Hi guys/gals, I just wanted to get some information about the beer scene in Phoenix. I find myself having to relocate to the area from the northeast to be a caregiver to an ailing family member and would love to take the opportunity to explore the local scene. I have visited the area a number of times over the years but never for more than a week at a time so my knowledge of the area is limited to the San Tan Brewery (close to where I will be living) Papago, and the local Whole Foods. I was hoping for any and all suggestions concerning new breweries, seasonals to be on the lookout for, great bottle shops, bottle shares, etc. I am just trying to get a flavor for the overall beer picture. Thanks everyone!
If you're on Facebook you should join Arizona Craft Beer Lovers group. It will keep you up to date with everything going on locally and you can meet some great people on there.
Two new breweries will be opening in the near future, az wilderness and Huss. It sounds like you might be looking in the east valley. Another good beer group to join is the Arizona society of Homebrewers even if you don't Homebrew. They have weekly happy hours and discounts galore. I'd also add fate, ohso, flanny's and the hungry monk as places to visit. A lot depends on what you are near.
Thanks so much for all the great tips guys! I am excited to start exploring the valley. I will definitely will look into the places and groups you both mentioned as I would love to join a tasting a group and do some nice bottle shares. Thanks again!
Hit up Angel Trumpets in down phoenix. Great beer bar and grab a pizza while your down their at my favorite restaurant in the valley--Pizzeria Biancos.
A few other places to go: Four Peaks and Tops Liquors/Taste of Tops. Four Peaks almost always has an awesome cask variations of one of their beers, they usually have a fantastic seasonal on tap, and if not, their year round offerings and food will certainly not let you down! I've been there too many times to count (Tempe location) and the food has never been anything less than superb. Tops has a pretty great selection of bottles and the bar next door, Taste of Tops, usually has a nice selection of drafts (and much like Papago you can buy a bottle from Tops and take it next door and drink it). Also, good luck with bottle shares/tasting groups. I didn't have much luck when I tried to find/form a small one a little less than a year ago. But things may have changed in the valley, I haven't been keeping tabs on it much now that I live in the northern part of the state.
Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate everyone sharing some of the not to be missed places. Are there any seasonals that are can't miss? I remember a few years back trying some Winter Wobler from Four Peaks and loved it and my last visit out I thought the San Tan Sex Panther was pretty good. And MattttYCE thanks for the heads up on the tastings. Maybe once I am out there I can find a group to taste with, maybe some of the northeast goodies that I plan on bringing out with me can entice folks to come out. Cheers guys!
http://azweeklymagazine.com/beer/king-james-valley-wide-craft-beer-food-guide-2013/ A fresh round up of places.
