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 pilots a unique "overnight outing" experience, extending the traditional "100 hamburger" trip with craft beers, food, and local exploration.
The brewery, which advertises brewing "the first beer in a general aviation airport," aims to foster connections between the local community and aviators, also serving as an economic development opportunity for the airport.
Located near Shawnee National Forest and the college town of Carbondale, it provides diverse lodging and recreational activities, with many staff members being Southern Illinois University aviation students who engage with guests.
The article includes a crucial reminder about FAA alcohol regulations for pilots (FAR 91.17), stipulating an 8-hour minimum wait after consuming alcohol and a maximum .04% BAC.

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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.