What to drink in AZ?

Thanks so much! Really appreciate the thorough breakdown! Sounds like we have plenty of options now.

 

Interesting sidenote to Pizzeria Bianco. Craft 64 has hired the chef that was there for 20 years to run their kitchen. They are looking at opening up in 2 weeks in Old Town Scottsdale.

 

Although not from the area, I have to second the recommendation of Fate. I was in Phoenix for a few days about a month ago and made a point to stop at a number of places, including Fate and Arizona Wilderness. I enjoyed what I had a Arizona Wilderness, with the Granola Stout they had on at the time being a standout. That being said, the entire flight I sampled from Fate really really impressed me. One of the highlights of the trip.

I'll also second the recommendation of Angel's Trumpet. I stopped in the place twice and was even able to grab a bottle of ADWTD while I was there! Food was excellent too.

 

Just want to jump in and say that I've been to Mother Bunch a few times now, and it's a worthy stop. The food is really excellent...they've hired a chef that really knows what she's doing. Order anything from their smoker and you'll be happy (the smoked olives are amazing). They keep a nice tap list...I think their own beers are still a bit of a work in process. They do have a cherry porter that's quite nice. It's also in a wonderful historic building and has a nice feel inside. Definitely a good addition to the area.

I do hope to see additional craft-oriented options pop up downtown. Right now it's Angel's Trumpet and Mother Bunch, and that's about it. Copper Blues does indeed have a monster tap list which sometimes surprises with a big, rare beer...but I really can't stand the place. Just not my scene.

 

I've enjoyed my food there each time and felt optimistic about the beer but couldn't fully judge it because it was always a style I did not like, or they modified the style in some way like adding fruits or whatever. Good to hear they're on the right track. I'd love a second spot to hit when I make my Angel's Trumpet trips. I love Angel's Trumpet.

 

Anyone else here excited about the emergence of some amazing breweries in the Phx area in the past few years?
Not sure if anyone who previously posted on this is still looking for recommendations.. but anyway:
1. Arizona Wilderness should be checked out for sure. My favorites are the coffee stout and the granola stout. If you are looking for hoppy their flagship Refuge IPA is excellent as is their Dos Cabezas IPA.
2. Four Peaks should be given their due. They have some great beers. Try the Hop Knot for a hoppy beer, or the Kiltlifter for a delicious Scottish ale. My favorite is the Sirius Black (when they have it). Dark as hell imperial stout. The main brewery in Tempe is a bit 'bro'-y with the ASU campus so close by. Why am I still getting carded to enter a brewery? The Scottsdale location is a bit more low key.
3. San Tan is awesome..I'm actually wondering if their Mad Czar russian imp stout is on the shelves at Total Wine. I don't make it out to Chandler very often (last time I was in brewery might have been 2-3 years ago) but great beers, and they distribute to pretty much all major retailers around the valley.
4. I go to Papago Brewing Co. probably once every few weeks. Their beers are pretty damn choice but their guest taps is why I keep coming back. Plus the Chicken Wing Pizza is great.

 

Despite Sun Up brewery being about 12 blocks from my house, I don't make it there too often. I do enjoy their cask options, though. I was able to try their White Russian Imperial Stout at the Strong Beer Festival last weekend and I MUST say it was one of the highlights of the day. That beer was outstanding!

One last thing, I went to Scottsdale Beer Co. last night and I was very pleasantly surprised. Their Texas Tea Double Choc. Stout was very good. They have a Salsa Saison (in three levels, medium, hot, muy caliente) and it was delicious. Their red ale (Uncle Rico Red) was very good too! Nutty and sweet.. great red. Anyone else try this new gem yet?

 

Completely agree. I wouldn't go out of my way from the NW valley or drive too far from the SE valley but if you're in downtown and looking for a good stop, this is one that seems to fly WAY under the radar.

 

If you want a place that focuses on craft beer, I would highly recommend finding a World of Beer. I know there is one in Gilbert, so go there for dinner one night and go to Wilderness for another night. What I think is great about WOB is the sheer quantity of local and non-local quality craft beer. Create your own sampler of whatever local beers you want to try. Besides the ridiculous amounts of draft beers, they carry an absurd amount of bottles. Anything you want they will have. During AZ beer week I even saw them tap KBS and other rare ones! They hold beer schools and trivia nights if you’re looking for something fun to do also. They really do have a nice balance of local and non-local. For example, on tap (as of 2/27/15) if you want, for example, San Tan brewing they have 6 different offerings (not to mention other local breweries and bottles).

Hope this helps!