Ariz. awash in suds at microbreweries
by Scott Craven on Sep. 06, 2006, under Local, Taste
Sample beers, known as the "Seven Dwarfs," at the Oak Creek Brewery and Grill in the Tlaquepaque shopping center in Sedona.
Of all the reasons you’ve used over the years to head out of town, here’s one that’s long overdue: “Let’s grab a beer.”
You might think it a bit of a stretch to drive 100 miles or more to get something you can find just around the corner. But everyone else realizes no journey is too far when fresh, cold beer awaits.
Arizona is home to more than 20 microbreweries and brew pubs, including Gentle Ben’s Brewing Co., and Nimbus Brewing Co., in Tucson, though most are scattered around metro Phoenix.
The handful around the state offer great beer, wonderful views and, of course, a great reason to get in the car and explore. And, with many in the higher elevations, what better way to cool off in Arizona than having a pint of beer at 7,000 feet?
Each brew pub has as many as eight beers on tap, from ales and lagers available all year to such seasonals as winter porters or summer pilsners.
The craft-brewing movement started modestly in 1980 with a handful of people who believed there was more to beer life than the Big Three: Budweiser, Miller and Coors.
Now there are more than 1,400 craft brewers across the nation. Last year they produced in excess of 7 million barrels of ales, pilsners, porters and stouts, a 9 percent increase over 2004, according to the Brewers Association, a trade group representing craft brewers.
Craft beers blossomed in Arizona in the mid-1990s, heady days for brew pubs and microbreweries. Since then a few have closed and sales have leveled off.
“We’re in a lull,” said Jim Scussel, co-owner of Four Peaks Brewing Co., which opened its Tempe pub almost 10 years ago. “The amateurs have washed out and the quality brewers are still here, but we could stand to use a few more.”
Brew-pub growth was more moderate around the state, because few wanted to put money into beer in Arizona’s smaller towns. As a result, little turmoil has occurred, with the same microbreweries operating for years.
Here are some of the suds from around the state:
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FOUR PEAKS BREWING CO. 1340 E. Eighth St., Tempe, (480) 303-9967
Details: Also has its Four Peaks Grill & Tap, 15730 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale, (480) 991-1795. Don’t miss: Its Kilt Lifter Scottish-Style Ale, a three-time bronze medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival.
OAK CREEK BREWERY AND GRILL near the intersection of Arizona 179 and 89A, Sedona, (928) 282-3300
Details: The brew pub is in Tlaquepaque, Sedona’s popular Mexican-themed marketplace. Don’t miss: The “Seven Dwarfs.”
OAK CREEK BREWING CO. 2050 Yavapai Drive, Sedona, (928) 204-1300
Details: This taproom in the shadow of the red rocks serves sandwiches, but it’s more about the beer than the food. Way more. Don’t miss: Oak Creek Pale Ale, a silver-medal winner at the 2005 Great American Beer Festival.
PRESCOTT BREWING CO. 130 W. Gurley St., Prescott, (928) 771-2795
Details: The only thing better than the beer is the great location, in downtown Prescott near Courthouse Plaza. Don’t miss: Pilsner 500, a light-bodied, slightly hoppy beer brewed in the European tradition; winner of a silver medal in the 2004 Great American Beer Festival.
BARLEY BROTHERS BREWERY & GRILL 1425 McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City, (928) 505-7824
Details: It’s cool in Barley Brothers’ atrium, where you can enjoy the view of the London Bridge, as well as some of the state’s best beers. Don’t miss: Double Espresso Stout, a full-bodied beer made from espresso beans.
BEAVER STREET BREWERY & WHISTLE STOP CAFE 11 S. Beaver St., Flagstaff, (928) 779-0079
Details: Cool weather and cold beer – hard to beat that combination. Don’t miss: Railhead Red Ale, which has the perfect balance of malts and hops for a strong but smooth taste.
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BEER ON THE WEB
In Tucson
GENTLE BEN’S BREWING CO.: 865 E University Blvd., 624-4177, www.gentlebens.com
NIMBUS BREWING CO.: 3850 E 44th St., Suite 138, 745-9175, www.nimbusbeer.com
Around Arizona
FOUR PEAKS BREWING CO.: www.fourpeaks.com
OAK CREEK BREWERY AND GRILL: www.oakcreekpub.com
OAK CREEK BREWING CO.: www.oakcreekbrew.com
PRESCOTT BREWING CO.: www.prescottbrewingcompany.com
BARLEY BROTHERS BREWERY & GRILL: www.barleybrothers.com
BEAVER STREET BREWERY & WHISTLE STOP CAFE: www.beaverstreetbrewery.com
Beer interest
BEER ADVOCATE: http://beeradvocate.com
WORLD OF BEER: http://worldofbeer.com/
