We'll drink to that! Airline launches a bottled beer brewed to taste best at 35,000 feet

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Those who enjoy a tipple at 35,000ft can finally rejoice - a beer specially brewed to be drunk at altitude has been announced.

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has launched Betsy Beer, which they claim is the world's first hand-crafted bottled beer uniquely designed to be consumed mid-flight. 

The new beer will initially be served to first and business class passengers onboard flights between Hong Kong and Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester from 1 March until 30 April 2017.

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has launched Betsy Beer, reportedly the world's first hand-crafted bottled beer uniquely designed to be consumed mid-flight

Taking into account that fliers' taste buds are dulled by cabin pressure, Betsy Beer has been produced in collaboration with brewery, Hong Kong Beer Co by combining science and traditional brewing methods

The beer is named 'Betsy' after Cathay Pacific's first aircraft, a Douglas DC-3 which flew passengers in the 1940s and 1950s.

Taking into account that fliers' taste buds are dulled by cabin pressure, Betsy Beer has been produced in collaboration with brewery, Hong Kong Beer Co by combining science and traditional brewing methods.

It comprises both Hong Kong and UK-sourced ingredients and creates an aroma and necessary carbonation to be consumed both in the air and on the ground.

The beer is flavoured with longan berries and honey is added in the brewing process. Fuggle, a hop and a mainstay of traditional British craft ales, also features.

Cathay Pacific's general manager of marketing Julian Lyden said: 'We know that when you fly, your sense of taste changes. Airlines address this for food in certain ways.

'But nobody has ever tried to improve the taste of beer at altitude. That seemed like a great opportunity for us to help our beer-loving passengers travel well.

The beer is flavoured with longan berries and honey is added in the brewing process. Fuggle, a hop and a mainstay of traditional British craft ales, also features

The alcohol will be served to first and business class passengers onboard flights between Hong Kong and Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester in the UK from 1 March until 30 April 2017

In addition to Cathay Pacific flights operating on routes to the UK, Betsy Beer will be available at ground level at the airline's lounges in Hong Kong and Heathrow as well as a select number of Swire-owned restaurants in Hong Kong

'We are constantly looking for innovative and meaningful ways to enhance the travel experience for our customers.

'Betsy Beer is a great example of this. A beautifully crafted product designed purely with the traveller, and beer lover, in mind.' 

In addition to Cathay Pacific flights operating on routes to the UK, Betsy Beer will be available at ground level at the airline's lounges in Hong Kong and Heathrow as well as a select number of Swire-owned restaurants in Hong Kong.

It will also be available for online purchase within Hong Kong through Deli Delight, during March and April.