It’s not news: Food actually does taste different on an airplane and there’s science to back that up. You can find a complete breakdown on why, exactly, your airplane sandwich seems even more bland than usual over at Travel + Leisure, but here’s a quick explainer: The dryness of airplane cabins can seriously throw your senses of smell and taste. This is inevitably going to change the flavor of your meal—and this translates to drinks, as well. But there’s one gin brand out there trying to give you a great-tasting cocktail, no matter what your altitude may be.
Edinburgh-based distillery Pickering’s has created a special mix of botanicals for British Airways and the main focus is making sure it tastes as good 30,000 feet in the air as it does on the ground. Not only were the recipes created during the process tested at a number of altitudes, but there’s a special twist: according to Lonely Planet, the tasting notes of the gin physically change as you climb in height.
“To banish so-called airplane ‘taste blindness’, we have carefully designed a botanical flavour profile that enhances what you lack when you’re soaring in the sky,” Pickering’s head distiller and co-founder Matt Gammell said in an interview with Lonely Planet. Lemon myrtle is a refreshing note you’ll recognize after a few sips—the sharp sweet-and-citrus flavor profile cuts through bitterness and is strong enough to hit your palette even when your sense of taste is diluted.
You’ll be able to try out Pickering’s gin on any British Airways flight under four hours, but you can also purchase a limited-edition gift package on longer-haul flights.
