store with some serious style last week.
Guests at the grand opening were treated to carnival-style entertainment, treats dispensed from an interesting mobile table (see photo), and a tour of World Duty Free’s spectacular new shops. The central 1,450-square metre walk-through store tempts international travellers with everything from quintessential Canadian souvenirs – maple syrup and smoked salmon – to highly covetable beauty products – Crème de la Mer or La Prarie luxury skin cream, anyone?
But back to the whisky. Piped in by a traditional Scottish pipe band and lovingly introduced by the whisky-maker’s own grandson, Generations Glenlivet 70 Year Old is one of the oldest whiskies from cask ever released. This is no everyday scotch: Glenlivet 70 was distilled and laid down during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Only 100 decanters of this history-infused spirit are available worldwide, and four of them are for sale at YVR.
If you’re travelling through our international terminal in the coming weeks, enjoy browsing through the new shops, and let us know what you think.