Just In Time For OSH!

Those of you flying Delta Air Lines to AirVenture this year can get a head start on an Oshkosh tradition. The Atlanta-based carrier partnered with Wisconsin's Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company this month to offer Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat beer on all Delta flights worldwide.

The brew is one of four new beer offerings onboard Delta flights, the airline said Thursday, and marks Delta's first craft beer offering.

"Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat is a unique and refreshing beer choice and we are thrilled to partner with Delta to offer it to passengers on board flights," said Jake Leinenkugel, Leinenkugel's president and fifth generation brewer. "This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce Leinenkugel's to beer lovers and new consumers across the country who are seeking different varieties to satisfy their taste for adventure."

Of course, as regular Oshkosh attendees know, "Leinies" are a popular choice for end-of-day festivities and get-togethers at AirVenture (a number of ANN staffers love 'em, too -- including a suddenly thirsty Ed.) The Chippewa Falls-based brewery has been in business for 141 years, and has a loyalist group called the "Leinie Lodge" made up of over 200,000 members from across the US.

"Delta is committed to providing its customers with choice and an onboard experience that is both stylish and entertaining," said Jake Frank, Delta's managing director of Global Product Development and Delivery. "Offering customers a premium craft beer like Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat complements our product strategy and the other enhancements we've recently added for our customers -- including signature cocktails and food created by celebrity chefs."

We're not sure this completely offsets Delta's policy of charging for a second checked bag... or its skyrocketing airfares, both maladies not uncommon to that carrier. But it does make the news go down a bit smoother, so to speak.

FMI: www.delta.com, www.leinie.com