HONG KONG. Duty Zero by cdf is marking its second anniversary at Hong Kong International Airport with a series of exclusive and limited-edition launches, themed galleries and experiential zones for partner brands, plus lucky draws and silent auctions for rare pieces. Many items also feature a -40% discount.
The retailer, a partnership with China Duty Free Group and Lagardère Travel Retail, is hosting a range of activities from 8 November to 31 December.
The celebration features 53 creations across Cognac, single malt whisky, blended whisky, wine and Champagne as well as a strong selection of Asian liquor.
An exhibition titled ‘Curating the world’s finest sensations’ features three themed galleries: Master of Whisky, Wine Specialist and Connoisseur of Distilleries in the East Hall North and East Hall South stores.
Collectible items among these ranges include:
Martell Hidden Gems, a blend in a vintage Baccarat crystal decanter reserved normally for royalty visiting France, including Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and Emperor Hirohito in 1971. The most valuable exhibit of all is priced HK$1,336,000 (US$170,000).
Remy Martin’s XO Cannes is a limited edition created exclusively for the Cannes Film Festival. Signed by Hollywood celebrities, the three-litre piece is “more than just a Cognac, more a work of art,” said Duty Zero by cdf.
The Macallan72YO in Lalique – The Genesis Decanter marries the oldest single malt ever released by The Macallan with a bespoke limited edition crystal decanter handcrafted by Lalique.
Among single malts, Highland Park 50 Year Old is the oldest and most prestigious release from the distillery, on the Orkney Islands. From a limited edition of just 274 bottles worldwide, it is considered one of the greatest single malts in the world, nominated as Best Spirit in the World on three separate occasions.
Events to mark the anniversary include a digital silent auction, which invites bids on 21 gems with real time bidding status. Only one of each creation is open to offers at www.dutyzero2nd.com
The climax of the celebrations comes with a Lucky Draw featuring prizes worth a collective HK$2 million (US$255,000). Customers who spend HK$1,500 at any Duty Zero store are eligible to enter the Lucky Draw.
First prize is a pair of round-trip tickets to Scotland with four-night hotel accommodation for two to join a ‘Scotland Distillery Tour’ to Mortlach, Glendullan, Glenfiddich and Macallan. Other instant prizes include a wide range of wines & spirits from renowned brands, anniversary souvenirs, coupons and local confectionery products.
An experiential zone houses some rare editions only found in travel retail. These include:
Johnnie Walker Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal, which is featured in the East Hall North shop as a travel Exclusive limited edition. It is the third series of Johnnie Walker Ghost & Rare collections and integrates Blue Label with rare spirit from Glenury Royal, one of only three Scottish distilleries recognised with a ‘Royal’ title and closed down over 30 years ago.
The latest Glenmorangie travel exclusive comes to market at Duty Zero, four months before the rest of the world. It is a blend of 12yo, 14yo and 16yo liquids matured in bourbon sherry casks and virgin oak casks.
Duty Zero also launches Hennessy XO Ice as a limited edition. It is a new take on the Hennessy XO by serving it over ice.
In related developments, selected Duty Zero Diamond VIP members will be invited on “a sensory voyage” of Glenmorangie, Glenfiddich and Johnnie Walker at intimate private dinners downtown. These coincide with the release Glenmorangie 12yo/14yo/16yo, Johnnie Walker The Last Cask and Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23yo, Rare Cask 1978/23yo/30yo.
