A world-class whiskey bar in an airport lounge? It seems obvious: very modern and Mad Men, something of the moment yet also classic.
It’s certainly something you’d expect to find at a major airport in the UK, the USA or perhaps Japan – but not at Zurich, northern hub for the buttoned-down Swiss and home ground of Swiss Airlines.
Yet nestled into a corner of the Swiss Senator Lounge at Zurich Airport’s Terminal E is the 28/10 Whisky Club.
“We actually had a hard time to convince everyone” recalls Anna Brändli, Swiss' Manager of Ground Services Product.
A whisky bar “is not something very European, not from central Europe” she says – bars for “wine, maybe beer and maybe grappa” are a better cultural fit.
“I’m not a whisky drinker but sometimes I set in the whisky club watching our guests and they really enjoy it.”
The 28/10 Whisky Club is named for one of the airport’s three runways, which are also sketched on the wall and seen in the design of the shelving behind the bar.
The bar showcases some 120 different whiskies from around the world, which are detailed in an impressive 'whisky menu' to help travellers decide on their pre-flight dram.
The collection includes five locally-distilled single malts from the Swiss highlands – ranging from the intense peated Säntis Malt Schwarz and its woody fruity sibling Säntis Malt Föhnsturm to the vanilla and grain notes of Macardo Single Malt and the “oaks, figs, prunes, orange, citrus, hints of tea and leather” cornucopia of Swiss Highland Bergsturz.
With a warming whisky in hand, and a view over the airfield and the Swiss Alps beyond, there are arguably few better ways to set off on an international Swiss flight.
Access to the Swiss Senator Lounges at Zurich is open to first class travellers on Swiss, Lufthansa and Star Alliance member airlines plus frequent flyers holding HON Circle, Miles & More Senator or Star Alliance Gold status.
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter – we're @AusBT
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2012
Total posts 140
I've just checked and seen they're part of Star Alliance. Do you know if Air NZ Gold is good enough to get in this lounge to enjoy that bar?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Aug 2011
Total posts 161
Yes all *A Golds are entitled to access to the Senator lounge including NZ, as long as you are flying out on a *A flight that day from that terminal (which is only used for long haul flights).
14 Jun 2013
Total posts 360
Sure thing, let me Google that for you.
"Swiss senator lounge access" = https://www.swiss.com/be/en/fly/airport/lounges, which lists Star Alliance Gold as eligible for access.
Maybe you can try Googling this yourself next time.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2012
Total posts 140
thx everyone who helped.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on The airport lounge with its own whisky bar