Hotel Congress HoCo Fest 2012

What? HoCo Fest 2012. Party like it’s 1979! HoCo Fest started in 2004 and is Arizona’s longest running solar-powered music festival. Beginning on Friday, August 31 and continuing through Monday, September 3, HoCo Fest 2012 will take over Hotel Congress featuring local and national music acts playing on indoor and outdoor stages, with all ages welcome.
Where? Hotel Congress – Club Congress
When? Doors open at 7 p.m.
How Much? $15
More Info: http://www.hotelcongress.com/club/

Saturday September 1^st.

What? Tucson Museum of Miniatures – FREE ADMISSION TODAY ONLY
Come celebrate their 3^rd anniversary. The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, located in a 15,560 square foot, state-of-the-art museum displays an entertaining and interactive array of antique and contemporary miniatures as well as enchanting artifacts.

The Museum is a miniature time machine, by which the visitor sets off on a self-guided tour through different lands and times both real and imagined. Over 275 miniature houses, room boxes and enchanting collectibles are part of the extraordinary collection in this educational and magical environment, appealing to visitors of all ages, interests and talents.
Where?  4455 East Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson, AZ, 85712.

What? Concert for Kids
Children from all over Tucson, and as young as 2 years old, can explore a “magical” opportunity to interact and learn from a widely-recognized and talented educator, conductor and performer.

Exploring music since his roots in Europe and now working with children through local arts organizations, László Veres of the Tucson Pops Orchestra will engage with kids and teach the musical workings of instruments and sound during Musical Magic for Kids.
Where? Town of Oro Valley’s Council Chambers, 11000 N. La Canada Dr.
When? Concerts begin at 10 a.m. -”Peter and the Wolf” on Saturday, Sept. 1 and “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Oct. 6
How Much? Free
More Info: www.saaca.org

What? Free Lecture: Wyatt Earp, Capitalist
Historian/author Garner Palenske presents this intriguing story of Wyatt Earp’s involvement in horse racing, gambling, and mining at Tombstone City Archives. Palenske is the author of the much acclaimed book, Wyatt Earp in San Diego, Life After Tombstone.

Free book given away and opportunity to meet the author immediately following at Tombstone Old West Books, 4th and Allen Streets.
Where? Tombstone City Archives 6th And Fremont Streets
When? 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

 Saturday-Sunday-Monday September 1^st – 3^rd

What? Rendezvous of the Gunfighters
Gunfighter groups from throughout the U.S. gather in Tombstone to perform. Activities include a Most-Authentic Costume Contest. Sponsored by the Tombstone Wild Bunch.
Where? Tombstone / Allen Street / OK Corral
When? The 1880’s costume parade will begin Sunday, September 2^nd at 12 noon.
More Info: www.tombstonewildbunch.com/

 Sunday September 2nd

 What? Member-Only Pancake Breakfast in Celebration of The Desert Museum’s 60^th B’day.
Where? Ironwood Terrace Restaurant in the Desert Museum
When? 8 AM – 11 AM
How Much? Members 8 and older: $12. Ages 4-7: $5. Three & under and anyone born in 1952: FREE.

What? Bisbee’s 47th Annual Brewery Gulch Daze.
Events will include a the Soiled Dove Race, Wacky Pet Parade, Kids Games, Recycled Art Auction, Silent Auction, Miz Ole’ Biz Contest & live music by Buzz & the Soul Senders.
Where? Brewery Gulch in Old Bisbee.
When? 8 AM – 5 PM.
How Much? FREE (except food & drink, of course)

What? Jeff Kashiwa & Crystal Stark in Concert
Kashiwa is one of the most diverse, in demand sax players in all of contemporary jazz. A year after leaving The Rippingtons, Kashiwa was an immediate smash on the smooth jazz charts, scoring a #1 hit for over eight weeks on the Radio & Records chart.  His sound ranges from funky pop to more classic traditional jazz – this show will have it all.  Joining Kashiwa for several numbers will be Tucson favorite, singer Crystal Stark.
Where?  Loews Ventana Canyon, 7000 N. Resort Rd.
When?  7:30 PM
How Much? $20 – $35
More Info:  http://tucsonjazz.org/

 Throughout September

 What? Phantom of the Opera.
“Will the chorus girl Christine rise to the occasion after Diva Soprano, Carlotta, storms off the stage during dress rehearsal? Who will be seated in the mysterious Box #5…where programs disappear and ghoulish laughter echoes? Join the Gaslight artistes as they transform the stage back to post-Revolution Paris to revive The Phantom Of The Opera – a love story of musical inspiration and hidden longing, along with a palate-pleasing portion of goofy song and dance.“

Popcorn is complimentary to all theatre-goers, but there are also servers on-hand if you want to order from the menu.
Where? Gaslight Theater. 7010 E. Broadway.
When? Sundays at 3:00pm and 7:00pm; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 7:00pm; Fridays and Saturdays at 6:00pm and 8:30pm.
How Much? $17.95/adults. $15.95/students, seniors, military. $7.95/children under 12.
More Info: http://www.thegaslighttheatre.com.

 September 5th

 What? Crosby, Stills & Nash
The music of David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash is a cornerstone of rock & roll. This trio of legendary singer-songwriters has been actively collaborating since 1969, when they first harmonized in either Joni Mitchell’s living room or Mama Cass Elliot’s dining room, depending on which member you hear the story from.
Where? AVA amphitheater, 5655 West Valencia Rd
When?  8:00 p.m. Gates open 7:00 p.m.
How Much? $22 – $77
More Info: http://www.casinodelsol.com/events/crosby-stills-and-nash

What? Labor Day Jazz All-Star Celebration of Motown
The festivities will include tribute performances by an all-star jazz and R&B group, drink and dinner specials and a special resort price ($99) for guests staying overnight, followed by a Sunday brunch concert.
Where? Westin La Paloma Resort.
When? 7:30 PM.
How Much? $35 – $75.
More Info: www.azentertainmentandevents.com.

September 6^th – 9th

 What? JOGS Gem & Jewelry Show
A 4-day trade show of jewelry & gems from around the world with both wholesale & retail sales.Where? Tucson Expo Center, 3750 East Irvington Road.
When? September 6^th at 10 AM to September 9^th at 6 PM.
More Info: http://jogsshow.com

 Saturday Nights, September 8, 15, 22, & 29^th.

What? Band Concert
The Arizona Symphonic Winds, under the direction of László Veres, is Southern Arizona’s Premiere community concert band. Comprised of 65 volunteers, this musical organization presents concerts throughout the Tucson area and has been doing so for 20 years. Included in its repertoire are Broadway show tunes, orchestral transcriptions, movie themes, marches, and traditional band literature.

The Winds perform an average of sixteen concerts yearly including their outdoor series at Udall Park, a winter indoor series, and performances to the communities of SaddleBrooke and Oro Valley. The band frequently showcases both professional and amateur soloists, as well as talented young performers at its concerts, and continues the old American tradition of the free concert in the park for our community.Where? Udall Park; 7200 East Tanque Verde Road
When? 7 PM
How Much? FREE
More Info: http://www.azsymwinds.org

 Saturday September 8^th:

What? 2^nd Saturday Downtown Tucson
Downtown’s monthly family-friendly block party featuring live music, dance, & other performances.
Where: 125 E. Congress Street
When: 6 PM to 10:30 PM
How Much? FREE
More Info: http://www.2ndsaturdaysdowntown.com

What? The final Blue Grass concert of the summer season
Where? Crossroads at Silverbell Park; Marana
When? 6:15 PM: Desert Bluegrass Association Member Jam; 7 PM Superstition Ridge ensemble.
How Much? FREE
More Info: http://saaca.org/Marana_Backyard_Concerts.html

 Every Saturday In September

What? San Pedro River Walk from San Pedro House.
Join docents on a two-mile interpretive walk over easy terrain along the river every Saturday morning. The San Pedro River features some of the richest wildlife habitat in the United States. Wear appropriate attire for hiking and weather conditions. Bring at least one quart of water per person.

The San Pedro Riparian area is a stretch of some 40 miles (56,000 acres) along the San Pedro River, which flows north from near Cananea, Mexico to the Gila River. This riparian habitat is rare in the desert Southwest. It’s a place where plants and animals thrive because of the availability of water, either at or near the surface of the soil. The river can be spotted from far off because of the band of cottonwood trees that grow densely along its shores, drawing migrating birds and other wildlife.

The river has long had an attraction for man as well. Evidence of prehistoric hunters of 11,000 years ago has been found at Lehner Mammoth Site and Murray Springs Clovis Site.
Where? Sierra Vista – San Pedro House 9800 E. Highway 90.
When: Saturdays 8 AM to 12 Noon.
How Much? Donations are appreciated.
More Info: http://www.discoverseaz.com/Attractions/SPRNCA.html

 Saturdays & Sundays In September

 What? Concerts: Folk Songs & Ballads
Where? Arizona Folklore Preserve. South of Sierra Vista off Ramsey Canyon Road; 56  East Folklore Trail, Hereford, Arizona  85615.
When? Matinees start at 2 PM; doors open at 1 PM.
How Much? Adults: $15. Children 17 & under: $6.
More Info: http://arizonafolklore.com

Sunday September 9th

 What? Comedy Concert: Stand Up to Stop Violence
Get ready to go to a funny place you’ve never been before, where basketball heroes and talented comedians come together for charity. The Second Annual Stand Up to Stop Violence comedy fundraiser benefits the Emerge Center to Prevent Domestic Abuse and the Blair Charity Group.
Where? Fox Theater, Downtown Tucson
When? 7:00 pm
How Much? $15 – $100
More Info: FoxTheater.com

 Saturday September 15th

What? Bisbee Blues Festival featuring Leon J, Sean Trackman, Bad News Blues, Eddie Turner, Diunna Greenleaf.
Where? Warren Ballpark
When? Gates open at Noon. Show starts around 1 PM
How Much? $20 in advance; $25 at gate
More Info: thebisbeebluesfestival.com to purchase advance tickets

 Saturday, September 22^nd

What? Oro Valley Classics Car and Truck Show
Antique automobiles, old-time rock ‘n roll, and all-American food.  Live music: with rockabilly from The Outlaw Rebels at 11 a.m. and rock and country from Good Question at 1 p.m. 
Where? Oro Valley Marketplace, on the southwest corner of Oracle Road and Tangerine Road. 
When? 10 AM to 3 PM.
How Much? FREE

 Thursday Through Sunday September 20th – 23rd

 What? 37^th Annual Tucson Greek Festival
Real Greek food, beer, & wine. Live music & folk dancing. Kids’ rides & much more.
Where? St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church: 1145 E. Ft. Lowell Road. Tucson.
When? Thursday: 5 PM – 10 PM. Friday: 5 PM – 11 PM. Saturday: 4 PM – 11 PM. Sunday: Noon – 6 PM
How Much? Daily Pass: Admission $3; Children Under 12 Free. 4-Day Pass: $5. Active Duty Military & Seniors: Free Saturday 4 PM – 6 PM. Free Parking & Shuttle Service.
More Info: www.TucsonGreekFestival.com.

 Friday September 21st

What? Oktoberfest in Sierra Vista
Beer garden, live music, oompah bands, dancing, carnival rides, food vendors, and crafts.
Why celebrate Oktoberfest in September? In October of 1810, Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig I (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese. That year, the festivities lasted five days. But five days wasn’t enough time to enjoy all the music, singing, eating and drinking. As the years went on, the festivities lasted longer and began earlier to take advantage of Germany’s nicer weather in September. So, the 16-day celebration takes place up to and including the first Sunday in October.
Where? Veterans’ Memorial Park
When? 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15.
How Much? FREE Admission
More Info: 520-417-6960, 520-458-7922.

 Thursday September 27^th – Sunday September 30^th

What?  4^th Annual Tucson Flamenco Festival. This four-day festival features an outdoor stage with guest artists from around the world, plus Spanish wine tasting, an outdoor bar, flamenco fashion show, and a late-night Spanish Fiesta atmosphere.
Where? Casa Vicente Restaurant: 375 S. Stone – Downtown Tucson.
When? Thursday PM though Sunday PM. Thursday, September 27th: 8 pm–10 pm. Doors open 8 PM; 8:30 PM – Moda Flamenca, a flamenco fashion show featuring a dozen designers and their flamenco and flamenco-inspired couture; 9:30 PM – Guitarras Flamencas y Guitarras Espanol, Misael Barraza, Chuscales, and others.
How Much? $15 – $200. Click here for tickets: http://www.tucsonflamencofestival.com/tickets/
More Info: http://www.downtowntucson.org/event/4th-annual-tucson-flamenco-festival.

 Friday September 28th

What? Nightfall at Old Tucson.
Old Tucson becomes a haunted ghost town, with hideous beasts and monsters, ghoulish stunts, and frightening shows.Where? Old Tucson: 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85735
When? Thursday through Sundays in October from 6 PM to Closing. Preview weekend is September 28-30.
How Much? Unknown at time of post.
More Info: http://oldtucson.com. Phone: 520-908-4833.

 Friday September 28^th & Saturday the 29^th

What? Desert Museum 12^th Annual Plant Sale.
Go to the ASDM digital library for images and information on many of these plants. You are encouraged to bring your empty 1 gallon nursery pots to the sale. They will reuse them next year, saving earth’s resources, landfill space, and helping us keep costs down. The gallon size is the only one they currently need.
When? Friday, Members Only: 2:00 – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Open to Public: 7:30 AM to 3 PM.
How Much: Regular Admission Price
More Info: http://www.desertmuseumdigitallibrary.org/public/index.php

What? Arizona’s Salsa Trail – SalsaFest
Arizona’s Salsa Trail celebrates the annual SalsaFest featuring the salsa challenge, Jalapeno eating competition, Chihuahua races, car show and hot air balloons. Arizona’s Sprinkled through the small Southern Arizona communities of Safford, Pima, Thatcher, Solomon, Clifton, Duncan, Willcox, and York are a dozen Mexican restaurants ready to serve up fine Mexican food.

The scenic Old West Highway connects the communities and businesses which are within a 40 mile radius of Safford – about and hour and a half east and slightly north of Tucson.

In addition to good food and friendly folks, tourists are beginning to discover the natural beauty and tucked away attractions that dot the map along the Salsa Trail®. There are over 4 million acres of National Forest and protected Wilderness lands, pristine high desert beauty, the lush Gila Valley, and towering pines on Mount Graham. Graham County is filled with so many things to do throughout its little communities, and has some of the most beautiful scenic terrain in the entire Southwest.
Where? Safford Town Square. 1111 Thatcher Blvd. (Hwy 70), Safford, AZ 85546
When? Starts Friday 5 PM on Main Street; Safford. Saturday, Hot Air Balloons take flight from the Fair Grounds at Day Break. Saturday AM Salsa Contests, live entertainment, etc. plus Car Show on Main Street.
How Much? Mostly FREE, except if you want to taste the Salsa, you have to buy chips ($4). Proceeds go to Lions Club charities.
More Info? http://www.salsatrail.com/salsafest. Phone: 928-428-2511

Dragoon Brewing Company

Most of you know that I have reviewed a few established Southern Arizona microbreweries recently, including Thunder Canyon at Foothills Mall, Barrio Brewing Company downtown Tucson, & Nimbus Bistro on Tanque Verde. I always take my trusty beer expert, Michael Polletta, with me to explain the finer point of microbrewing.

I didn’t even know about Dragoon Brewing Company on West Grant Road until last week. Apparently, it’s a well-kept secret from anyone not in that exclusive Tucson Micro-Brew Fan Club.

Nevertheless, Michael & I trucked down to Dragoon last Saturday along with Ms. Karen. The place is located in a commercial warehouse space immediately east of KFC & Ace Hardware. It’s not easy to find.

That said, when we arrived mid-afternoon, there were plenty of folks who apparently had no difficulty finding it.

One of the first things we noticed was most of the beer drinker had no food and, those who did, must have brought their own.

We each ordered the samplings. In this case, 4 four-ounce glasses, one for each kind of beer Dragoon was offering that week, for $6.

Dragoon’s Beer Selections

The bartender, a pleasant, husky young man, brought our samples to our table and explained the proper sampling order: (1) Session Ale; (2) Saison Blue; (3) Dragoon IPA; and (4) Russian Imperial Stout. Lord help us if we should inadvertently taste them out of order.

I inquired about the food. No food license = no food. Which is just as well. Our experience is that too many breweries that do serve food can’t cook as well as they brew; Nimbus Bistro being a notable exception.

However, as is the case at Borderlands Brewing Company on Toole (not yet reviewed), a food truck was scheduled to arrive “soon”. Here’s the deal. A food truck is expected to arrive in the parking lot out front any day that Dragoon is open for business: Thursdays 4-8; Fridays 3-8; & Saturdays 2-8 PM. The problem is this. The food truck will likely show some time during these periods, but no one knows exactly what time. Suggest you bring your own jar of nuts or something.

Let The Tasting Begin (sans food).

(1) Stronghold Sessions Ale – An American brown beer.

This is not a light beer. It’s fairly rich in roasted bittersweet chocolate, brown, & caramel malts and a healthy dose of American hops, some of which comes from the Willamette Valley in Oregon where Ms. Karen & I are headed next week.

Ms. Karen & Michael liked it. I thought it a touch sour at first. It got better toward the bottom of the glass. ABV 4.8%.

(2) Saison Blue – a hybrid English & American ale

The Dragoon brewers refer to this as Belgian farmhouse ale. I asked Michael, “What does farmhouse refer to.” He explained that in the old days, some Belgian farmers did not add yeast to their brew. Rather they set their open barrels outside and let the dust, mainly pollen, in the air fall into the brew naturally.

After that explanation, I was hoping that the Dragoon brewmeisters didn’t leave open barrels of brew anywhere near Grant Road.

According to the official Dragoon storyteller, Saison Blue is brewed mostly from malted barley plus blue corn and blue agave nectar. It is then lightly dry-hopped with American and European hops for a distinctive herbal and floral finish.

This process is supposed to represent “a link between old-world brewing traditions and new-world processes and ingredients. At the end of the day, this beer is bone dry, light bodied and quite refreshing, but features a spicy, complex flavor and aroma profile.” Oh, really?

Michael summed it up this way. “It’ a good, light summer beer.” ABV 7.1%.

(3) Dragoon IPA
By the time we got around to tasting beer #3, we were having a pleasant conversation with a young fellow who seemed to know a lot about Dragoon beers, but was neither the owner nor manager. Tristan White explained that he just helps out with the brewing process and sometimes delivers Dragoon beers to various markets, pubs, and restaurants in Tucson.

The knowledgeable, but mysterious Tristan White.

I inquired as to where Dragoon is served around town. Tristan quickly ticked off a list from memory: Time Market, B-Line, Wilko, 1702 (terrible pizza), Noble Hops, Starr Pass, Acacia, Hacienda del Sol, etc., etc.

I am familiar with the Grill at Hacienda del Sol and it’s adjacent bars & terraces. We declared HDS a 5-Saguaro dining & lodging establishment a long time ago. If they serve Dragoon beers, then Dragoon beer must be very good indeed.

According to the official Dragoon storyteller, “This is a true West Coast IPA – pale in color, with bracing bitterness, high alcohol content (7.3%), and a fruity/floral/citrus hop aroma.”

Apparently they consider any beer made with lots of Northwest hops to resemble beers brewed in Seattle and Portland, Oregon.

Michael considered the Dragoon IPA to be “very hoppy for an IPA”. Tristan said the reason is it has “no malt to back it up, unlike the stout”. We then moved on to the stout.

The Uno – Russian Imperial Stout
This one is Dragoon’s first “special release offering”. They brewed only one batch “and when it is gone, that’s it.”

Pity. ‘Cause this stout was really good! Exceptionally smooooth, with a distinctive coffee flavor, it was black, not brown. According to Tristan, that “coffee” flavor comes from the roasted malt”.

He also pointed out that it doesn’t hold carbonation well, thus little or no head. It also lacked any sour or bitter after taste. It was a little spicy which Tristan attributes to the rye malt.

The Uno was so good I just had to have another and ordered a half-pint. Ms. Karen asked if she could have a little taste because she thought the sample had been quite good. I went off to take a few photographs for this review. When I returned my half-pint glass was empty.

I wish I knew a way to convince the Dragoon brewers to make another batch of this stout. It was excellent!

As we were leaving, we noticed that the food truck had finally arrived and most of the folks who had been inside drinking beers were now lined up in the parking lot ordering tacos and stuff. Ms. Karen, Michael, and I were headed to our home to BBQ and reflect on our excellent Dragoon Brewing Company adventure.

Oh, and that Tristan White fellow who was so knowledgeable and helpful … he turned out to be the one in charge of Dragoon’s sales & marketing.

Nimbus Bistro & Brewery Samplers

Once again, my sampling partner, Michael Polletta, and I continued our arduous journey through Southern Arizona with the singular goal to sample all the beers brewed by our local microbreweries.

We started several weeks ago at Thunder Canyon Brewing Company located in the Foothills Mall. Good beer. Just OK food. New World (modern) Public House ambiance.

Then two Sundays ago, we made our way to Barrio Brewing Company at Toole & 16^th Street. Very good beer. Very good pub food. Old World (as in old warehouse) atmosphere.  Highly recommended. In time, I would like to get a tour and meet the proprietor and/or brewmeister. Methinks Barrio is what a true brewery/public house ought to look and feel like.

Most recently, we headed across town to Nimbus Bistro & Brewery on Tanque Verde. Our journey just kept getting better and better.

But first, allow me to digress briefly. We went to their Bistro, not their brewery on E. 44^th Street. Nimbus has been a local Tucson brewery since the twilight years of the prior century and, according to their official history; they are now the largest (producing the most quantity) Arizona microbrewery.

Which raises a question. As the largest, are they no longer a “micro-brewery”. As such, should we now refer to Nimbus as a “mini-brewery”? How large can a “micro” brewery be before it isn’t. Just askin’.

Michael & I arrived about 5 PM on a Sunday and the Bistro was not at all busy. Lindsey was our serving wench; pleasant, efficient, and when it comes to beers, definitely knowledgeable.

As is our protocol, we both ordered the Nimbus beer sampler: 7 different kinds of beer in 7 large sampling glasses … for only $9. What a deal!

As is our practice, we ordered food that, in theory, would go with any beer. Michael ordered the Nimbus Reuben sandwich: a generous portion of corned beef brisket on toasted rye with Russian dressing, melted Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. “Very good,” said he.

A favorite dish with beer, I considered the Nimbus Fish & Chips: 2-battered cod fillets with fries, cole slaw, and tartar sauce. Several weeks ago I wrote a review of Metropolitan Grill on N. Oracle and stated without hesitation that my Metropolitan Fish & Chips was at least as good as any I enjoyed in Merry Old England. Excellent!

But around Tucson, I’m usually disappointed. Stale fish, over-cooked, tasteless, etc, too often accompanied by soggy chips (fries).

I was not expecting Metropolitan quality from an establishment that specializes in fine craft beers. Nevertheless, Lindsey highly recommended this simple dish common to pubs around the world. So skeptical was I that I called over Sha-ron’, the manager who hails from Israel, to inquire as to her recommendation. Same. Fish & Chips.

To my surprise and delight, the batter was light & fluffy, and the fish very tasty. The equal of Metro Grill’s. Wow! Should you go to Nimbus Bistro, I suggest you take the wait staff’s recommendations. Obviously they possess inside knowledge.

Our beer samples were soon orderly placed on our table. Nimbus does something that, so far, no other brewery has done. They place each sample on a long mat just above its name and description. Very professional. At the other establishments, Michael & I were always looking for that chalkboard or sign on a wall that communicated the order in which the samples were arranged so we could know which one we were to sample next.

• Dirty Guera (Blonde): their light pale ale. Domestic pale malts, German hops, and mesquite honey from hives in Bisbee. To Michael’s and my tastes, too much water, not enough hops or alcohol. I think the word we were looking for was “weak”. But those who like a light pale ale will no doubt enjoy this one.
• Nimbus Pale Ale: a robust pale ale similar to the craft beers brewed in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. Sweet malt flavors blended with Northwest hops. Slightly fruity. I’m guessing that this variety is their most popular, but still not enough alcohol (only 5.5%) or “hoppy” bitterness for our tastes.
• Red Ale: fairly typical of American light amber beers. Slightly sweet – more malt than hops.
• Nimbus Pilsner? On this one I’m not sure. I know we sampled their pilsner, a pale lager, but it did not have a place on our beer-identification mat. Nor does it show up on their website. Not that it matters, really. It was too light and not much flavor. For a light beer, Dirty Guera “es mas mejor”.
• Oatmeal Stout: not a brown stout. This stout is black and mildly robust. For whatever reason, the Nimbus brewmeister has chosen to keep the alcohol content down to 5%. You can definitely taste the oats and the bitterness of the hops, but neither is overwhelming. Oatmeal Stout has a rich, creamy feel & taste with a dry finish. Unique and very good.
• Nimbus Nut Brown Ale: a medium dark beer, lighter than typical English brown ales. A nutty, not at all fruity taste with a hint of coffee-chocolate flavors. Only 5% abv. This Brown Ale might be appropriate for those who usually favor the lighter pale ales and ambers, but aren’t ready to step up to serious dark beers. Nevertheless, as we progressed along the sampling line, Michael & I sensed that were coming close to beer nirvana.
• Old Monkey Shine: BEER HEAVEN! Not quite Guinness from the barrel in Dublin, but very much like a typical brown English ale one finds at every public house in the Kingdom (or is it Queendom?). Definite hints of brown sugar and caramel malt, but the dark roasted flavor dominates. Caution: 8.2% abv. Our favorite.

Here’s our recommendation. Nimbus has a beer for every beer-drinkers taste. In their own niche, all are very good (except maybe that mysterious pilsner). Plus delicious food in generous portions to accompany several pints. Nimbus Bistro on Tanque Verde: highly recommended.

Barrio Brewing Company: Tucson, AZ

In my first local brewery review, Thunder Canyon Brewery, I shared my general preferences and prejudices regarding beer. So, I don’t need to repeat them here.

As we did at Thunder Canyon, Michael Polletta and I each ordered the sampler rack. We also ordered food that one might reasonably assume would go well with beer… any beer.

Michael ordered the Fish Tacos, flash-fried, lightly battered cod wrapped in flour tortillas with a side of Charro beans. He pronounced them “very good”.

I was tempted to order the Hot Pastrami Sandwich on rye with stone-ground mustard. But as I am on a strict diet to loose 40 pounds, I opted for the Western BBQ Burger topped with bacon, onion rings, cheddar cheese with a side of Barrio’s BBQ sauce and beer-battered fries. (Burp!) What an excellent choice I made. A most tasty burger. Love those beer-battered fries.

But to be honest, having deprived myself of real food the previous week, any pub food would have tasted like French cuisine. Nevertheless, as I discovered a day or two later, the whole meal only cost me 3 pounds. Now THAT’s real value.

So, how ‘bout them beers?

Well, Barrio brews a lot of varieties. Here’s the quick rundown.

• Tucson Blond: a light beer that was way too light for our tastes.
• Red Cat Amber: more alcohol and hops than blondie above. Just a hint of chocolate malt. Things were looking up, until…
• Hefeweizen: a traditional German wheat beer unfiltered (as in cloudy) served in the traditional German way with a slice of lemon. If you like wheat beers, which neither Michael nor I do, chances are good you will like Hefeweizen. Rich in vitamin B. Think of it as a health drink.
• T.J.’s Raspberry Ale: clearly this one is for folks who don’t like real beer. It has to be a girl-thing. Named after the brewmeister’s first daughter in 1992, this fruity drink is so popular it’s been in demand for two decades and still has legs. Hard to imagine.
• Copperhead Pale Ale: what can I say? It’s copper in tone. Medium bitterness, smells like hops, and as advertised, a clean, dry finish. We both liked Copperhead.
• Nolan’s Porter: a light ale, more malt than hops. Not for us.
• Barrio IPA: now we’re getting somewhere! Back in the days when Brittania ruled the waves, the English had to make beer with enough alcohol and serious bitters to survive the journey half way around the world. The historical purpose of India Pale Ale was to quench the ravenous thirst of their soldiers who occupied the Indian sub-continent. In this way, the Brits were able to bring civilization to a civilization that pre-dated them by thousands of years. Barrio IPA = seriously bad history, but seriously good beer!
• Oatmeal Stout: a bit like Guinness (not from the can, only from the brewery in Dublin). This was a winner.
• NCAA Ale: I can’t find this one their website, but even after tasting all the aforementioned beers, I ‘m fairly sure we actually sampled it. A rich, full-bodied taste and aroma. 10% alcohol. Reminded me of blackstrap molasses. GOOD!

One thing I’ve learned by now is that there is a real advantage to enjoying a beer at our local microbreweries. It’s something more than variety. I mean, they offer a beer for everyone’s taste.
But even more important: freshness. Having now experienced beer fresh from the barrel, I’m now sure I will never again enjoy beer from a bottle or can the way I used to. Ignorance was bliss. But now that I know…

Next up: a review of Borderlands Brewing Company in a few days. Or maybe Nimbus. I haven’t decided.

Thunder Canyon Brewery at the Foothills Mall

It was brought to my attention recently that our Southern Arizona Guide website lacks a local brewery section. Stung by such criticism, I set out to rectify this regrettable oversight. But there was this little problem. Well, actually several.

First, I didn’t know much about beers. Thus, I enlisted the able assistance of one Michael Polletta, who owns Print Management here in Tucson. (If you need any kind of printing, from business cards to 4-color brochures, I highly recommend Michael’s services.)

Nevertheless, I did not choose Michael as my sampling partner because of his expertise in the printing industry. Rather, Michael used to brew beer himself and I needed his insight into the vast and ancient subject of brewing beer so I could produce meaningful reviews.

Second, I’m not much of a beer drinker. More the elite, snobby, NPR-listening kind of wine connoisseur. Well, that’s not precisely true. Hell, I’ll drink cheap box wine from Safeway. But I particularly enjoy the fine dry Sauvignon Blanc varietals from New Zealand (Kim Crawford, Nobilo, etc.), almost any Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and several of the better Pinot Gris wines from Argentina and Chile. Clos du Bois Sauvignon Blanc from the North Coast of California is also a favorite.

Third, I started my research (sampling) for our new section with a fixed notion of what a good beer tastes like. Having spent the better part of my 19^th year going to university in Mexico City, I developed a taste for Corona and Dos Equis (XX).

In the intervening years, when it was really hot outdoors and I’d worked up a sweat mowing the lawn, etc., a really cold Corona or Dos Equis was super-fine refreshment.

Now you know my beer preferences and prejudices. On to reviews of 4 Southern Arizona breweries over the next week or so. This is the order in which Michael & I went about our work.

• Thunder Canyon
• Borderlands
• Barrio
• Nimbus

Thunder Canyon
Thunder Canyon is a pub in the Foothills Mall. When you walk in the front door you can see the giant stainless steel brewing tanks. Yet, the first impression is of a somewhat unauthentic craft brewery. I mean, it’s in a shopping mall.

But to the owners’ credit, they’ve taken a sterile commercial space and made it feel more or less like an old-timey public house.

So much for first impressions. How was the beer, food, and service?

Our waitress was Lauren. She was knowledgeable, pleasant, and efficient. We each ordered a sampler rack of 14 different craft beers and an appetizer. Michael ordered the Catalina Fingers, large chicken strips in spicy pale ale batter, breaded and deep-fried. These came with both BBQ and ranch sauce for dipping.

I ordered TCB Dip: artichoke hearts (which I love), scallions, parmesan cheese, and sour cream served in a bread bowl with a side of fresh veggies – broccoli, carrots, and celery. I do not like broccoli and gave mine to Michael.

Michael said his chicken appetizers were OK. My TCB dip was not as flavorful and rich as I have had elsewhere many times. So we both awarded TCB food 3-Saguaros: OK, average, ordinary, nothing to write home about.

I should point out that we didn’t have a full meal here. The menu is extensive with many varieties of typical American comfort food: pizza, burgers, sandwiches & salads, etc. Maybe next time.

TripAdvisor customer reviews average 4-Circles (very good); Yelp customer ratings averaged 3.5, somewhat better than average. The general consensus seems to be that people liked the beer better than the food. Certainly, that was Michael’s and my impression. Methinks the good people of Thunder Canyon put a lot of love into brewing their beers, with less focus on their food.

Speaking of beers, how were they? Thanks for asking.

The sampler included 14 beers in 14 different 4 oz. glasses – at least twice as big as an ordinary shot glass. Some we liked, others not so much. But this conclusion is strictly personal taste. Neither Michael nor I cared for the lighter varieties. The Deep Canyon Amber was a little too “Lite” for our tastes.

Nor did we care for the wheat beer (Windstorm Wheat). Michael told me that wheat beers are a favorite German summertime drink, with lemon added on occasion. Sounds awful. On the other hand, Ms. Karen likes wheat beer, so maybe it’s a girl thing

Nor did we like the sweet and/or fruity beers:

• Orange U Glad is a wheat beer, not real “hoppy”, with a slice of orange for decoration. Too fruity.
• Bee’s N Berry: more berry than honey – but too sweet nonetheless/not at all subtle. Perhaps a young woman would like this one – along the lines of a Shirley Temple.

The Sandstone Cream Ale tasted somewhat like Budweiser. Good Vibrations IPA was a lighter version of their Thunder Canyon IPA, which we both considered to be a good India Pale Ale.

Michael and I both remember 2 Belgium lagers, which I understand have to ferment at colder temperatures than ales. But can’t say we care much for either. Seemed too mild, not enough bite. On the other hand, they could have been ales. After a dozen samples, we were luck to remember our own name.

Strange Brew was a loser. Kinda flat, no aftertaste, and a bit sour. But the Thunder Canyon IPA was totally worthwhile. It’s a medium pale ale, plenty “hoppy”, lots of alcohol, and a delightful bite aftertaste. Excellent!

As Michael and I made our way to the darker beers, things got even better. Their Blackout Stout is a lighter version of Guinness with a chocolate colored head (foam).

I do like Guinness Original/Extra Stout. No, not the one you can buy by the can in America. Guinness does not travel well. I’m talking about the real stuff at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin fresh from the barrel. Delightful!

While our adventure to TCB was my first beer sampling, I was beginning to learn something about myself. The more a craft beer resembles Guinness, and the higher it is in alcohol, the more I like it. For me, a craft beer should be “hopped up”, otherwise why bother?

The Thunder Canyon IPA and their Warhead Stout were our favorites.

The Warhead was fairly malty. It was easy to taste hints of dark roasted malt, toffee, and black current. This combination gave the totality a bit of a molasses flavor. That and the 12% abv made Warhead THE winner.

Recommendation: do go to Thunder Canyon Brewery. Try the sampler. You’re bound to find one or more that will make you want to come back again and again.

Review #2 to follow in a few days.