Arizona Beers: Discovering the Best Brews of the Grand Canyon State
Arizona’s craft beer scene is thriving, offering a diverse array of styles that reflect the state’s vibrant culture and landscape.
From hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts, Arizona’s breweries provide a rich selection for every palate.
Here are ten of the best Arizona beers you absolutely must try.
1. Four Peaks Brewing Co.’s “Kilt Lifter”
Four Peaks Brewing Co. is renowned for its flagship beer, Kilt Lifter.
This Scottish-style ale is beloved for its rich, malty sweetness and smooth finish, making it a classic choice for beer enthusiasts.
- Style: Scottish Ale
- ABV: 6.0%
- Description: Rich and malty with caramel and toffee notes and a smooth, slightly sweet finish.
2. Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.’s “The Spud Boy”
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. is known for its creative and flavorful beers.
The Spud Boy is an innovative take on a pale ale, brewed with Idaho potatoes for a unique twist.
- Style: Pale Ale
- ABV: 5.4%
- Description: A crisp pale ale with earthy and slightly fruity flavors, enhanced by the addition of Idaho potatoes.
3. Sun Up Brewing Co.’s “Black IPA”
Sun Up Brewing Co. offers a bold Black IPA that combines the roasty malt character of a stout with the hoppy bitterness of an IPA.
It’s a great choice for those who enjoy complex flavors.
- Style: Black IPA
- ABV: 6.7%
- Description: A rich and robust IPA with roasted malt flavors and a strong hop presence.
4. SanTan Brewing Co.’s “Devil’s Ale”
SanTan Brewing Co. has a standout beer in Devil’s Ale. This American Pale Ale is known for its balanced hop bitterness and refreshing citrus flavors, making it a popular choice.
- Style: Pale Ale
- ABV: 5.0%
- Description: Balanced with a blend of citrus and pine hop flavors and a clean finish.
5. Mother Road Brewing Co.’s “Tower Station IPA”
Mother Road Brewing Co. is a staple in Flagstaff, and the Tower Station IPA is one of their flagship beers.
It features a vibrant hop profile with notes of tropical fruit and a crisp finish.
- Style: IPA
- ABV: 7.3%
- Description: Juicy and aromatic with tropical fruit flavors and a hoppy, bitter finish.
6. O.H.S.O. Brewery’s “Pineapple Express IPA”
O.H.S.O. Brewery’s Pineapple Express IPA is a fruity and tropical take on the IPA style. It’s brewed with pineapple for a refreshing and unique twist.
- Style: IPA
- ABV: 6.0%
- Description: Tropical and juicy with prominent pineapple flavors and a smooth hop bitterness.
7. Café Beer Co.’s “Pueblo Pale Ale”
Café Beer Co. offers the Pueblo Pale Ale, which is known for its well-balanced malt and hop profile. It’s an easy-drinking beer that pairs well with a variety of foods.
- Style: Pale Ale
- ABV: 5.2%
- Description: Balanced with a mild hop bitterness and a caramel malt backbone.
8. Wren House Brewing Co.’s “Bill’s Brown Ale”
Wren House Brewing Co. provides a flavorful Brown Ale with Bill’s Brown Ale. It features rich, nutty flavors with hints of chocolate and caramel.
- Style: Brown Ale
- ABV: 5.6%
- Description: Nutty and rich with chocolate and caramel notes, and a smooth finish.
9. Phoenix Ale Brewery’s “Peacemaker Pale Ale”
Phoenix Ale Brewery’s Peacemaker Pale Ale is a classic representation of the style, with a balanced malt profile and a touch of hop bitterness.
- Style: Pale Ale
- ABV: 5.3%
- Description: Well-balanced with a mild hop bitterness and a clean malt profile.
10. Kilt Lifter Brewing Co.’s “Desert Rose”
Kilt Lifter Brewing Co.’s Desert Rose is a unique offering, featuring desert botanicals and a smooth, aromatic profile. It’s a refreshing beer with a distinct local flair.
- Style: Saison
- ABV: 5.5%
- Description: Aromatic with desert botanicals and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flagship beer of Four Peaks Brewing Co.?
Answer: The flagship beer of Four Peaks Brewing Co. is Kilt Lifter, a rich Scottish-style ale with caramel and toffee notes.
What makes Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.’s The Spud Boy unique?
Answer: The Spud Boy is brewed with Idaho potatoes, giving it a unique twist on a traditional pale ale with earthy and slightly fruity flavors.
What is the flavor profile of Sun Up Brewing Co.’s Black IPA?
Answer: The Black IPA combines roasted malt flavors with a strong hop presence, creating a rich and robust beer.
What distinguishes SanTan Brewing Co.’s Devil’s Ale?
Answer: Devil’s Ale is an American Pale Ale known for its balanced citrus and pine hop flavors and clean finish.
What are the key characteristics of Mother Road Brewing Co.’s Tower Station IPA?
Answer: Tower Station IPA features vibrant hop flavors with tropical fruit notes and a crisp, bitter finish.
Summary
Arizona’s craft beer scene offers a wide range of exciting and diverse options.
From fruity IPAs to rich ales, these top picks showcase the best of what Arizona breweries have to offer.
Whether you’re exploring the Grand Canyon State or a local looking to try new brews, these beers are sure to impress.