Whiskey Adventures in Lanzarote: A Local’s Guide
Ah, Lanzarote! The island of fire, volcanic landscapes, and… whiskey? While not exactly Scotland or Kentucky, this Spanish gem in the Canary Islands offers a surprisingly diverse and accessible market for whiskey enthusiasts. As a local who’s explored every nook and cranny of this island, I’m here to guide you through the best places to find your next dram, whether you’re after a rare single malt or a solid everyday blend.
Lanzarote’s unique position as a duty-free zone (though less so now than in decades past) has historically made it an attractive place for certain goods, including spirits. While the landscape is dominated by vineyards producing excellent local wines, the demand for international spirits like whiskey is well-catered for. You’ll find a range of options, from large supermarkets to specialized shops and even some bars that might surprise you with their selection.
Where to Find Your Whiskey in Lanzarote
Let’s break down the primary avenues for purchasing whiskey across the island. Lanzarote is relatively compact, so no matter where you’re staying – be it the bustling resorts of Playa Blanca, the lively Puerto del Carmen, or the charming capital Arrecife – you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for.
Supermarkets: Your Everyday Go-To
For everyday purchases and a solid range of popular brands, supermarkets are your best bet. They offer convenience and competitive pricing, especially on well-known international whiskies. You’ll find a decent selection of Scotch, Irish, and American whiskeys.
- Mercadona: This is one of Spain’s largest supermarket chains and is ubiquitous across Lanzarote. They usually have a good selection of mid-range whiskies, including popular brands like Johnnie Walker, Ballantine’s, Jameson, and Jack Daniel’s. Their own-brand spirits can also be surprisingly good value. You’ll find Mercadona stores in most major towns and tourist areas.
- HiperDino: Another major Canarian supermarket chain, HiperDino often has an even larger liquor section than Mercadona, especially in their hypermarket formats. They are great for finding a broader range of brands and sometimes even slightly more premium options. Look for larger HiperDino stores in Arrecife, Playa Blanca, and Costa Teguise.
- Spar: Spar supermarkets are also common, particularly in tourist resorts. While their selection might be smaller than Mercadona or HiperDino, they are convenient for a quick purchase and will typically stock the most common whiskey brands.
Specialty Liquor Stores: For the Connoisseur
While Lanzarote doesn’t have a vast number of dedicated whiskey shops like you might find in a major metropolis, there are places that focus more on spirits and can offer a more curated selection. These are often found in the larger towns.
- Local ‘Licorerías’ or ‘Bodegas’: Keep an eye out for independent liquor stores. Sometimes these smaller, family-run businesses have a passion for spirits and can source interesting bottles or have a more carefully chosen range than a large supermarket. They might offer local Canarian rum or brandy, but many also stock a good variety of international whiskies. Asking the owner for a recommendation is often rewarding!
- Duty-Free Shops (Airport & Ferries): Lanzarote Airport (ACE) and ferry terminals (e.g., to Fuerteventura or mainland Spain) often have duty-free shops. These can be excellent places to pick up a bottle, especially for well-known premium brands, as prices can be very attractive. However, be mindful of your baggage allowances if flying! The selection varies, but you can often find popular single malts and blends.
Online Retailers: Convenience at Your Fingertips
For the ultimate selection and the convenience of home delivery, shopping online is a fantastic option. Several Spanish and European online retailers deliver to Lanzarote. This is where you’ll find the widest array of whiskies, from obscure independent bottlings to the latest limited editions.
- Dropt.beer: This is a fantastic online platform that offers a curated selection of craft beers, wines, and, importantly for us, a growing range of spirits, including whiskey. They focus on quality and variety, often featuring brands you won’t find in your average supermarket. Their insights and news section, Dropt Insights, is also a great resource for learning more about different drinks. You can explore their shop at Dropt Shop and have your chosen bottles delivered right to your door in Lanzarote. This is a highly recommended option for serious whiskey hunters.
- Other Spanish Online Stores: Websites like Uvinum, Bodeboca, or even larger online retailers that have a wine and spirits section often deliver to the Canary Islands. Do check their shipping policies and costs for delivery to Lanzarote, as sometimes there can be specific regulations or higher fees for island deliveries.
What to Look For: A Lanzarote Perspective
When buying whiskey in Lanzarote, consider a few things:
- Popular International Brands: You’ll find the usual suspects readily available: Johnnie Walker (Red, Black, Gold, Blue), Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Famous Grouse, Jameson, Bushmills, Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam. These are safe bets and widely stocked.
- Single Malts: Supermarkets will typically stock a few popular single malts like Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan (often the 12-year-old), and sometimes Aberlour or Glenmorangie. For a wider selection of single malts, you’ll need to look at larger supermarkets, specialty stores, or online.
- Irish Whiskey: Jameson is king here, as it is in many parts of the world. You might also find Bushmills and Tullamore D.E.W.
- American Whiskey: Jack Daniel’s (Old No. 7, Gentleman Jack, Single Barrel) and Jim Beam are the most common. Bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Wild Turkey might also appear in larger stores.
- Japanese Whisky: This is where it gets trickier. While becoming more popular, Japanese whiskies like Suntory Toki, Hibiki, or Yamazaki are less common in physical stores in Lanzarote. Your best bet for these is often online retailers or potentially a very well-stocked duty-free shop.
- Local Spirits: While not whiskey, don’t forget to explore Lanzarote’s own spirit production! The island is famous for its wines, but there are also excellent local rums and brandies. A bottle of Canarian rum is a great souvenir and a taste of the island itself.
Insider Tips for Whiskey Buyers in Lanzarote
As a local, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years:
- Compare Prices: Don’t assume the first place you look has the best price. Check prices at Mercadona, HiperDino, and potentially a local licorería, especially if you’re buying a more common brand.
- Ask for Recommendations: In smaller, independent liquor stores, the staff often have a genuine passion for their products. Don’t hesitate to ask for their favorite whiskey or what’s popular among locals. You might discover something unexpected!
- Look for Promotions: Supermarkets frequently have special offers on spirits, especially around holidays or during summer. Keep an eye on weekly flyers or in-store displays.
- Consider the Occasion: Are you looking for a casual evening drink, a special gift, or something to impress? This will guide whether you stick to the supermarket staples or venture online for something more unique. For a truly special bottle that’s hard to find locally, Dropt.beer’s online shop is an excellent resource.
- Transporting Your Purchase: If you buy a larger bottle, especially from a duty-free shop, ensure you have adequate packaging for transport, whether it’s back to your accommodation or home. If flying, check airline regulations for transporting alcohol.
- Embrace the Local Vibe: While you might be craving a specific single malt, remember you’re in Lanzarote! Perhaps try a local Canarian rum or a Lanzarote wine alongside your whiskey exploration. The island has a rich culinary and beverage scene that’s worth discovering.
Whiskey Bars with Interesting Selections
While not places to *buy* a bottle to take home, some bars in Lanzarote boast impressive whiskey selections, offering a chance to sample rare or high-quality drams. If you’re a whiskey lover, it’s worth asking around in the larger towns for bars known for their spirits.
- Puerto del Carmen’s Strip: You’ll find numerous bars here, and some of the more upscale establishments or those catering to a diverse international clientele might have a surprisingly decent whiskey menu. It’s a case of exploring and asking.
- Arrecife’s Bars: The capital city often has a more authentic local feel. Exploring the streets around the Charco de San Ginés might reveal some hidden gems with well-stocked bars.
The Verdict
Buying whiskey in Lanzarote is a straightforward affair, with supermarkets offering a reliable and convenient option for most popular brands. For those seeking greater variety, rarer bottles, or specific international whiskies that might be less common on the island, online retailers like Dropt.beer are invaluable resources. Don’t forget the duty-free shops for potential bargains, especially if you’re flying out. Embrace the adventure, explore the options, and enjoy your whiskey discovery on this unique volcanic island!