Craft Breweries in Arizona: A Guide to Casual Tastings

Arizona’s craft beer scene has been flourishing over the past decade, making it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. With a growing number of breweries offering a wide variety of styles and flavors, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a casual drinker looking to explore new tastes, Arizona’s craft breweries provide the perfect setting for a laid-back and enjoyable tasting experience. This guide will introduce you to some of the best craft breweries in Arizona, highlighting their unique offerings and what makes them worth a visit.

Why Visit Craft Breweries?

Local Flavor

Craft breweries often use locally sourced ingredients, giving their beers a distinct taste that reflects the region’s unique character. Visiting these breweries allows you to experience the local flavor and support small businesses.

Variety of Styles

From hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to crisp lagers and fruity sours, craft breweries typically offer a wide range of beer styles. This variety ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether you prefer bold and adventurous flavors or classic and refined brews.

Community Atmosphere

Craft breweries often have a welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere. They provide a casual setting where you can relax, socialize, and learn more about the brewing process directly from the brewers themselves.

Freshness and Quality

Craft breweries pride themselves on the freshness and quality of their beers. Many offer on-site tastings and tours, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the freshest brews straight from the source.

Top Craft Breweries in Arizona

Four Peaks Brewing Company (Tempe)

Overview

Four Peaks Brewing Company is one of Arizona’s most renowned breweries, known for its award-winning beers and vibrant atmosphere. Located in a historic building in Tempe, Four Peaks offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Highlights

• Kilt Lifter: This Scottish-style ale is a flagship beer known for its rich, malty flavor and smooth finish.
• Hop Knot IPA: A hoppy and aromatic IPA that balances bitterness with a floral and citrusy aroma.
• Seasonal Beers: Four Peaks regularly releases seasonal and limited-edition beers, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
• Brewery Tours: Guided tours provide an in-depth look at the brewing process and the history of the brewery.

Tips

• Try the Food: Pair your beer with delicious pub fare from their menu, including their famous beer cheese soup and hearty burgers.
• Visit During Off-Peak Hours: To avoid crowds, consider visiting during weekday afternoons.
• Join the Mug Club: Frequent visitors can join the Four Peaks Mug Club for exclusive perks and discounts.

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. (Gilbert and Phoenix)

Overview

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. is celebrated for its innovative and environmentally conscious approach to brewing. With locations in Gilbert and Phoenix, this brewery focuses on using locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.

Highlights

• Refuge IPA: A popular flagship beer that features a blend of hops, creating a balanced and flavorful IPA.
• Sonoran Prince: A unique sour beer brewed with native Arizona ingredients like prickly pear and mesquite.
• Farmhouse Ales: Arizona Wilderness is known for its range of farmhouse ales, which incorporate wild yeast and local ingredients.
• Outdoor Seating: Both locations offer spacious outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying Arizona’s beautiful weather.

Tips

• Explore the Menu: Don’t miss out on their food menu, which features locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
• Check for Events: The brewery often hosts events, including beer releases, farm-to-table dinners, and live music.
• Sustainable Practices: Learn about their commitment to sustainability through tours and discussions with the staff.

Dragoon Brewing Company (Tucson)

Overview

Dragoon Brewing Company is a staple in the Tucson craft beer scene, known for its high-quality beers and commitment to the local community. The brewery offers a relaxed and welcoming environment for beer lovers.

Highlights

• Dragoon IPA: A flagship West Coast-style IPA with a strong hop character and a crisp finish.
• Stronghold Session Ale: A lighter beer with a lower ABV, perfect for casual sipping.
• Seasonal and Limited Releases: Dragoon frequently experiments with new styles and flavors, offering a rotating selection of beers.
• Taproom Experience: The taproom provides a cozy setting for tastings, complete with friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Tips

• Join the Growler Club: Regulars can join the Growler Club for discounts on refills and exclusive merchandise.
• Food Trucks: Enjoy a rotating selection of food trucks parked outside the brewery, offering a variety of cuisines.
• Community Events: Participate in community events and charity fundraisers hosted by the brewery.

SanTan Brewing Company (Chandler)

Overview

SanTan Brewing Company in Chandler is known for its wide variety of flavorful beers and a lively brewpub atmosphere. With a focus on quality and creativity, SanTan has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Highlights

• Devil’s Ale: A popular American pale ale with a balanced hop and malt profile.
• MoonJuice IPA: A citrusy and tropical IPA that has garnered a loyal following.
• Mr. Pineapple: A refreshing pineapple wheat beer, perfect for hot Arizona days.
• Brewery Tours: SanTan offers informative tours that showcase their brewing process and philosophy.

Tips

• Try the Cocktails: In addition to their beers, SanTan offers craft cocktails made with their own line of spirits.
• Weekend Brunch: Visit for weekend brunch and enjoy beer-infused dishes alongside your favorite brews.
• Merchandise: Check out their merchandise for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Huss Brewing Co. (Tempe and Phoenix)

Overview

Huss Brewing Co. is a family-owned brewery that prides itself on creating approachable and high-quality beers. With taprooms in Tempe and Phoenix, Huss Brewing Co. is a great spot for both casual tastings and social gatherings.

Highlights

• Scottsdale Blonde: A smooth and easy-drinking blonde ale, perfect for any occasion.
• Copper State IPA: A bold and hoppy IPA with a balanced malt backbone.
• Koffee Kölsch: A unique twist on the traditional Kölsch, brewed with locally roasted coffee.
• Dog-Friendly Taprooms: Both locations welcome dogs, making it a great place to bring your furry friends.

Tips

• Happy Hour: Take advantage of happy hour specials for great deals on their beers.
• Trivia Nights: Participate in trivia nights for a fun and interactive experience.
• Rotating Taps: Enjoy a constantly rotating selection of experimental and seasonal beers.

Why You Should Use Pacaya

Discovering the best craft breweries in Arizona is made easier with Pacaya, the dynamic social networking mobile application. Pacaya connects you with local events and activities, allowing you to find and join brewery tours, tastings, and beer-related events tailored to your interests. With Pacaya, you can share your brewery experiences, get recommendations from fellow beer enthusiasts, and even organize your own brewery outings. Enhance your craft beer journey in Arizona by using Pacaya to discover and enjoy the best breweries the state has to offer.