High-End Luxury Onboard: Emirates Expands Premium Spirits Selection

On September 4, 2024, Emirates announced an expansion of its premium spirits and beer offerings. Known for its unlimited champagne, the ultra-expensive Hennessy Paradis Cognac, and an exclusive partnership with the company behind Moët Champagne, the Dubai-based airline continuously elevates its onboard dining and beverage service. Emirates has now shared insight into which drinks are most popular among passengers, while also introducing ten new premium spirits and beers. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of Emirates' alcohol offerings.

Emirates' announcement (Source: Emirates)

Did you know that Emirates carries a total of 40 different spirits onboard across all travel classes? It’s true—just the whiskey selection alone includes ten varieties stocked in the galley trolleys. Naturally, not every whiskey is available in all cabin classes. For example, the most popular spirit in First Class is the Royal Salute 23 Year Old Whiskey from Chivas Regal, which is exclusively served there. Chivas Regal is also a favorite in the other classes: Premium Economy and Economy passengers prefer Dewar's White Label, while Business Class travelers favor the Chivas Regal 18 Year Old.

For those who prefer cocktails over neat spirits, Emirates offers a wide variety of options. Popular choices include Bloody Marys, Mojitos, Kir Royales, Cosmopolitans, Aperol Spritzes, and Classic Champagne Cocktails.

The most exclusive and expensive drinks remain reserved for First Class. Hennessy Paradis Cognac, which usually retails for over $1,000, is only available onboard Emirates flights, as the airline holds exclusive rights to serve this luxury cognac. The same goes for Moët Champagne, which is also exclusive to Emirates flights.

Premium spirits on your Emirates flight (Source: Emirates)

Given the exclusivity and premium selection, it’s no surprise that Emirates has invested heavily in alcohol. Over the past ten years, the airline has spent more than AED 290 million (over $80 million USD) on beer and spirits—and there seems to be no end in sight. Emirates continues to expand its offerings, adding the following new selections:

First Class only:

• Glenmorangie Signet Single Malt Scotch Whisky

First and Business Class:

• Stoli Elit 18 Vodka

• The Botanist Hebridean Strength Gin

• Eminente Reserva 7 YO Rum

• Grey Goose Vodka

• Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc Beer

Premium Economy and Economy Class:

• Smirnoff No. 21 Red Vodka

• Baileys Irish Cream

• Bombay Sapphire Gin

Of course, Emirates is happy to serve Baileys and other selections in First and Business Class as well.

Exclusive Indulgence Onboard: Emirates Expands Premium Spirits Selection

There’s always debate about alcohol onboard, but we appreciate how much Emirates values attention to detail. While the exclusive partnership with luxury brand LVMH doesn’t personally excite us—since we prefer lesser-known champagnes over mass-produced Moët—the extensive selection of spirits certainly does. The Royal Salute Whiskey is a customer favorite in First Class for a reason. Although we’re not typically whiskey drinkers, this one wins us over—unlike the Hennessy Paradis. But if you dig deep enough in our freezer, you might just find a bottle of Stoli Elit 18. Well played, Emirates.