The Nuance Group is currently treating international travellers at Sydney Airport 'to exotic vodka cocktails' at its new SYD Airport Tax & Duty Free store until March 28.

SYD Bar is hosting VodkaFest – a showcase of the world's top vodka brands – with the bar's resident mixologist shaking up a new theme each week, from 'Russian Vodka' to 'Flavoured Vodka', 'Non-European Vodka' and 'Luxury Vodka'.

Brands being featured in the tastings include, Absolut, Smirnoff, Russian Standard, Wyborowa, Finlandia, 42 Below, Grey Goose, Ketel One and Ciroc and all are subsequently available for sale in the duty free stores. At the same time, Nuance is offering two one-litre bottles of Absolut on special for only $52.

In a statement, the company said: ‘VodkaFest follows on from a successful WhiskyFest, late 2009, which enabled travellers to learn about and sample the best whisky brands before purchasing. The new bar, featuring dancing Gobo lights, an elevated 3.8 metre-wide projection screen and its own audio zone, is the centrepiece of the liquor section of the new SYD Airport Tax & Duty Free store. With LED-lit displays and expert categorisation, the area is akin to any of the world's best boutique liquor stores.

‘Also in the new store, dedicated Worlds of Malt Whisky and Wine give travellers the chance to learn more about the products they buy – as well as sampling them. And hot spots – currently dedicated to Mumm Champagne and Absolut Tropics (a duty free exclusive) – also provide visually spectacular opportunities to sample some sublime tipples.’

The retailer adds that customer experience has been instrumental in the design of the new duty free store. Located in the new Departures Precinct (after Customs), the store is part of Sydney International Airport's A$500m ($447.8m) 'state-of-the-art renewal' (STAR) project, due for completion in May. It is the biggest duty free store in the Southern Hemisphere.

David Odgers, Director for SYD Airport Tax & Duty Free at Sydney Airport, said: ‘The walk-through store is designed to take you on a beautiful – and relaxed – shopping journey. We are entering a new era of duty free shopping, with travellers checking in even earlier to take advantage of our exciting new store.’