That’s the spirit: Liquor report 2024
This is a special feature from PAX International's October 2024 IFSA Global EXPO issue.
KOVAL is one of the largest completely independent and 100 percent woman-owned craft distilleries in the United States
The inflight beverage landscape is evolving, with ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and no/low alcohol options gaining popularity. Airlines are catering to changing passenger preferences, offering convenient, premium drinks without compromising quality. These trends are shaping the future of onboard refreshments.
Bottega’s newest non-alcoholic beverage
Bottega is rolling out for passengers its new Limoncino 0.0, an innovative non-alcoholic beverage in the no/low alcohol category. Bottega, with more than three decades of experience in the production of lemon-based liqueurs, has, after long experimentation, created a non-alcoholic version of its Limoncino.
Sandro Bottega, President of Bottega S.p.A., describes the process. During the harvest of the lemons, a careful selection is made of the Femminello Siracusano and Verdello varieties, choosing the fruits with the optimal ripeness. All of the organoleptic charge of the original fruit is extracted from the peel, pulp and juice, preserving the qualities of the aromas at every stage of production, right down to the finished product.
“With Limoncino 0.0 we extend the range of our no alcohol products. This is a rapidly growing market that aims to meet the needs of those who, for health or religious reasons, do not consume alcoholic beverages or take a cautious approach to alcohol consumption,” says Bottega.
According to Bottega, Limoncino 0.0 is designed to be served neat at the end of a meal and ideal in the preparation of mocktails.
Bottega’s Limoncino 0.0, an innovative non-alcoholic beverage in the no/low alcohol category
From the heart (cut)
Intervine Inc.’s Amy Jullien tells PAX International that there are many factors driving the growth of the onboard ready-to-drink cocktail category.
“RTDs and cocktails in general are a growth sector and airlines want their beverage menu to meet passengers’ drink preferences,” Jullien says. She notes that product innovation in the RTD category is “fantastic,” and that RTDs offer airlines convenience and efficiency; pre-mixed and ready to pour over ice and serve.
Intervine has recently added KOVAL and Drifter Craft Cocktails to its portfolio.
Jullien says Chicago, USA-based KOVAL embodies Intervine’s values.
“Their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices aligns perfectly with our own. We are proud to offer KOVAL Distillery's exceptional spirits to our airline and cruise line partners. Their premium products are a testament to their dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability,” she says, adding that Intervine is happy to work with a women-owned business, similar to Intervine as a certified Women’s Business Enterprise.
Founded in 2007, KOVAL was the first distillery to open in Chicago since the mid-1800s. It is one of the largest completely independent and 100 percent woman-owned craft distilleries in the United States.
Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, President and Founder, KOVAL
“Everything we make at KOVAL is organic, kosher, and comes from only the heart-cut of the distillate (the best portion of what comes off the still),” reveals Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, President and Founder, KOVAL.
KOVAL’s grain is grown locally by farmers the distiller works with directly, with the farmers growing a regenerative crop.
“We can trace every bottle back to the field on which the grain is grown, and we make everything–from start to finish–ourselves,” says Hart, adding that many of these factors are what differentiate KOVAL from other distilleries in the industry.
She says the distillery has become known in part for its use of alternative grain mashbills (using grains such as oat and millet), and its pioneering of the new American craft style of distilling that uses only the “heart-cut” of the distillate.
“This allows for a cleaner, brighter, more grain-forward whiskey taste, even at a higher proof,” Hart notes.
The distillery produces whiskey, gins and liqueurs, including a Cranberry Gin Liqueur, which sees local cranberries added to the gin to create a balanced liqueur.
“It makes the easiest and most delicious cocktail–just add your favorite bubbles! I love it with just sparkling water or sparkling wine,” says Hart.
Drifter Craft Cocktails’ Passion Fruit Caipirinha
Passengers are RTD
Drifter Craft Cocktails offers a selection of bartender-crafted, all natural, canned cocktails that taste like they were made behind the bar.
“Intervine works hard to find the highest-quality, delicious cocktails to offer to the travel industry, like Drifter Craft Cocktails. Their innovative drinks are getting great attention from our clients who want to offer a consistent, premium drink,” Jullien says.
Jullien describes Drifter as an elevated RTD cocktail option, lending itself to a lifestyle choice many people are making.
“If someone is going to have one drink, they might as well enjoy a really good drink,” she explains.
Peter Nevenglosky, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Drifter Spirits
Airlines are taking this stance with onboard beverages as well. Peter Nevenglosky, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Drifter Spirits, notes that consumers are more educated than ever before, reaching for premium quality cocktails both inside and outside of the can.
“Interest in actual high-quality spirits versus malt or neutral grain spirit along with all natural, real ingredients in all aspects is thriving,” he says. “As a premium provider to an affluent customer travelling, choosing the best options with unique profiles and the highest quality ingredients is a no brainer.”
