Ural Airlines have recently piloted their new Tasting on Board project on Moscow-Yekaterinburg flights.

Up to October 2006, economy class passengers were only offered free alcohol on regular international flights, yet now those traveling from Moscow to Yekaterinburg on a Friday night (flight 265 from Domodedovo airport at 10 PM) can have strong drinks if they want to.

These passengers will be offered cognac accompanied by an expert’s mini-lecture throughout October. The lecturer will brief them on the differences between cognac and brandy, tips for tasting it and advice on hors d’oeuvres that go well with it. November and December will be devoted to tasting Russian Standard vodka (chilled or with Sprite, lemon juice, or grenadine), vermouth, and martini, reports the spokesperson for the carrier.