Suntory Global Spirits Kentucky bourbon brand Maker’s Mark has launched a travel retail-exclusive (TREX) series featuring city-inspired labels designed by acclaimed artist Alexandra Pacula.
Available for a limited time at selected airports, the bespoke Maker’s Mark bottles are inspired by destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Dubai, Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore, Seoul, Sydney and Melbourne.
“At Maker’s Mark, we’ve always believed that character comes from doing things differently, and this Artist Series – City Edition brings that idea to life by capturing the distinct spirit and creative energy of iconic cities around the world,” said Maker’s Mark Managing Director and eighth-generation whisky maker Rob Samuels.
“Today’s travellers are looking for experiences that feel personal and memorable, and we’re proud that each beautifully designed bottle is something they can enjoy long after their trip ends.”
Drawing on her signature style of painting inspired by long-exposure photography techniques, Pacula “captures each city’s movement, light and rhythm through layered, expressive compositions”, said the brand owner in a statement. Hand-painted details reflect a nod to the brand’s well-known red wax seal.
Pacula said: “Maker’s Mark has a very intentional approach to craft, and I wanted to mirror that in this body of work. I spent time in each city, immersed in its rhythm and atmosphere, and translated those impressions into expressive visuals that bring each label – and each place – to life.”
“Travel retail continues to be a key channel for premium spirits, as consumers increasingly seek exclusive and experience-led purchases during their journey,” commented Suntory Global Spirits Interim General Manager, Global Travel Retail Ashish Sagar.
“With the brand’s distinctive craftsmanship, the Maker’s Mark Artist Series creates a collectable proposition that truly stands out in airport retail.”
The Maker’s Mark Artist Series – City Edition is available at major airports beginning in Sydney (with Heinemann Oceania), Melbourne (Lotte Duty Free), Singapore Changi (Lotte Duty Free) and Incheon Internatonal (Lotte Duty Free and Hyundai Duty Free) in July, followed by London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted (Avolta) and Paris Charles de Gaulle (the Extime Duty Free JV between Groupe ADP and Lagardère Travel Retail) in August.
In September the airport series will continue to roll out in Dubai (Dubai Duty Free), Delhi (Delhi Duty Free), Mumbai (Ospree Duty Free), and in the USA in New York (JFK, all terminals; Avolta, ARI/IS, Duty Free Americas) and Los Angeles (currently DFS Group, in transition currently to Duty Free Americas). ✈
*Announcing The TREX Factor – Reaching B2C + B2B Audiences
The Moodie Davitt Report has launched a breakthrough crossover B2B to B2C video series focused entirely on travel retail-exclusive (TREX) products. {Click on the YouTube Icon to view TREX Travels to the Duty-Free World, the introductory video to The TREX Factor} Filmed by our acclaimed Shenzhen-based Moodie Davitt STUDIO division, the pioneering B2B and B2C crossover series is being shown in multi-lingual form (led by but not limited to Chinese and English) on the Moodie Davitt STUDIO YouTube channel, our dual WeChat Video platforms and (coming soon) Xiaohongshu. EPISODE 1{Click on the YouTube icon to view Episode 1 on the Moodie Davitt STUDIO platform or here to watch on WeChat with Chinese subtitles} In our worldwide premiere, resident TREX Master Martin Moodie – the world’s leading duty-free shopping commentator and Founder of world-renowned The Moodie Davitt Report, introduces Johnnie Walker Blue Label Xordinaire, aged in former French XO Cognac casks, designed to add an element of smoothness and sweetness. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Xordinaire brings these elements together for an extraordinary finish. And, most importantly, it is a definitive TREX, available only in duty-free and travel retail stores. Click on the YouTube icon to view. EPISODE 2{Click on the YouTube icon to view Episode 2 on the Moodie Davitt STUDIO platform or here to watch on WeChat with Chinese subtitles} In our second episode, resident TREX Master Martin Moodie introduces you to two single malt whiskies from The Macallan, one of the truly famous Scotch whiskey distilleries of the world. Two very interesting variants with very different stories behind them. Click on the YouTube icon to view. EPISODE 3Our third episode features 叠川 The Chuan, which celebrates the vision of French drinks powerhouse Pernod Ricard to create a prestige Chinese malt whisky. Resident TREX Master Martin Moodie is joined on set by Rolls Wang, Retail Manager at Duty Zero by cdf, Hong Kong International Airport. EPISODE 4In this episode we taste two fine whiskies from Japan under the Misaka label – Misaka 12 Years Old Pure Malt PX Sherry Cask and Misaka 12 Years Old Mizunara Cask. Resident TREX Master Martin Moodie is joined by Hong Kong-based Australian entrepreneur, wines & spirits distributor, restaurateur, whisky aficionado and now whisky owner, Harry Kartasis, who introduced the brand to the world. Brands or retailers wishing to participate should contact Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com |
