Flights Across America: The Book Review

As an avid reader and a self-proclaimed beer traveler, there are usually any number of books related to beer, or travel on the shelf, in my TBR pile or, in my backpack. (Fun Fact: If you ever see me with my backpack, ask me to show you the book I’m carrying. Chances are it will be beer-related). So when the collective asked if I wanted to review this book, I was all in.

I’ve read several books over the years that talk about the best breweries to visit in every state. This was not that book. Unlike those books that hit the most popular brewery in every state and throw a couple of others in there with no rhyme or reason to location, Joel takes us on his journey across the 50 states. The book is broken down into planning a “beercation”, visiting a brewery, and questions to ask. Each with excellent points and advice regardless of experience. The book then breaks down the travels into seven geographical areas, which I found helpful for reference when planning my own beer trips.

The recommendations are then broken down into cities within the geographical areas. Some large cities, and some small cities that are worth making the trip to find. It was all very personable, like listening to your buddy at the bar talk about the beer he found unexpectedly on his recent work trip. As an avid beer traveler, it was fun to reminisce about the places I visited in those cities, all the while creating a list of new places to check out. I read this book in the electronic version, but have ordered the hard copy so that I can put notes in while planning my next beer trip.

The book is rounded out with his own list of Awards that was published yearly while he was traveling. I get this take because I personally can’t answer questions like “What is your favorite brewery?”. Even in Michigan, I have to qualify that with which side of the state are you asking about? Joel took the saying “Pics or it didn’t happen” quite literally here and closes out the journey with the picture evidence.

All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys beer travels or just finds beer when they travel. I mean, I’ve had beer in 3 countries, 30 states and 9 Caribbean Islands, and I have my highlighter and post it notes ready to help plan my next beer trip. Cheers and don’t forget to Drink Local Everywhere!