Draft Magazine has an article in this month’s issue, “The Beer Drinker’s Layover” that outlines the microbrew selection in restaurants at various airports around the US. Many of the airports feature local breweries and selections on tap, increasing the attraction and local feel of an airport to it’s environs.

The sad part is at the top of their list of Airports to Avoid is Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). Michigan has a large, varied, and tasty selection of microbrews. There are over 53 brewpubs and microbreweries in the state, and 18 in the immediate airport vicinity. It’s a shame that no restaurants in the regional airport highlight this selection by offering it on tap. You can, however vist the “Guinness Pub”, “Grey Goose Martini Bar”, or “Jose Cuervo Tequileria”. Not quite local selections.

While I don’t live in Michigan anymore, I do tend to fly through DTW quite a bit and would definitely welcome being greeted with my local favorites. Something like an Huxell Best Bitter from Arbor Brewing Company in Ann Arbor , French River Red Ale from Lily’s Seafood in Royal Oak ,or the very unique and well named Kentucky Breakfast Bourbon Aged Stout from Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids .

Note: the breweries above are marked up with hCards - however, not aware if there is an hBeer (perhaps hProduct?) markup.

The Magazine

If you haven’t seen it before, Draft is a bi-monthly magazine that covers the dramatically increasing micro- and local-beer scene and business. It’s kind of the Conde Nast Traveler for beer. What was most surprising was that I discovered at my family’s house addressed to my younger sister. I’m quite envious indeed.