Arizona is known for being hot, dry, and sunny. This weather forecast is perfect for throwing back a cold one, especially if you have a craft brewery nearby to help you quench that thirst. So, as you travel to Arizona’s top destinations on your next trip, make sure to stop by one or more of these breweries for a truly local and refreshing experience.
Four Peaks Brewing CompanyFour Peaks Brewing Company, Tempe
Four Peaks is a huge distributor of craft beer and has been on the local craft brewing scene since 1996. This brewery loves its Scottish-style ales and has an awesome atmosphere to go with its beer. You can literally feel a sense of community as soon as you walk in the door. Favorite beers here are the 8th Street Hefeweizen, Hot Knot IPA, and Kilt Lifter, the Scottish ale that really made this brewery famous. You can take a tour at the Wilson Street location or the 8th Street location and book tours online in advance. Eighth Street is the brewery’s home in an 1890s historic building, while Wilson Street in Tempe is where most of the actual brewing takes place.
SanTan Brewing Company, Chandler
You’ll find SanTan brews in many local establishments in Arizona because it’s gained a reputation for being one of the best beer crafters in the state. SanTan Brewing Company is a large brewery that brews southwestern-style ales that are perfect for dry, hot days. It’s only been open since 2007, but this brewery has made a serious splash on the craft beer scene in the Greater Phoenix area. Beers are sold in cans, and the brewery staff is passionate about that. Make sure to try the hefeweizen at SanTan when you visit, or maybe one of the fun seasonal brews, like the Sex Panther Double Chocolate Porter or the Count Hopula Blood Red IPA.
O.H.S.O Brewery + Distillery, Phoenix
Phoenix is one of the best cities in the U.S. for beer lovers. O.H.S.O. (Outrageous Homebrewers Social Outpost) is an awesome place in Phoenix to meet up with friends and relax over good beer and food. The Arcadia neighborhood location is located at 4900 East Indian School Road, and there are also brewery locations in Scottsdale and the Paradise Valley area of Phoenix. Vegan and gluten-free food options are served on the food O.H.S.O. menu. Something that sets this brewery apart from the others is that it is also a distillery that makes its own gin, rum, and vodka. This Phoenix brewery is very dog-friendly, so bring your pup along for free refills all day long in the water bowls!
Dragoon Brewing Co., Tucson
One of the best breweries in Tucson, Dragoon Brewing Co. got its start as a home brewery in the mid-90s and is a favorite among IPA lovers. The top pick here is the Dragoon IPA, which is a 7.3 percent ABV West Coast IPA. Other beers sometimes on tap include the Ojo Blanco, Stronghold Session Ale, Flashdance, and the Canadian Tuxedo. You’ll often find food trucks onsite here serving up tacos, meatballs, noodles, or pizza.
Lumberyard Brewing Company, Flagstaff
There’s much more to do in Flagstaff than just make a day trip to the Grand Canyon. Lumberyard Brewing Company is located here and set up shop in one of the last buildings remaining from the town’s lumber era. The American IPA here has won big awards for its copper color, citrus and floral notes, and subtle malt finish.
Desert Eagle Brewing Company, Mesa
Desert Eagle’s brewing opened its first taproom downtown in 2012. The brewery also serves food, including sandwiches, tacos, and appetizers. You’ll find live music acts taking the stage here, including tribute bands, rock and blues groups, and acoustic open mic nights.
Oak Creek Brewing Company, Sedona
Sedona is an Arizona city made famous for its vibrant red rocks, mysterious vortexes, and new age culture. But there’s also a great craft brewery here to help all of that soak in. One of the favorite beers at Oak Creek Brewing Company is the Nut Brown Ale, which basically epitomizes what any beer of this style should taste like.
College Street Brewhouse, Lake Havasu City
If you’re looking for a hip brewhouse to mix and mingle in, then look no further than Havasu’s College Street Brewhouse. People can’t stop talking about this beer because of its sweet and fruity beers with uncommon flavors, like blueberry. Great beer options here include Big Blue Van, Sweet Devil Stout, and the Mariner Double IPA. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pizza are also served here.
Sonoran Brewing Company, Phoenix
There is one particular beer that has made the Sonoran Brewing Company really stand out and get noticed: the white chocolate ale. It might sound a little strange, but it has a satisfying sweetness that isn’t too sweet and really hits the spot. The Dfrnt IPA is this brewery’s other specialty and has a unique flavor that’s worth trying for yourself as well. Founded in 1996, this brewery shares a space with the Phoenix Ale Brewery and is located at 3002 East Washington Street in Phoenix. So basically, this is a great opportunity to try two local brewers’ beers with one stop.
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., Gilbert
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. is one of the many breweries in Arizona that loves using local ingredients to craft its beers. It was the first brewery in Gilbert and celebrates the beauty of Arizona outdoors. One of the top picks here is the Oaked and Ordinary, an English bitter ale made with oak staves. The brewery serves a wide variety of food as well, so it’s totally worth coming here for the food even if not everyone in your group loves beer!
