Illinois GA Airport Unveils New Brew

St. Nicholas Brewery's Wheelz Up IPA at KMDH is advertised as the “first beer brewed in a general aviation airport.”

Friday, February 24, 2023 at 10:55 AM ET

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St. Nicholas Brewing Co at Southern Illinois Airport offers a unique $100 hamburger stop or full weekend getaway in the Midwest. [Credit: Savanna Kathleen Photography and Caffeine Until Cocktails]

Key Takeaways:

St. Nicholas Brewing Co. at Southern Illinois Airport (KMDH) offers aviators an elevated "100 hamburger" experience with craft beers (including an on-site brewed IPA, the first at a general aviation airport), artisanal cocktails, and diverse food.
The brewery aims to foster community between local residents and the aviation community, serving as an economic development driver for the airport since its opening in May 2022.
It encourages overnight visits by providing a full bar, extensive menu, and easy access to local attractions like Shawnee National Forest for outdoor activities and the vibrant college town of Carbondale.
Staffed largely by Southern Illinois University aviation students, the brewery promotes engaging interactions between guests and future pilots, enhancing the aviation community connection.

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The $100 hamburger outing is a beloved aviator tradition, and St. Nicholas Brewing Co at Southern Illinois Airport (KMDH) just north of college town Carbondale, offers pilots an opportunity to turn the tradition into an overnight outing with great food, craft beers and artisanal cocktails, and trails to explore by bicycle or on foot.

The brewery, which has two other locations in the area (all within a 45-mile radius), celebrated the tapping of its Wheelz Up IPA on Thursday, February 23, which it is advertising as the “first beer brewed in a general aviation airport.” The ale was brewed on-site at its airport location. The airport is one of the busiest airports in Illinois, after Chicago O’Hare and Midway.