British fashion designer Giles Deacon has collaborated with London Heathrow Airport to create an exclusive set of bespoke whisky stones that will be offered as a gift to customers spending at least £70 (US$100) on the spirit during the month of May.
The whisky stones have been handcrafted using soapstone and are used as a substitute to ice cubes because of their cooling properties and ability to retain their temperature without compromising the flavor of the drink. The stones will also come with a custom-made paisley pouch to store them in.
London Heathrow sells approximately one million bottles of whisky each year, with the largest sales being made by passengers traveling to the USA, India and China. Whisky is also a key export for the UK, with Scotch whisky accounting for a quarter of UK food and drink exports, generating £4bn (US$5.8bn) for the economy.
The Whisky Experience promotion takes place annually at Heathrow and is designed to give passengers the opportunity to taste and learn more about the popular spirit. From travel exclusives by renowned distillers to premium single malt whiskies, there are over 335 different whiskies on sale at Heathrow and a number of experts will be on hand during May to introduce people to the range.
Commenting on the collaboration, Giles said, “I’m a huge fan of whisky and particularly enjoy sipping on Japanese blends whenever I travel, so what better way to keep my drink cool than to add a couple of hand crafted whisky stones to my tumbler.
“The inspiration for my design came from a print inspired by the Victorian textile designer and writer William Morris. I love the idea that passengers can take a little inspiration from British history with them on their travels from Britain’s most iconic airport.”
Jonathan Coen, retail director at London Heathrow, said, “Whisky has become increasingly popular in recent years. Whether you’re a fan of the classic whisky advertisements of the 1960s or simply love an old fashioned cocktail from time to time, we’re proud to stock a diverse range of whisky across our terminals. From Scotch, bourbon or single malt varieties, there’s something for everyone, and for anyone struggling to make up their minds, our expert tasters will be on hand to offer passengers advice on how best to enjoy this iconic British drink.”