Japan Airlines Introduces Limited Shochu Service for Business Class Travelers

Japan Airlines (JAL) is offering a unique treat for business class passengers on the fifteenth of December, two thousand twenty-four, with a one-day service of Shochu "Mori-Izo," a celebrated Japanese spirit. Typically served only in JAL's first class, this premium drink will be available to business class passengers on select international flights departing from Japan, in commemoration of its twenty-fifth anniversary on JAL flights. The special service offers a rare experience for travelers, allowing them to sample one of Japan’s iconic spirits while en route to destinations worldwide.

This exclusive event will take place across flights heading to various international locations, including major cities in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The inclusion of "Mori-Izo" in JAL’s business class service introduces travelers to a premium taste of Japan’s beverage culture, providing an immersive cultural experience on their journey. With limited availability, this offering underscores JAL’s commitment to delivering culturally enriched travel experiences.

"Mori-Izo" is a carefully crafted shochu made from premium sweet potatoes and naturally filtered water from the Shirasu plateau. Distilled with unique techniques and using local ingredients, it is prized for its mellow flavor and refined aroma, embodying traditional Japanese craftsmanship. As a high-demand spirit in Japan, it’s rarely accessible outside of dedicated stores, making this one-day event a highly anticipated opportunity for international passengers to experience this distinguished beverage.

For travelers, tasting "Mori-Izo" offers more than a luxury drink; it’s a chance to connect with Japan’s traditions. The spirit’s distinct flavors bring an authentic touch to the travel experience, especially for those interested in delving into Japanese culture beyond the typical landmarks. The airline’s choice to serve this rare shochu in business class for a single day brings a unique cultural aspect to their journey.

This initiative by JAL highlights a growing trend among airlines to enhance the travel experience by incorporating elements of local heritage into in-flight services. For passengers, this shochu service symbolizes a shift toward more meaningful and memorable journeys, where even a flight becomes part of the cultural experience. The event reflects how airlines are adapting to travelers’ desires for authenticity, allowing them to taste and appreciate local customs without waiting until they land.