moving from san diego to gilbert

You can still find it on the shelves at Bed Bath and Beyond...Seriously

 

Well, I think they were in over their heads with the restaurant in Gilbert....running something like that is a whole different beast, and I don't think they did a very good job with it. As far as their distro, it seemed like their spiced holiday ale found its way onto quite a few taplists at places I frequented, and I do see the odd Sleepy Dog handle more often than I'd expect. They could probably stand to up their game a bit in terms of labeling and image.

I'm curious what will happen to some of the fringe breweries (like the ones you've mentioned) once the next slate of breweries gets off the ground (Goldwater, Two Brothers....I know there's a couple others on the way that I'm spacing).

 

Can you clarify what you're referring to as fringe breweries? I think Sleepy Dog, Phoenix Ale Brewery, Desert Eagle and North Mountain are widely known by the local beer geeks I know. Opinions vary on how good they are, of course. I'm a fan of none of those listed and wouldn't miss any of them. For fringe, I would nod to Freak'n Brewery, Peoria Artisan, Mother Bunch, Saddle Mtn, maybe Dubina.

 

Yeah, maybe not a fair term necessarily....they are breweries that have been around a while that seem to get mixed reviews and clearly aren't part of the main conversation when discussing AZ Breweries (so for "non-fringe" it's San Tan, Four Peaks, AZ Wilderness). Maybe "second tier" (which isn't meant as a value judgment about quality) is a better term?

I don't think I'd include Mother Bunch...they are too new, more of a brewpub/restaurant, and haven't really gotten their own beers off the ground yet. I guess labels are dangerous. In any case, my main (inartfully articulated) point was that it seems there's quite a few more breweries on the way, and at some point I would expect attrition. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.

 

I see where you're coming from. I'm all for giving the newer ones a fair shake too, and some time. It's the longer term ones that are still somewhere between mediocre and bad that I have grumpy feelings towards. I think all would be served better if the localism movement would be more selective and support the better or best ones, and not be afraid to be negative about the ones that honestly deserve it.

 

I can't believe no one has said Fate yet, they are by far the best brewery in the valley if not in the state. They make some of the most consistent, clean beers in the state and they are pretty unique in their offerings. Tucson has some really great places as well like 1055, Borderlands, and Dragoon. Flagstaff is pretty awesome too they have Lumberyard, Wanderlust, Historic, Beaver Street and couple new breweries in the works I believe. Tucson and Flagstaff has a really good variety but I would still go with Fate over any of the offerings in the state.

 

post#7.

 

Great pizza too!

 

Arizona Wilderness is a definite must-go. They are really good at taking old-world styles and adding cool adjuncts and creating hybrid styles. Not a huge fan of their sours though (don't like em too much in general).

Yes, Fate is great as well. I was just in there on Friday, and back again on Sunday. They currently have a Fate+Huss collaboration BA imperial stout called the 'Sizzurp' which is mind blowing. I had to make the trek back north on Sunday to sample it again.

I've been to Beer Research Institute twice now. Their beers are quite tasty, but like was mentioned earlier the food needs work. I was actually offended when I had to pay almost 13 dollars for two tiny little (mediocre-tasting) tacos. Avoid the food. If you're not hungry though, it's a good choice for the area.

As far as bottles, as also mentioned Total Wine is my go-to (live across the street, why not). Gilbert Convenience Mart is great, and also Sun Devil Liquor is very good for bottle selection.

 

Congrats on the move, I live in south Chandler as do a couple other guys that have replied here who I regularly drink with. Send me a message and we can grab a beer sometime. I would concur that AzWilderness and Fate are my two top breweries in the state. I really like Huss and Beer Research Institute as well. Cheers!

 

Also if you are on Facebook join the Arizona Craft Beer Lovers page, good way to hear about events and meet people

 

No self service, you will always need a worker to fill it and tape it up for you.

 

GCM is awesome, it's family owned and all the brothers work there. Chris(the bigger guy) is by far the coolest. There's also a home brewer in Queen Creek under the name Owl's Orchard and he sells growlers and most are very good, look him up on Facebook very cool guy.

 

World of beer, Gilbert should be closest to you. And if you get a chance, world of beer Tempe had all Arizona taps this weekend.

 

Let me know when that Societe growler is filled with The Pupil and I'll be right over.