“Think back to where you were 35-years ago, and what you were doing,” said The Glenlivet Brand Guardian, Ian Logan. “Because when you do that, and you think back to the fact that you were still in school, or perhaps in an entirely different country, it puts an entirely new perspective of things”.
Last night Esquire and The Glenlivet put on an exclusive soiree in celebration of Dubai Duty Free and its momentous 35th anniversary. The event was attended by – you guessed it – 35 of the region’s biggest connoisseurs, who enjoyed a lavish dinner courtesy of Celebrities restaurant, at the One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai.
But what’s a birthday without a birthday boy? Esquire were honoured to have Colm McLoughin, CEO of Dubai Duty Free, in attendance, along with the brand’s Chief Operating Officer, Ramesh Cidambi.
Speaking at the event, McLoughlin was pleased to announce that when the company started operations here in Dubai back in 1983, it had just 100 staff (today it has more than 4,000). But even more impressive is the fact that 26 of those original 100 still work at the company today. McLoughlin admitted that the brand often looks back to those original days – and those original staff – to provide guidance for their expansion going forward.
That notion of heritage became a running theme of the evening, as guests sampled some of The Glenlivet’s best-selling products, all while Brand Guardian Logan talked our guests through what made each special.
But the real star of the show wasn’t unveiled until the very end of the evening, when Logan unveiled a very special present for Dubai Duty Free. Yes, The Glenlivet presented Colm McLoughlin with an ultra-premium limited edition bottle (only 35 will ever be made – and will now be sold at Dubai Duty Free) in celebration of the brand’s 35th anniversary.
As drinks were poured – and guests sampled this incredibly rare product – everyone raised a glass to the culmination of the evening. It was a roaring testament to the fact that a good time was had by all.