Overview

When you're travelling internationally, nothing beats picking up a fine bottle of whiskey on your way out or when you land. But with so many options, it can be tricky to know which one to choose.

No worries. Laneway, Melbourne Airport's online duty free shop, has a bottle for every connoisseur. From fruity notes to smoky, earthy flavours, you'll never run out of options.

The best part? It's an online shopping platform, so buying whiskey is super convenient! You can browse and order your favourites wherever and just pick them up at Melbourne International Airport before you fly or after you land!

If you're still not sure which bottle to add to your cart, here's a quick guide on our bestsellers to help you decide.

Why Buy Whiskey on Laneway?

Before delving into our top picks, let's first talk about why Laneway is the best shopping destination for duty free whiskies. Shopping on Laneway lets you enjoy:

  • Exclusive Selections: Laneway gives you access to a range of limited-edition whiskies that are hard to find elsewhere. This includes premium bottles from both international and Australian brands.
  • Best of In-Store: With Laneway, you get the bestsellers from airport duty free stores like Lotte all in one convenient place. There's no need to browse different shops—it's all there, online.
  • Tax-Free Savings: Duty free prices mean you're saving money on every bottle. You avoid GST, and sometimes seasonal deals or promotional discounts make the savings even sweeter.
  • Lower Baggage Fees: Picking up your whiskey purchases after you land in Melbourne helps reduce baggage fees as you don't need to check in heavy bottles.
  • No Risk of Bottles Exploding Mid-Flight: Since you're picking up your purchases after landing, there's no need for you to check them in as baggage or carry them on board the plane. This means you won't have to worry about bottles exploding mid-flight or claiming a broken bottle at the baggage carousel.
  • Compliance With Duty Free Limits: Australia has a duty free limit of 2.25 litres for alcohol and AUD 900 for general goods. If you go over the limit, you will need to pay duties and taxes on all the items you're bringing in. However, if you buy your duty free alcohol on Laneway and pick them up at Melbourne Airport when you land, you don't have to worry about complying with these duty free limits. You can buy all the whiskies and alcohol you want at tax-free prices.

Top Duty Free Whiskey Picks on Melbourne Airport's Laneway

Laneway has some incredible whiskies on offer, covering iconic brands from around the globe. Whether you're looking for Australian favourites or classic Scotch whiskies, here are the best picks to consider.

Australian Icons

Australian whiskey has made a name for itself on the global stage. Craft distilleries are putting Australia in the spotlight with unique flavour profiles that embrace local ingredients and innovative techniques. On Laneway, you'll find crowd-favourites like:

  • Starward: Brings a distinct flavour, often aged in French pinot noir wine barrels, giving it a smooth, fruity finish that's uniquely Melbourne.
  • Archie Rose: Offers handcrafted excellence, with distilleries based in Sydney that focus on creating bold, innovative blends.
  • Lark: One of the pioneers of Australian whisky, they produce spirits that embody Tasmania's natural environment, using clean Tasmanian water and malt.

Premium Scotch Selections

Rooted in Scotland’s unique distilling process, Scotch whiskey is known for its craftsmanship and tradition. The key ingredient in Scotch is malted barley, aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years. Some distilleries like Macallan and Glenlivet even release limited edition 50-year-old bottles. Scotland’s climate, water, and cask ageing process give Scotch its distinct flavour profile, setting it apart from other whiskies around the world. Choose from our selection of:

  • Single Malt Whiskies: A single malt whisky comes from a single distillery and is made entirely of malted barley. It often carries a complex depth of flavour unique to its origin. Popular brands include Glenfiddich and Dewar's, which are known for their rich and distinctive taste.
  • Blended Scotch Whiskies: A blended scotch whisky is a mix of different malts and grains, offering balance and smoothness that make it a popular choice for many. Notable brands include Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker, and Ballantine, all of which offer a refined and smooth drinking experience.

Japanese Blends

Japanese whiskey is all about craftsmanship. It's known for its precise, delicate flavour profiles, often drawing inspiration from Scotch but with a distinctly Japanese touch. Distilleries in Japan often use pure spring water, a meticulous ageing process, and a range of cask types, from American oak to Japanese Mizunara oak, which adds unique, complex flavours.

Top brands like Suntory and Hibiki showcase this smooth, harmonious profile, with hints of floral and fruity notes. While Fuji, another renowned Japanese brand, offers a refined blend that appeals to both new and experienced whisky lovers.

American Classics

American whiskies are distinct for their bold, rich flavours, often rooted in corn-based mash bills and aged in new charred oak barrels, giving them a sweeter, smokier profile. Unlike other whiskies, American varieties like bourbon and Tennessee whiskey must follow specific regulations, which contribute to their signature taste. On Laneway, we’ve got top-shelf brands like:

  • Jack Daniels: Known for its smooth Tennessee whiskey, with a charcoal mellowing process that adds a hint of sweetness.
  • Jim Beam: A classic bourbon offering rich caramel notes.
  • Wild Turkey: Delivers a spicier, full-bodied flavour, ideal for those who enjoy robust whiskies.

Ireland’s Finest

Irish whiskies are celebrated for their smooth, light taste, thanks to a triple distillation process that gives them a clean, easy-drinking profile. Often made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley and aged in oak casks, Irish whiskies are known for their gentle, approachable flavour. They’re perfect if you’re looking for something easy to sip with plenty of flavour but no harsh edges. Our bestselling Irish whiskies include Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore, and Teeling.

Canadian Perfection

Canadian whiskies are known for their light, smooth profile, often achieved through blending multiple grains and using rye for added spice. They’re typically aged in used barrels, allowing the grain flavours to shine, and are widely appreciated for their versatility and easy-drinking nature.

Brands like Canadian Club and Fireball are well-loved. Canadian Club offers the classic rye experience with subtle hints of oak and spice, while Fireball brings a cinnamon kick that’s great for something different.

How to Buy Duty Free Whiskey Online

Already decided on what you’re getting? Buying duty free whiskey on Laneway takes no more than a few clicks:

  1. Browse Laneway's Whiskey Collection: Start by exploring the available whiskies on Laneway’s site.
  2. Select Your Preferred Whiskey: Once you've found the perfect whiskey, select it and add it to your cart.
  3. Proceed to Checkout: After finalising your selection, go to your cart and click on “Proceed to checkout” to start the payment process.
  4. Confirm Your Flight and Personal Details: Enter your flight information to confirm your eligibility for duty free purchases. Laneway requires these details to have your order ready for collection when you depart or arrive.
  5. Complete Payment: At checkout, choose from several payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, and Alipay. Ensure you have all details correct before clicking “Place Order.”
  6. Pick Up at Melbourne Airport: When you arrive at Melbourne Airport, head to the designated pick-up counter at Terminal 2 to collect your order. Remember to bring a valid ID, as alcohol purchases on Laneway are subject to age restrictions.

The best part is that you can order up to 30 days in advance, making it easy to plan your duty free shopping without rushing. This flexibility means you can secure your favourite whiskies well ahead of time, making your trip even smoother.

Disclaimer: Only passengers travelling internationally from/to Melbourne Airport can purchase goods via the Laneway. Please note that some goods, like alcohol and tobacco products, may have minimum age requirements, and ID will need to be provided at the time you collect the goods from the relevant collection point. Purchases of alcohol and tobacco via the Laneway must not be made by any person who is under 18 years of age.

Scoring the Best Duty Free Whiskey Deals

To find the best whiskey at the best price on Laneway, try these tips:

  • Look for Sale Prices: Laneway often features discounted prices on select whiskies. Keep an eye on any marked-down bottles for great deals on premium brands.
  • Check Multi-Buy Offers: Sometimes, Laneway has multi-buy promotions, where you can get a discount for purchasing more than one bottle. Perfect if you want to stock up or try a few varieties.
  • Keep an Eye Out for Limited-Edition Releases: Limited-edition whiskies can be a valuable find at duty free prices. These unique bottles often come at a special sale price that’s hard to beat outside of duty free.

Watch for Seasonal Discounts: Promotions are often updated around peak travel seasons or holidays. Check Laneway regularly to catch these offers before your trip.

Treat Yourself to Top Whiskey on Laneway

Flying to or from Melbourne? Don’t forget to treat yourself to a premium whiskey from Laneway’s collection. Whether you’re craving a rich single malt, a smooth bourbon, or a refined Japanese whiskey, Laneway’s got your pick – all at exclusive duty free prices. And if you’re looking to mix things up, our shelves are stocked with rum, red and white wines, liqueurs, tequila, vodka, and more.

Don’t miss the chance to bring home something memorable. Order on Laneway, pick it up at the airport, and get ready to celebrate with a glass that’s worth the trip!