As the aviation industry charts its course toward recovery from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, airlines are redirecting their attention to enhancing the in-flight beverage offerings, with a particular emphasis on spirits and ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails.
Icelandair’s Innovative Approach
Icelandair, in its endeavor to enrich its in-flight menu, embarked on a unique journey by delving into the realm of one of its nation’s most cherished spirits. Íris Anna Groeneweg, the airline’s manager for onboard services and procurement, fondly recollects the dedication of the cabin operations team, who enthusiastically volunteered to assist in curating the assortment of bottles.
Groeneweg reflects with a smile, “We were presented with, I think, 30 gins. So we had a gin tasting. It was a difficult day at the office that day.”
The outcome of this dedicated exploration led to the establishment of Icelandair’s in-flight gin “library.” This distinctive collection features a rotating array of seven to eight spirits sourced from small-scale producers. Approximately half of the selection represents international offerings, including choices like the current pink gin from The English Drinks Company and a lavender and echinacea-infused gin from Scotland’s Secret Garden Distillery. The remaining options are exclusively from Icelandic artisans, celebrated for their distinctive creations, as acclaimed by writer Jillian Dara.
Botanical Delights and Craft Spirits
Iceland’s unique ecological landscape plays a pivotal role in shaping the flavors of these spirits. Groeneweg elaborates, “The botanicals here are wild. We have the Icelandic water, obviously, for the drinks, which makes everything really nice — you can actually pick up the flavors of the botanicals much easier. Of course, we don’t have lemons and limes growing here, so it’s only a few of the botanicals that are grown here in Iceland and used, but they are quite different. They’re using birch and dandelion and Icelandic angelica.”
For those with a penchant for gin and tonics seeking to traverse the Atlantic, choosing Icelandair presents an enticing opportunity. Passengers can indulge in unique offerings such as Ólafsson Icelandic Gin, distinguished by arctic thyme and mountain moss, followed by a selection of mini bottles including Himbrimi Old Tom Gin, 64º Reykjavik Angelica Gin, and Glacier Gin. These choices are thoughtfully paired with complementary tonics crafted by the U.K.’s Franklin & Sons.
A Trend Gaining Momentum
Icelandair’s innovative approach is emblematic of a larger trend within the airline industry. After a period of austerity resulting from the pandemic, during which many airlines significantly scaled back in-flight services, some carriers are rekindling a commitment to quality by introducing craft spirits, exclusive bottlings, and elevated mixed drinks. This echoes a time of opulence in the realm of in-flight beverage consumption, signifying a renewed focus on enhancing the passenger experience.
