USA. The Macallan (Edrington Group) has partnered with DFS Group to unveil a flagship boutique at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), its first travel retail outlet on the West Coast.
Located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, the 92sq m space is designed to immerse travellers in a premium multi-sensory experience that celebrates The Macallan’s heritage and craftsmanship.
The opening leverages the momentum of upcoming sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics, aligning with a projected surge in international arrivals.
Positioned among other leading luxury lifestyle brands, the boutique further enhances the brand’s regional presence and reaches its key consumer segment.
A thoughtfully designed space
Designed by architect Jamie Fobert, the boutique was developed under The Macallan’s new ‘Nurtured by Nature’ experiential retail concept.
Inspired by The Macallan’s Speyside estate and guided by its Six Pillars – the distinctive elements that shape the brand’s craft and identity – the concept invites guests to explore the qualities that distinguish the brand.
Designed to express The Macallan’s connection to nature, the space uses storytelling through materials such as oak and copper, evoking the signature oak casks and small stills that shape the whisky’s character.
Key design elements include a wave-like wall reminiscent of the distillery’s signature undulating roofline, complemented by the colour red – a long-standing brand emblem representing its passion and legacy.
A copper wall displaying rare releases draws inspiration from the distillery’s small stills, while charred oak petal-like shelves and podiums evoke the oak staves that impart depth and flavour to the whisky.
A striking Albariza stone wall, made using the same white soil used in Jerez de la Frontera to grow sherry grapes, reflects the origins of The Macallan’s sherry-seasoned casks and the critical role they play in the whisky’s maturation process.
Botanical-inspired merchandising, olfactory elements and local artist collaborations reinforce the boutique’s nature-driven concept.
Another standout feature is the ‘Dancing Leaf’ installation by local artist Sarah Ippolito, a sculptural tribute to the rich foliage of The Macallan Estate. Inspired by the American oak leaf, it honours one of the key cask types used in maturing the brand’s whiskies, including the travel retail-exclusive Colour Collection.
This highlights the role of both American and European oak casks in shaping The Macallan’s natural colour and distinctive flavour.
The installation’s natural colour palette reflects the deep hues of The Macallan’s single malts, embodying their essence and character through a striking contemporary piece crafted exclusively for the LAX boutique.
Adding a multi-sensory layer to the experience is an ambient soundscape featuring an original score by Mimi Xu Studio, created from field recordings at The Macallan Estate in Scotland.
To elevate the shopping experience, knowledgeable brand consultants are available to guide guests through The Macallan’s portfolio. A private consultation room offers guests a tailored tasting experience, complemented by a gifting area with complimentary wrapping and personalisation options.
The boutique offers an expanded selection from The Macallan’s Prestige portfolio, including rare expressions and travel retail-exclusive whiskies such as the Colour Collection.
Edrington Regional Managing Director – Global Travel Retail Kasper Andersen commented, “Bringing The Macallan to Los Angeles International Airport is an exciting step for us, marking our first West Coast boutique and an important new chapter for the brand in the Americas.
“LAX is a true crossroads for global travellers and this boutique lets us share the story of The Macallan’s heritage, craftsmanship and deep connection to nature in a truly immersive way.
“Whether someone is a long-standing enthusiast or discovering our whiskies for the first time, we look forward to welcoming everyone to experience the very best of The Macallan in this remarkable new space.”
Edrington Commercial Director – Global Travel Retail Wilcy Wong said, “The opening of our flagship boutique at LAX is an exciting moment for The Macallan and for our travel retail business in the Americas.
“Los Angeles is a vibrant, international hub, and this new space allows us to engage with a diverse community of travellers and whisky enthusiasts. Working closely with DFS, we’re proud to offer an exceptional experience, exclusive releases and the very best of The Macallan to customers on the West Coast and beyond.”
DFS Group Senior Director of Merchandising Daniel Licari added, “We are delighted to partner with The Macallan to introduce this extraordinary boutique at LAX, bringing an unmatched whisky experience to one of the world’s leading airports.
“The boutique’s immersive design, innovative storytelling and exclusive range of ultra-prestige expressions reflect our ongoing commitment to offering travellers unique, memorable moments and access to the world’s finest brands.”
Los Angeles World Airports Director of Concessions and Tenant Relations Denise Sample said, “The opening of The Macallan boutique adds a new dimension to the retail landscape at Tom Bradley International Terminal.
“As LAX continues to evolve as a premier global gateway, we are excited to welcome this renowned brand and its retail concept. The Macallan’s partnership with DFS further strengthens LAX’s reputation as a destination for luxury shopping and discovery.” ✈
