I'm traveling to Phoenix next week (Aug 2 and 3). Would like to hit a couple taprooms. It looks like North Mountain and Dubina aren't too far from where I'm staying and SunUp and Helton could be within reach as well. Looking for +/- recommendations. Cheers
My opinion is stay away from North Mountain. I've never been a fan, I'm hearing Dubina has stepped it up recently. My wife works at Sun Up (they still MAY have the BBA White Russian stout on. Helton is "pretty" but the cheese boards are better than the beer. I suggest Helio Basin (brand new with a brewer from Southern Tier. PM me and maybe I'll meet up with you on the 3rd.
If you decide to stop at Dubina either the 2nd or 3rd, ask for one of the family owners. Let them know we messaged you on here. We would love for you to try some of our beers! Cheers, hope to see you soon!
As others mentioned, North Mountain isn't very good and I'm skeptical of Dubina. I had one of their beers at a fest last week and wasn't impressed but it was better than the swill they started out with. Sun Up should be #1 on your list with a visit to Helton also and you might want to check out Magnum's for their taps. There is also a Whole Foods not too far from Sun Up that has some good taps from time to time although the atmosphere is sterile.
