Face it: Spending any amount of time in a airport pretty much stinks, unless you've got a pass to one of those private clubs where they reputedly massage your feet while feeding you grapes and upgrading your ticket from business to first class. (At least that's what I hear they do. I fly Southwest.) For the rest of us, perhaps the best salve for the indignities of air travel has been the addition of the Yazoo beer bar/kiosk across from the food court in Terminal C.
This was a revolutionary development that required some serious finagling with the beer board to allow customers to actually be allowed to carry their beer anywhere on the far side of the security checkpoint so that they can enjoy a Dos Perros at their gate. Having witnessed the beer board at work, I know that they generally want to encourage commerce if it can be accomplished in a legal way, but this was pretty unprecedented.
Now, another local brewer has gotten into the airport beer game, and it's more good news for weary travelers looking for a last taste of home before boarding. Tennessee Brew Works has recently opened their own kiosk, operated by Delaware North, in the rotunda between Terminals A and B. Currently they serve their 16-ounce and 22-ounce beers from 11 am. until 7 p.m.; they intend to soon start opening at 7 a.m. Travelers can enjoy their beer at the counter or take it to go anywhere in the secure side of the terminal. Beer choices include the brewery's Southern Wit, Walk the Lime, Extra Easy, Cutaway IPA, Bluff City, Country Roots and more throughout the year.
"While Nashville has grown to become a corporate center and a hub for global tourism, the city remains very supportive of its local community and small businesses such as us,” says Christian Spears, Tennessee Brew Works founder and president. “We’re grateful for our partnership with Delaware North and the Airport Authority and appreciate their willingness to support a growing local business. Tennessee Brew Works is honored to be represented at Nashville International Airport, where we can provide visitors and others with the chance to enjoy locally created craft beer, yet another great feature of our wonderful city.”
I can't believe I'm typing this, but I might actually be looking forward to my next trip out of BNA. At least I've got a reason to get to the airport a little earlier than usual.
