Jack Daniel’s is top dog in Emirates economy class while Sipsmith gin is the spirit of choice in business and a glass of 21-year-old Chivas Royal Salute whisky heads the bill in first.
Emirates has added 30 new spirits and liqueurs across all cabin classes after a team of in-house experts spent what was presumably an enjoyable two years working with suppliers.
The airline's new spirits menu includes old favorites such as Beefeater gin and Bacardi rum as well as a mix of the niche, hand-crafted brands becoming more popular with drinkers.
The new menu was launched last month on an A380 flight to Paris with a cognac masterclass in the onboard lounge hosted by Tesseron Cognac owner Alfred Tesseron, whose Lot 29 XO was awarded 100 points by renowned wine critic Robert Parker.
Unsurprisingly, first class passengers get a top-shelf tipple commensurate with the money they fork out for the extra comfort and space.
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This includes Hennessy Paradis cognac — and for a short time on some routes Hennessy Paradis Imperial — Dalmore King Alexander III single malt Scotch, Belvedere luxury vodka, Johnny Walker Blue Label scotch and premium Guatemalan rum Ron Zacapa Centenario XO.
Those in business class or using the A380 lounge can sample Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15-year-old single malt scotch, Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select small batch premium bourbon and the ever popular Sipsmith craft gin.
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It’s plainer but still reasonable fare in economy with Dewar’s White Label Scotch, Beefeater gin, Russian Standard Original vodka, Jack Daniel’s and Bacardi.
Also on the menu are regionally-focused beverages such as South Africas’ Amarula cream liqueur, which is available in all classes, as well as new cocktails such as the Negroni, Old fashioned and Aperol Spritz.
“We aim to deliver the best culinary experience on board and that goes for our menus, our wines and also our new spirits range,’’ Emirates senior vice president inflight catering Joost Heymeijer said.
“We’ve invested time in building relationships with the best spirits makers in the world, understanding global trends and achieving the perfect serve on board to showcase these beverages in the best possible way.’’
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