Top 5 Craft Breweries Around Phoenix Arizona

SanTan Brewing Company is the largest craft brewery in Arizona — it’s the godfather to local brewing in the valley. They originally opened in 2007 and have continued to expand throughout the Southwest. Their mission is to “pair craft beer with craft food that would inspire great conversation.”
The brewery is also a proud sponsor of the Coyotes, Arizona’s professional hockey team. So proud they even created a brew in their honor called Yotes Pale Ale. SanTan began canning their beers very early. If you can’t make it to their brew pub, you can likely find a selection at the nearest grocery store.

Local Favorites:

•  Mr. Pineapple – A Wheat beer with a hint of fair trade pineapple. Great for summertime or after a long day of work.
• Devil’s Ale – A crisp American Pale Ale infused with pine and citrus flavors.
• HopShock IPA – A Southwestern IPA made with exotic hops. Each swig will bring a pleasant smell of apricots and peaches.

Four Peaks Brewing Company began in a building that was built before Arizona was even a state. Today, the building is more than 100-years- old. It was in ‘94 that the brewery became official. Since then, the brand has become a local staple.

They have since expanded to other cities throughout the the Phoenix metro and have taken home numerous medals for their craft. Only two years after beginning, the Kiltlifter was brewed for the first time. Today, the beer makes up 60 percent of their production.

Local Favorites:

• Kilt Lifter – Scottish-Style Ale with a satisfying malty flavoring and a caramel aroma. The flagship beer of Four Peaks.
• Peach Ale – A Golden Ale made from Arizona-grown peaches. Although made with fruit, the taste and aroma of the peaches are exceptionally light.
• Hop Knot – An American-Style IPA that is very hoppy with the aroma of a handful of hops, pine tree, and citrus.

O.H.S.O. Brewery is one of the most diverse on the list. Not only are they a brewery, but a distillery as well. Wondering what O.H.S.O. stands for? Luckily, we have the answer – Outrageous Homebrewers Social Outpost. The idea originated as a place where homebrewers could brew their own beer and also get it on tap. Now, they have multiple locations, all with dog-
friendly patios. Each location carries 40+ beers on tap, which includes their own creations, other local Arizona breweries and collaborations with homebrewers. Although they carry fewer options on their menu, each is worth a taste.

Local Favorites:

• Popcycle Blonde – A light and fruity Blonde Ale that is best enjoyed in the summer heat.
• Morning Brew – A coffee flavored Blonde Ale with hints of almond and chocolate. Say What?
• O.H.S.O. Hoppy – An American IPA that will bring pine, floral, and grapefruit aromas with a hoppy flavoring.

The Phoenix Ale Brewery was founded in 2011 by Greg Fretz and George Hancock. Both were well-known brewers in the Pacific Northwest. The first beer the dynamic duo crafted was the famous Camelback IPA. Unfortunately, Fretz and Hancock both passed away, but the brewery continues to brew tasty flavors in their honor.

The brewery and taproom is easily accessible by the Metro Light Rail, the 202, and bike paths. No matter what your means of transportation are, a pit stop at The Phoenix Ale Brewery is always a good idea.
In the taproom you can find 10 different beers. They can even can a six-pack for you straight from the tap if you’d like! The Phoenix Ale Brewery is one of few breweries in the valley that offer deal packages on sites like Groupon and LivingSocial. Regardless, the brewery is known for being reasonably priced.

Local Favorites

• Camelback IPA – An English-Style IPA with a spicy herbal and earthy bitterness hop taste. A combination of malty and fruity flavoring.
• Watermelon Ale – A watermelon flavored American Wheat beer. A refreshing option when baking in the sun!
• King George Amber Ale – A tribute to George Hancock himself. A toasty malt flavored Amber Ale with a moderate hop finish.

Huss Brewing Company is family owned and operated by Jeff and Leah Huss. Both are seasoned professionals in the craft beer industry, with over 25 years of experience combined. Huss Brewing Company has a smaller following than the previous breweries mentioned, but their fanbase is dedicated to their hops.
Huss Brewing Company originally began in Tempe and has grown into a second location in Uptown Phoenix. Each taproom has 20+ revolving beers that are made on site. Also on tap are wine ciders. Although the Tempe taproom does not offer food on their menu, visitors do have the option to bring their own if they choose. However, there are a few grub options at the Phoenix location.

Local Favorites

• Scottsdale Blonde – A light and refreshing German-Style Kolsch. Known as Huss Brewing Company’s flagship beer.
• Koffee Kolsch – A Coffee-Style Kolsch that is light like a lager with caramel and hazelnut flavors.
• Ro Sham Beaux – A Double Citra IPA that is most enjoyed by “hop heads.”