Exploring the Delight of Airline Craft Beer
Air travel often brings a mix of excitement and frustration. Once you clear through security and settle in, there’s a unique charm to airports that isn’t found anywhere else. Notably, enjoying a drink, be it a morning beer or an afternoon wine, adds to the travel ritual. This unique experience can take the edge off the journey ahead, especially when it involves exploring the delightful offerings of airline craft beer.
The Evolution of Inflight Beverage Experience
Drinking on a plane can be quite different from indulging at an airport lounge. In the past, savvy travelers would bring their own cocktail kits to craft the perfect drink, but regulations have since curtailed this practice. Today, when the beverage cart makes its way down the aisle, options might appear limited to small liquor bottles, house wines, or standard lagers.
However, recently, some airlines have made strides to enhance the inflight beverage experience, and it’s easier with beer. While major global breweries like Anheuser-Busch InBev, MolsonCoors, and Heineken dominate the market, they have ventured into the craft beer world. Brands such as Goose Island and Elysian are now taking flight, quite literally, elevating the inflight experience with more flavorful options.
The Impact of Altitude on Taste
Altitude and cabin pressurization are known to dull our senses, making food and drink taste less vibrant. That’s where airline craft beer comes in. The assertive flavors of hoppy beers can help awaken taste buds that would otherwise be subdued at high altitudes. This bold move by airlines to offer craft beers means passengers can enjoy more satisfying and flavorful drinks during their flights.
Airline Craft Beer Partnerships
Some airlines have gone beyond just offering commercially-available craft beers—they’ve collaborated on exclusive brews. For instance, Cathay Pacific Airlines partnered with Hong Kong’s Gweilo Beer to create Betsy Beer, a pale ale specially tuned for altitude with flavors of mandarin orange. Similarly, Alaska Airlines teamed up with Seattle’s Fremont Brewing to introduce the Cloud Cruiser IPA, a refreshing beer designed to retain its flavor even in the air.
Highlighting Exclusive Beers
Here’s a look at some of the standout airline craft beers:
| Airline | Craft Beer | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cathay Pacific | Betsy Beer | A 4.2% ABV pale ale with mandarin orange flavors, specially brewed for high altitudes. |
| Alaska Airlines | Cloud Cruiser IPA | A 6.2% ABV IPA with citrus and melon notes, maintaining its freshness on flights. |
The Future of Inflight Beverage Experience
The trend of offering specialized airline craft beer reflects airlines’ intent to enhance their passengers’ experience. Air travel may come with its hassles, but a thoughtfully crafted beer can create a small yet significant escape. This evolving inflight beverage experience showcases a commitment to delivering remarkable customer service and ensuring that even the skies are no limit for enjoying good beer.
With airline craft beer and an enhanced inflight beverage experience, your journey can be a bit more enjoyable, offering a taste of innovation at 35,000 feet. So, next time you’re flying, don’t hesitate to explore the craft beers on offer and toast to a pleasant flight.
