Imagine holding a bottle with a cool price tag of S$350,000. Costing as much as an apartment in some countries probably, that bottle is a bottle of single malt Scotch whisky of 1951 vintage from Scottish distillery Dalmore’s exclusive Constellation collection.

This object of desire can be viewed at the revamped DFS Wines and Spirits store at Changi Airport Terminal 3. DFS Group, in partnership with Changi Airport Group (CAG), has recently launched their flagship Wines and Spirits duplex store. This is actually the world’s first two-storey Wines and Spirits DFS store in an airport.

A World’s First for Travellers

The Wines and Spirits duplex has more than 11,000 square feet of wines and spirits, and houses one of the world’s largest assortments of liquor and tobacco products in any airport worldwide. Although the exterior looks like a regular DFS shop, the interior space is designed for discovery.  As I spiralled deeper into the circular layout, I found a bar located in the nexus of the first storey; lining the walls of the duplex are bottles of whisky, stretching from ground floor to the top of the second storey.  It made for quite a sight, especially for a whisky lover like me.

The prices within DFS Singapore are also the lowest in the Asia-Pacific region, and travellers can use a “Scan and Compare” machine to compare the prices of any product across the airports in the region and be assured that the prices they are getting in DFS Singapore are the lowest. DFS also makes monthly market surveys to ensure it is offering the most competitive prices.  In addition, if prices do not show up, the product is likely a Changi Airport exclusive.

It’s all about the Experience

The second level is where the Wines and Spirits duplex really shines.  Not only does the duplex confounds travellers with its extensive range, the second level is also a wonderland for wine and liquor collectors. It has some of the most expensive and rarest bottles of wines and spirits from around the world, such as a range of First Growth Premier Cru wines from the best French chateaus. This is also where you can find the S$350,000 bottle of 1951 Dalmore Constellation Collection.

The second storey also offers travellers an exclusive experience to see and taste some of the best brands available in the store.  Specially curated brands have their own boutique space on the second storey to showcase their products.

Glenfiddich’s Malt Master Brian Kinsman happened to be in town for during my visit, and I got to taste some of the finest Glenfiddich single-malts on offer, including the Vintage Cask and Rare Collection. These were specially selected by Brian for the Glenfiddich Residence boutique within the duplex. Travellers who are in Changi Airport during such occasions may also get brand ambassadors like Brian to sign bottles that they purchase.

In partnership with the Raffles Hotel, DFS and Changi Airport Group also created another exclusive world’s first – the Raffles Long Bar experience at Terminal 3. Travellers missing the Raffles Long Bar at Raffles Hotel can relive their experience right before they take-off.  The bar serves a good range of cocktails including the famous “Singapore Sling”, which are complimentary to travellers.  Just remember to board your flight before your gate closes.

The new DFS Wines and Spirits duplex in Changi Airport Terminal 3 offers travellers an experience that is hard to beat.  I only wish it is also available at the other terminals.  Currently, travellers leaving via other terminals can still visit the duplex via the SkyTrain in the transit area. Be sure to cater for sufficient time to make it back to your gate though.