Ian Macleod Distillers announces double success as its new GTR exclusive, Smokehead Rum Riot, launches in store with two of the world’s leading travel retail operators, Dufry and Gebr. Heinemann.

This latest expression from the bold and disruptive Islay malt whisky makes its debut with Dufry across World Duty Free stores in key UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh. GTR exclusive, Smokehead Extra Rare is also available for the first time in the same locations.

In mainland Europe, Smokehead Rum Riot is launching in Gebr. Heinemann airport stores in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Kiev, Berlin and Budapest, whilst Smokehead Extra Rare has enjoyed positive sales at Amsterdam, Kiev, Copenhagen and Istanbul airports and also Sydney.

Smokehead Rum Riot is crafted by finishing Smokehead, which delivers a rich, peaty and salty flavour punch, in Caribbean rum casks, resulting in a hit of immense smoke and spice, followed by citrus, banana, pear drops and hints of honey. In keeping with Smokehead’s bold, untamed and unruly character, Smokehead Rum Riot is housed in a black bottle with deep orange splashes, highlighting the additional flavours and qualities from the Caribbean rum finish and packaged in a deep orange metallic tin.

“Smokehead is now the fastest growing brand in our portfolio, with pre-Covid sales up by 50% year on year,” says Ian Macleod Distillers’ Travel Retail Director, William Ovens. “The success is driven by its cult following and ‘not for everyone’ proposition, in both domestic and international markets.”

Other airport listings for Smokehead Rum Riot and Smokehead Extra Rare include London Luton airport with Lagardère Travel Retail and Singapore Changi airport with Lotte. Smokehead is available on ferries, including Viking Line and Scandlines, on selected airlines and in leading border stores.

These exciting new listings follow Smokehead Rum Riot’s successful introduction at TFWA Cannes 2019 where it was showcased at the Frontier Awards and also won the Drinks International Drinks Launch TFWA Cannes award.

Smokehead Rum Riot (70cl / 43% ABV) and Smokehead Extra Rare (1L / 40% ABV) have an RRP of £43.99/€49.90.