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Whisky Giant Macallan Opens First U.S. Shop at LAX, Hints at More

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Ryan Smith
Edited by: Michael Y. Park
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When you think of top-quality single-malt whisky, you might think of Scottish brand the Macallan. The brand now has a physical presence in the Los Angeles airport, and it’s not just any airport shop.

LAX is now home to the first full-fledged Macallan shop in the Americas. The distillery recently cut the ribbon for the Macallan boutique’s grand opening, hoping to give everyone a reason to raise to a glass for scotch lovers passing through LA.

We were on hand to learn about the brand’s plans for growth in the U.S. and what travelers can find at the new outpost.

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What Is a Macallan Whisky?

The Macallan is one of the most celebrated names in single malt Scotch whisky, with deep ties to the Speyside region Scotland since the distillery’s founding in 1824. It’s consistently one of the 3 bestselling scotches around the world and is known for maturing its liquors in aged oak sherry and bourbon casks.

The Macallan Boutique LAX cash register
Inside the new boutique at LAX.

Macallan whiskies are known for complex flavors that include hints of dried fruits like raisins and cherries and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger.

Macallan Opens a New Boutique at LAX

The Macallan officially opened its new store at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, or TBIT. The Macallan store is on the ground floor near the escalators if you turn right after passing security and entering the terminal’s main hall. In 2024, there was a temporary Macallan store up in LAX from July to November. The permanent store is in a different space than 2024 the pop-up was.

The LAX Macallan shop is open from 8 a.m. to midnight.

The Macallan Boutique LAX ribbon cutting
Officially opening the store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Los Angeles was a natural fit for the brand’s first store in North America considering the LAX “traveler profile,” said Kasper Anderson, managing director for Macallan parent company Edrington Global Travel Retail, who was on hand to cut the ribbon and lead a celebratory toast.

Anderson said other locations considered were “the usual big-city suspects” and hinted that there could be new Macallan outposts in U.S. airports.

The Macallan Boutique LAX toast
A celebratory toast — with whisky, of course.

Macallan store employees can guide customers who need help selecting a bottle with questions about tastes, preferences, and special occasions. Guests can also smell whiskies at the nosing tray, taste samples, and interact with a digital profiling panel to find the right whisky for them.

The Macallan Boutique LAX store
Looking into the store from the entrance.

Products on sale in the boutique range from $80 for an introductory-level bottle in the Colour Collection to an incredible $98,000 for rare collections. Additionally, Macallan stores in places like Singapore, China, Dubai, and now LAX carry locale-specific bottles not available anywhere else — something sure to lure collectors.

The Macallan Boutique LAX case
Two of the rarest items for sale at the store.

Those with enough time can visit the tasting room at the back of the store. Here, guests can learn about and sample whiskies to compare flavors and then make an informed purchase before heading to their flight.

The Macallan Boutique LAX tasting room
Inside the tasting room.

Since all terminals are connected after security at LAX, anyone flying out of other terminals can also head over to the TBIT to visit the store.

Hot Tip:

Passengers on domestic flights can’t make purchases. You need to show identification and an international boarding pass since this store is in a duty-free area at LAX airport.

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Final Thoughts

The Macallan, a popular and widely respected whisky, has opened a new boutique at LAX. Customers can stop in to purchase a bottle for themselves or as a gift before taking an international flight. You can find both common and rare bottles for sale.

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and is letting his wife choose their destinations, including revisiting some favorites. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, Point.me, and Forbes Advisor.

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