“A next-level layover”: Avolta’s HMSHost launches Connoisseur’s Collection
The concept, designed to immerse travelers in a curated menu of the world’s finest spirits, is available across 20 US airports
Leading global travel retail and F&B player Avolta has revealed the Connoisseur’s Collection, a premium tasting experience designed to immerse travelers in a curated menu of the world’s finest spirits.
The concept, now available at select bars and restaurants across 20 US airports, offers travelers the opportunity to sip, savor, and discover a handpicked selection of premium and even limited-edition spirits. According to Avolta, this showcases the company’s commitment to elevate the traveler’s journey, bringing a mix of indulgence and convenience to the airport experience.
Tyler Pitman, Senior Vice President, Concept Development, Brand Partnerships & Adult Beverage, North America, Avolta, said, “We crafted the Connoisseur’s Collection for travelers seeking something truly extraordinary along their journey and the addition of Avolta’s HMSHost-exclusive picks reinforces the prestige of the program.
“We are grateful for our partners who embraced this opportunity to create something unique that will result in lasting memories for passengers.”
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Passengers can explore the premium menu with passionate and expert mixologists. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine spirits or simply curious to try something new, the Connoisseur’s Collection invites you to sip, savor, and shop. After tasting, select bottles are available for purchase where the Connoisseur’s Collection is available at US duty-free stores operated by Dufry.
A world-class spirits experience – No passport required
At select HMSHost bars and restaurants in 20 airports across the US, travelers can embark on a first-class journey through the world’s finest spirits, including exclusive barrels from Jefferson’s and Maker’s Mark and rare pours like The Balvenie 21 and El Tesoro Extra Añejo Tequila
Billed as a “next-level layover” HMSHost’s new Connoisseur’s Collection menu is available exclusively at nearly 50 of its US restaurants.
Inspired by the hush and allure of what lies behind the door to a sophisticated speakeasy, the Connoisseur’s Collection is a unique, curated selection of premium spirits handpicked by HMSHost for their craftmanship, heritage, and exceptional character. Travelers will have the chance to explore a world of premier spirits, including numerous rare finds from The Balvenie 21, Belvedere 10, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, El Tesoro Extra Añejo Tequila, and more, alongside over 50 private label bourbon barrels from Jefferson’s and Maker’s Mark exclusively available to travelers dining at these HMSHost-operated restaurants. Coupled with enhanced hospitality from HMSHost’s highly knowledgeable team of mixologists, the Connoisseur’s Collection will elevate the travel experience for guests.
“What began as a high-end retail offering in our duty-free stores has expanded to our food & beverage line of business, demonstrating our unique position to enhance the travel experience at numerous touchpoints,” Pitman added.
"Travelers have come to know HMSHost for our delicious food and exceptional service, and now we can establish ourselves as offering a world-class spirits experience. We crafted the Connoisseur’s Collection for travelers seeking something truly extraordinary along their journey. Each bottle is a rare pour, small batch, or limited edition, meeting travelers’ growing demand for premiumization, and the addition of HMSHost-exclusive barrel picks reinforces the prestige of the program.
“We are tremendously grateful for our partners who embraced this opportunity to create something unique that will result in lasting memories for guests.”
Travelers can discover the Connoisseur’s Collection at the following airports and outlets:
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) - Flying Dog Tap House, R&R Seafood Bar
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) - Samuel Adams, Cisco Brewers
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) - 1897 Market, The Waterman Fish Bar, Whisky River, OMB Biergarten
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - Dallas Cowboys Club
Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) - Cool River Café
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) - Whisky River, Umaizushi
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) - Landry’s Seafood
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) - Las Vegas Chophouse, Vegas Born, California Pizza Kitchen, Wolfgang Puck Express, Modelo Cantina
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) - LongHorn Steakhouse, Carraba’s Italian Grill, Ecco
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – Eataly (Opening in 2025), Peach Palace by Momofuku (Opening in 2026)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - Rolling Stone Bar & Grill, Point the Way Café, The Wine Bar by Wolfgang Puck, Border Grill
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) - Emeril’s Table, Mondo
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) - Book &Bourbon Southern Kitchen
Miami International Airport (MIA) - Shula’s Bar & Grill, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Wynwood Bar
Newark International Airport (EWR) - Malone’s Fish Market
O’Hare International Airport (ORD) - Publican Tavern, Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar, The Bronze Pizza
Orlando International Airport (MCO) - Outback Steakhouse, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) - Cowboy Ciao, Barrio Cafe
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) - White Horse Spirits and Kitchen, Market Street Grill, Maggiano’s Little Italy
Tampa International Airport (TPA) - Cigar City Brewing, P.F. Chang’s, Gasparilla Bar.
