The Hong Kong airline has reintroduced Betsy Beer, its bespoke inflight craft ale, tailored to taste at its best at 35,000 feet

Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong headquartered airline, has announced that it has reintroduced its bespoke inflight craft beer, Betsy Beer, in partnership with the Hong Kong Beer Co, aiming to elevate the drinking experience for passengers flying at 35,000 feet.

Originally launched in 2017, Betsy Beer was developed to counteract the dulling of taste buds commonly experienced during air travel.

The 4.2% pale ale returns with an improved recipe and will be served exclusively in first and business class on Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and UK destinations including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.

The beer is brewed with a mix of ingredients from Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. They include Dragon Eye fruit for aroma, honey sourced from Hong Kong’s New Territories for floral notes, and Fuggle hops that give it an earthy and full-bodied flavour.

The recipe is engineered to retain taste and carbonation both in the air and on the ground.

Named after Cathay Pacific’s first aircraft, a Douglas DC-3 called “Betsy”, the beer reflects the airline’s focus on delivering unique, high-quality experiences for its passengers.

Beyond inflight service, Betsy Beer will be available at Cathay Pacific lounges in Hong Kong and Heathrow, and at selected Swire-operated restaurants in Hong Kong. Limited online retail sales will also be offered locally through Deli Delight.

The relaunch followed extensive tasting sessions by an expert panel, including chefs, restaurateurs, and frequent flyers, who helped fine-tune the beer’s balance and flavour profile.

Betsy Beer is marketed as the first craft beer developed specifically for inflight consumption, a product that blends traditional brewing with science to match the unique conditions of air travel.