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A podcast that introduces you to all of the amazing people behind the surging Arizona craft beer scene.

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When they opened up the first State 48 Brewery location in 2016, the Rana family had already run great family-owned spots for generations. Now, less than 6 years later the brewery has expanded to 6 locations (and soon to be 7…listen in to learn more) and has begun to get their great beer out to the AZ masses. Join in as we explore the journey and family behind one of Arizona’s fastest-growing breweries!



Publish Date: 8/26/2021


In this episode, beer reviewer Marcus Pina, aka Brewery 602, reviews 2 beers:

1) "Wizard of The West", a collaboration between THE Arizona pizza guy Wizard of AZ and The Shop Beer Co. in Tempe 2) "Boeing 717 India Pale Lager" by Flying Basset Brewing in Gilbert.

Shout out to The Hourglass Cats for the sweet tunes for this episode!

Enjoy!



Publish Date: 8/18/2021


In this series presented by The Arizona Beer Book, we will hear the story of over 2 dozen iconic Arizona beers. These conversations were recorded in 2019 during the creation of The Arizona Beer Book for the purpose of research and were never intended to be released. Spiciness of the heat type is not a commonly used term when describing beer. Enter Chiltepin Red from Button Brew House. A tasty red ale with a kick of heat thanks to the addition of Native Sonoran Chiltepin Pepper, this one is a must-try!



Publish Date: 7/30/2021


When Kings Beer & Wine was opened years ago by Mickey Salem it quickly became a destination for any fan of craft beer and solidified its place as a staple in the Arizona craft beer community. In 2020 Kings was purchased by Mark and Sarah Fogleman. Along with the Kings crew, the Foglemans have big dream for their spot located on Thomas & Central in Phoenix. Join in as Mark and resident beer expert Alec Johnson share the vision of Kings and its place in the Arizona beer community!



Publish Date: 7/23/2021


Sometimes having roommates sucks. But sometimes, it's pretty awesome. Borderlands Brewing and Firetruck Brewing in Tucson decided recently that a shared space could pay huge dividends on multiple levels. Thus, the creation of Voltron Brewing, a shared full production facility with a beautiful spacious accompanying taproom. The main purpose of the location is to allow both brands to keep up with the demand for their beers but the vision is much bigger and this team is one to keep an eye on. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 7/15/2021


In this episode, beer reviewer Marcus Pina, aka Brewery 602, reviews the "Rebuild The Guild IPA" from Wrenhouse Brewing in Phoenix & "No Trabajes Tanto Amber Lager" from Harbottle Brewing in Tucson.

Also, Tap That AZ Hazy IPA is back but with prickly pear this time! Listen to hear the details of that as well as a week-long 14-year anniversary party for the great folks at Ground Control in Litchfield Park.

Shout out to The Hourglass Cats for the sweet tunes for this episode!

Enjoy!



Publish Date: 7/12/2021


When I first met Josh Archuleta I could tell this dude is driven. We've kept in touch over the past few years and finally earlier this year we were able to work together on Haka Shakalaka Session Hazy IPA. The beer itself had a community element to it in that we gave a percentage of the proceeds to Smokin' Hope who is determined to feed as many hungry people as they can. For Josh and his wife Maria to start Mindful Militia to help bring awareness to mental health & mindfulness it's the perfect fit. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 7/9/2021


It's been too long since I've published an episode so wanted to let you know I'm still here and I will see you all in July. Life is great and I have a lot of great opportunities right now that need a little TLC. Listen in to hear the vision of the show upon return as well as the rest of the exciting stuff we have going on! See you in a few weeks!



Publish Date: 6/24/2021


Please listen to this quick message addressing the recent flood of accusations of sexism, racism, and abuse in craft beer across the country. 



Publish Date: 5/24/2021


In this series "Behind The Pint" presented by The Arizona Beer Book, we will hear the story of over 2 dozen iconic Arizona beers. These conversations were recorded in 2019 during the creation of The Arizona Beer Book for the purpose of research and were never intended to be released.

I usually don’t like stouts but I REALLY like Jomax from Wren House. It’s an oatmeal coffee stout using beans from local coffee company Press. Listen in as head brewer Preston breaks down Jomax Coffee Stout. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 5/19/2021


From the first time I met Jonathan Jones, I knew this dude was something special. And its not just because he makes great content or because of his salvia-inducing backyard bbq extravaganza. Jonathan truly wants to make a difference. What began as an unexpected abundance of great food quickly became "a bbq everyone is invited to".  Jonathan, his wife Ariana, and a team of great folks have turned that spark into Smokin' Hope, a nonprofit committed to feeding hungry people in Arizona. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 5/13/2021


Josh "Archy" Archuleta is quickly making a name for himself as a great brewer at Flying Basset in Gilbert. When we talked about making a session hazy IPA with all New Zealand hops it was a no-brainer. The beer, on tap and in cans starting April 30th at the brewery, turned out great and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Smokin' Hope, a local organization that feeds the hungry. In this episode I sit down with Archy to talk about his story, Haka Shakalaka and the bigger vision. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 4/27/2021


As if being a federal agent wasn't adventurous enough, Jeremy DeConcini decided to open a brewery at the onset of the shutdown of 2020. Well, ok, that wasn’t actually the plan but that's what happened. But you can’t keep a determined group of people down, especially when great beer is at stake. Jeremy is one of the founding partners of MotoSonora Brewing Co. and runs the place along with his brother Jeff but takes their whole team to execute the quality product and experience they offer. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 4/22/2021


In 2018 the folks at Edge Of The World Brewery opened to an excited local crowd. Since then they have been making some great beers so much so that we can hear the rumblings all the way here in the Valley. In this episode we sit down with co-owner/co-brewer Ray Hammon to talk about how him and his team are earning their spot as one of the top up and coming breweries in Arizona. Enjoy!  



Publish Date: 4/15/2021


If you've had a Tap That AZ Hazy IPA then you've had a beer canned on the Cano Canner. In fact, nowadays places such as Simple Machine, Front Pourch, and Button Brewhouse are all on the Cano train. When you see this portable little powerhouse of a canner in action you can tell someone with some insane mechanical skills built it. In this episode I hang out with the man behind Cano, Andrew Grady. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 3/30/2021


When the opening of The Sleepy Whale was announced it came with immediate hype. With the groundwork laid by the massive success of sister beer bar, The Wandering Tortoise, the Chandler spot hit the ground running and hasn't missed a beat since. With a selection that is 2nd to none its a must-hit for beer enthusiasts. In this episode I sit down with co-owner Tony Fatica and the always amazing beer slinger Tiffany Fowler to talk about their story and enjoy some great beers. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 3/18/2021


The Grand Avenue neighborhood of Downtown Phoenix has a vibe all of its own. Built along the original road to LA this cool little section of Phx continues to make its mark with new small businesses moving into the unique buildings that fill the neighborhood. One of the newest additions to the Grand Venue family is The Wayward Taphouse. In this episode owners Hilda Cardenas and Ty Goolie tell us the story behind their spot and how it fits perfectly into the mix. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 3/11/2021


As we wrap it up we hear about the literal “circus” at the restaurant that put him over the edge, his reflections after leaving and finally one of my favorite parts, some advice for us as diners to help make the experience great. As he describes it, it is a dance and not a fight and when those come together between staff and guest, its magical.

"Nicholas Butler’s 'foodoir' is the first-hand account of changing from a career path as a college professor into waiting tables at one of Phoenix’s most respected restaurants. 'A Year In Waiting' connects to all readers by exploring the delights and prejudices of the restaurant industry, finding inspiration through carefully sourced ingredients, and offering discovery as a coping mechanism over disillusionment during the massive layoffs and unemployment of 2020."

 

Publish Date: 3/5/2021


In this new series "Behind The Pint" presented by The Arizona Beer Book we will hear the story of over 2 dozen iconic Arizona beers. These conversations were recorded in 2019 during the creation of The Arizona Beer Book for the purpose of research and were never intended to be released.

This one is bittersweet. Before closing its doors in 2020 Mother Bunch was one of our favorite spots. In this episode owner Julie and brewer Omar (now owner of La Pequena Brewing) tell the story behind their beloved McBrides Irish Red. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 3/3/2021


In the previous part we got to know all the players in this fine dining game. Now we focus on the execution of the game plan which, as you’ll hear, takes a toll on you. Nick shares the struggles of learning all of this while still trying to maintain a marriage AND a career as a college professor.

"Nicholas Butler’s 'foodoir' is the first-hand account of changing from a career path as a college professor into waiting tables at one of Phoenix’s most respected restaurants. 'A Year In Waiting' connects to all readers by exploring the delights and prejudices of the restaurant industry, finding inspiration through carefully sourced ingredients, and offering discovery as a coping mechanism over disillusionment during the massive layoffs and unemployment of 2020."



Publish Date: 2/25/2021


In this new series "Behind The Pint" we will hear the story of over 2 dozen iconic Arizona beers. These conversations were recorded in 2019 during the creation of The Arizona Beer Book for the purpose of research and were never intended to be released.

In this episode we hear the story of the most iconic beer in Arizona, if not the entire Southwest, Kilt Lifter from Four Peaks Brewing Company. Pioneers of the American craft beer revolution Four Peaks has sealed their spot in beer history and Kilt Lifter has played a major role in that. Even today, it makes up 60% of their production. Enjoy this episode! 



Publish Date: 2/15/2021


You ever wonder what it takes to execute on the highest culinary level? Well, this chapter is for you. In this part author Nicholas Butler explores each role within a restaurant essential to reaching excellence. My favorite chapter of the whole book!

"Nicholas Butler’s 'foodoir' is the first-hand account of changing from a career path as a college professor into waiting tables at one of Phoenix’s most respected restaurants. 'A Year In Waiting' connects to all readers by exploring the delights and prejudices of the restaurant industry, finding inspiration through carefully sourced ingredients, and offering discovery as a coping mechanism over disillusionment during the massive layoffs and unemployment of 2020."

 

Publish Date: 2/12/2021


This is part 1 of a 4 part series: "Nicholas Butler’s 'foodoir' is the first-hand account of changing from a career path as a college professor into waiting tables at one of Phoenix’s most respected restaurants. 'A Year In Waiting' connects to all readers by exploring the delights and prejudices of the restaurant industry, finding inspiration through carefully sourced ingredients, and offering discovery as a coping mechanism over disillusionment during the massive layoffs and unemployment of 2020." Enjoy!



Publish Date: 2/4/2021


In this new series "Behind The Pint" we will hear the story of over 2 dozen iconic Arizona beers. These conversations were recorded in 2019 during the creation of The Arizona Beer Book for the purpose of research and were never intended to be released. This first one is arguably the favorite beer of Arizona Tower Station IPA from Mother Road Brewing Co. Listen in as founder Michael Marquess explains how the Mother Road customers played an integral part of making this beer. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 1/29/2021


In this episode host Eric Walters sits down with Helton Brewing Co. head brewer Rob Coate. The explosion of Helton beer in the state has been impressive given their short history. In their almost-5-years they have gone from the neighborhood spot with a great vibe and killer Pilsner to a top craft beer producer in Arizona filling the shelves of beer stores around that state. Rob tells us the story from the beginning as well as the future of Helton Brewing Co. Enjoy! 



Publish Date: 1/21/2021


In this episode host Eric Walters hangs out with  Cathy Wise and Steven Prager from National Audubon Society for Arizona. This time we're at the Downtown Location for AZW as their bird friendly beer garden to talk about.....well, the garden. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 1/9/2021


The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild has been behind most of your favorite Arizona beer festivals. Behind the scenes they work tirelessly to ensure all our favorite Arizona breweries are up to speed on all the legislative side of things. Its often a thankless job but during COVID-19 the guild showed its value in spades guiding its members through the continually changing food & beverage landscape. In this episode Kristan Drews from the guild joins to talk with host Eric Walters. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 12/30/2020


In this episode host Eric Walters sits down with Tyler Smith from Kitsune Brewing Company. With the help of the great folks at Simple Machine Brewing Company Kitsune has developed a great reputation in its short history. Not only does Tyler make great beer but the attitude he brings to the Arizona beer community is of equal value. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 12/28/2020


Rodg Little from Oak Park Brewing Co. in Sacramento recently reached out and basically said, “dude you gotta hear the story of Ted Mack and Peoples Beer”. I looked into it briefly and quickly said HELL YES! Along with Rodge and Geoff from Oak Park Ted Mack Jr. joins as well. Mr. Mack was one of the most captivating people I’ve ever been in the presence of and am very proud to share this episode. He tells the story of his father whose message transcends beer and encourages us to think for ourselves. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 12/4/2020


Ok, lets face it. Some animals are just cuter than others. Burrowing owls might take the cake on cuteness. About the size of a "potato with legs" these little fellas are in danger. Luckily Arizona has awesome people like Cathy Wise and Steven Prager (episode 178 also) from National Audubon Society for Arizona to spearhead efforts to save them. Add in Wren House Brewing to create a beer to bring awareness to this issue and you have U-9 Lager. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 11/27/2020


In this episode I am emphatic that this cheese I tasted was the best ever. After reflecting on that….it’s 100% true! So Arcadia Premium has been a huge supporter from day one and I’m embarrassed it took me so long to get them on the show! Owners Joel and Lara join to tell their story as well as share some amazing cheese. And we even have a special guest pop in. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 11/20/2020


Right in the heart of Downtown Phoenix sits a single story standalone building that has served as an anchor for the Arizona craft beer community since 2012. Angel's Trumpet Ale House began when the craft beer resurgence was just beginning in Arizona. To educate an entire community in something unfamiliar can be an uphill battle but owners Mat and Sharry Englehorn are game. In this episode host Eric Walters sits down with the Englehorns to hear the story behind their beloved ale house. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 11/12/2020


In February of 2017 Pedal Haus assistant brewer Ian Campbell-O'Neill tragically passed away. To honor Ian Pedal Haus makes a rye IPA called rICON every year. This year the beer will help to raised funds for the struggling Arizona Craft Brewers Guild. Tune in as host Eric Walters talks with those involved with making this wonderful beer!



Publish Date: 11/8/2020


For the past few years Mike Mathis and Steven Goodman have been pursuing their individual dreams of opening a spot that is all about great beer and BBQ. Leave it to Brian Helton of Helton Brewing Company to connect these two and encourage them to combine forces. This introduction led to the formation of Furious Beer and BBQ. On November 8th Helton Brewing will be hosting a brewers dinner including some of the collaboration beer with Furious. Kirby from "Beer Talks: The Kirbside Edition" joins in as well!



Publish Date: 10/30/2020


Since coming onto the Arizona beer scene as the owners of The Casual Pint Central Phoenix in 2017 Justin and Caia Curtis have already made a big splash. Their anniversary celebration (Oct 20-Oct 24) will highlight some of the many reasons: great collab beers, fun yet safe events and raffles for local charities. In this episode I sit down with Justin to talk about our beer-sheltered lives growing up in Ohio and how their business model has helped to streamline their contribution to our amazing Arizona beer community. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 10/20/2020


Growing up in a steel city myself I can appreciate the grit it takes to survive in that world. In fact my love for craft beer as a whole comes from its core foundation: hard work and creativity. Clarkdale, and now its newest business, Smeltertown Brewery, are build on that foundation as well. Becky and Craig Backus are the longtime Clarkdale residents who are behind the brewery and its accompanying hotel. A beautiful spot with beers that kick just as impressive from head brewer Tim Godin make this the spot to hit up ASAP!



Publish Date: 10/5/2020


Growing up in a steel city myself I can appreciate the grit it takes to survive in that world. In fact my love for craft beer as a whole comes from its core foundation: hard work and creativity. Clarkdale, and now its newest business, Smelter Town Brewery, are build on that foundation as well. Becky and Craig Backus are the longtime Clarkdale residents who are behind the brewery and its accompanying hotel. A beautiful spot with beers that kick just as impressive from head brewer Tim Godin make this the spot to hit up ASAP!



Publish Date: 10/5/2020


The past several months have been strange/stressful/life-changing/etc. for all of us. But as we come out of this I am excited for what we have in store for you on the horizon. I want to give you all an update on everything I'm working on and the future of Tap That AZ. Hint: We're just getting started. Check out the episode to hear it all. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 9/23/2020


When Drekker Brewing Co. in Fargo, North Dakota in 2014 their mission was to make beer completely on their terms. Now, approaching their 6th anniversary these guys are making some major waves in the craft beer world still doing it completely on their terms. From the amazing liquid in the cans to the beautiful art on the outside Drekker is making fans quickly across the country. But if you think you're crazy about them based on their beer alone wait until you hear their story from co-founder Mark Bjornstad. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 9/11/2020


I'm gonna be honest: this episode is out of right field. I have some ideas I want to play around with and want see what you think. So lets start off with a story that involves a windowless room blasting rave music, riot police and zero craft beer. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 9/1/2020


Beer School by Blue Pint Society is always a great time. But we can’t all gather just yet so the folks at Blue Pint Society said f**k COVID just like they say f**k cancer and planned an online beer school for its 12th installment happening on September 19th. But this isn’t just any old Zoom call. It includes beer delivery! Enjoy the show and hope to see you at Beer School 12!



Publish Date: 8/19/2020


The Arizona Territory in the 1800's served as a beacon of hope for many who sought to take their place among the wealthy. Hans Von Biermann immigrated to AZ in the 1800’s to find his uncle (the famed Lost Dutchman?) who told him of riches in the Sonoran Desert. However, Hans found neither. His personal journals have been recovered by Bone Haus Brewing who now have the task of telling the stories and drinking the beers of this larger than life figure. Do your part and go check this place out. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/14/2020


Meagan Greenwood has a machine over the past few years getting her beer out to the masses, and spreading the good word (in many ways). Its crazy to think I had her on the show 2 years ago (as you’ll hear….LITERALLY 2 years ago) and I'm so stoked she now has Greenwood Brewing Company open right downtown. And it couldn’t be any more perfect. Meagan is an amazing human, her beer is kick ass and she has one of the best spots in the state for sure. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/5/2020


When Steven Larson was a child a freak pizza oven accident turned what would be a normal desire for pizza into a lifelong obsession to eat all of it. Well, not actually. And that first part was made up. But Steven DOES love pizza so a couple of years ago Wizard of Za was born. Through this Steven takes his followers on a journey to the best pizza spots in Arizona. It only made sense to meet up at one of Arizona's newest pizza/Italian spots, Osteria Mia. Owner/Chef Mario Rana joins in as well. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 7/30/2020


BlackRock Brewers opened in 2017 and have been steadily kicking ass since. Taking home awards from local festivals is quickly becoming the norm for this small but powerful Tucson brewery. Owner/brewer Tony Williams joins the show to tell us how his focus on quality lays the foundation for the long-term success of this neighborhood favorite. From award-winning IPA's and crisp Pilsners to experimentals like a roasted green chili wheat there's something for everyone at BRB. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 7/23/2020


On July 10th Wren House Brewing Company will release Black Excellence, an Imperial Stout with African ingredients brewed by assistant brewer Akil Abdul Zakariya as a collaboration with Brewz Brothaz out of Detroit. The beer will raise funds for the NAACP. Akil and Preston Thoeny from Wren House joins as well as some amazing folks in the Michigan beer scene including Harry Weaver and Wayne Phillips from Brewz Brothaz, Dayne Bartscht of Eastern Market Brewing Co., and Ken Konarzewski Jr. of Better on Draft Media.



Publish Date: 7/9/2020


In this episode I catch up with owner/brewer Allan Conger from 1912 Brewing Company in Tucson. They have been steadily winning folks over since they opened in 2015. Whether it's with a sour created to taste like a dessert, a delicious hazy IPA with a hilariously long name or spot-on traditional Irish red it's hard to not find something you like from 1912. Every year they celebrate their anniversary on July 4th and this year is no different. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 6/29/2020


Huge thanks to Crescent Crown Distributing for sponsoring this series.

This is the 7th and final episode in this miniseries we did with the great guys over at InkleDeux training to get our Certified Beer Server designation by Cicerone.

In this final episode Brando, AJ and I reflect on this entire experience as well as how we did on the actual exam. We also talk about how we can use some of this new info to add value to our local beer community.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped us out during this! You know who you are! Much Love :)



Publish Date: 6/25/2020


Currently there are around 100 breweries in Arizona. In this series we’ll travel throughout the state to get an idea of where all of the breweries are in a given region of the state. In this second episode we head south to get a taste of Sonora with some of the best breweries in the state. Downtown Tucson is one of my favorite food/drink spots but hidden gems lie even further south including a brewery who grows 14 different hop varieties. Enjoy this southern AZ beer adventure!

 

Publish Date: 6/15/2020


Thanks to Crescent Crown for sponsoring this series.

This is the 6th episode in this miniseries we did with InkleDeux to get our Certified Beer Server cert.

In the words of Sinatra "...you can't have one without the other!" Although I'm sure it wasn't his intent it makes me think of food and beer. Every. Single. Time. 

Luckily for us, we have one of the best chefs in the universe here in AZ. Tamara Stanger from Cotton &Copper joins AJ, Luke and I to school us on the art of pairing food with beer. 



Publish Date: 6/12/2020


Currently there are around 100 breweries in Arizona. In this series we'll travel throughout the state to get an idea of where all of the breweries are in a given region of the state. In this episode we jump around the north to some of my favorite breweries of all. What I love about much of Northern Arizona is its contrast to the low desert I normally experience here in Phoenix where I live. Enjoy this northern AZ beer adventure!



Publish Date: 5/31/2020


Currently there are around 100 breweries in Arizona. In this series we’ll travel throughout the state to get an idea of where all of the breweries are in a given region of the state. In this first episode we jump around the north to some of my favorite breweries of all. What I love about much of Northern Arizona is its contrast to the low desert setting of Phoenix but it also has some great breweries. Enjoy this northern AZ beer adventure!



Publish Date: 5/31/2020


Huge thanks to Crescent Crown for sponsoring this series.

Welcome back to the 5th episode in this miniseries we did with the great guys over at InkleDeux training to get our Certified Beer Server designation by Cicerone. In this episode we sit down with Marshall Norris, co-owner and brewer for Simple Machine Brewing in Phoenix. Marshall schools us on the art of the brewing process and the importance of using the best ingredients. Plus we get to have some of InkleDeuxs legendary coffee!



Publish Date: 5/30/2020


Huge thanks to @crescentcrownaz for sponsoring this series.

Welcome back to the 4th episode in this miniseries we did with the great guys over at @inkledeux training to get our Certified Beer Server designation by @cicerone.For all the beer "review" experts out there this episode is for you. Properly evaluating and grading beer is more than just an uneducated "I hate this". Its about knowing the difference between bad beer, beer you just don't like, and knowing what you don't like it. In this episode Brian Helton once again guides us as Liz, Brandon and I learn a thing or two. 



Publish Date: 5/23/2020


There comes a time when you gotta shake it up a little. Sometimes it takes a thing like a global pandemic to do that. With the launch of our new show "A Taste of AZ" that focuses on all things Arizona food and drink I have the opportunity to fine tune this show even further. I want you to be involved. Let me know what you'd like to hear. In this episode I break down the different directions we can go to make an even better experience. Feel free to reach out at eric@tapthataz.com with any questions/comments/feedback.



Publish Date: 5/22/2020


This episode was originally released in August of 2018 and features Mickey Salem, owner of Kings Beer & Wine in Phoenix. This is the most downloaded episode of Tap That AZ Podcast to date. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 5/13/2020


Welcome back to the 3rd episode in this miniseries we did with the great guys over at InkleDeux. Our girl Liz Limberg hosts along with AJ from InkleDeux. They talk with Alec Johnson and Paul Rosevear to gain insight into even more beer styles. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 5/8/2020


In todays episode I get to talk with Steven Prager from the National Audubon Society for Arizona. Through a series of programs him and his team work tirelessly to bring awareness and assistance to some of the most at-risk aspects of our beautiful state, our water and our birds. One program is the Western Rivers Brewers Council which brings together like minded breweries to help protect the Colorado River Basin. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 5/6/2020


If you’re a long time listener you know Chef Brett Vibber.  AZ cuisine is lucky to have him. I talk with Brett while he’s out in the field and we discuss how his whole life has been centered around being prepared. This one is not so much about beer as it is a discussion on life and stuff. So grab a beer anyways and enjoy. 



Publish Date: 4/29/2020


Welcome back to the 2nd episode in this miniseries we did with the great guys over at InkleDeux. Our guests for this episode are Zach Fowle of Four Peaks and Alec Johnson of Kings Convenience. To say these guys know their beer is a gross understatement. Zach covers the intricacies and benefits of knowing how to properly treat your beer while Zach begins to dive into all the different beer styles. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 4/29/2020


A while back the guys from InkleDeux and I connected and hit it off immediately. These guys run a great show and blog AND they roast amazing coffee so be sure to check them out here. We decided to do a series on the topics covered in the Certified Beer Server exam, the first certification by Cicerone. This is the first episode of that series and features Matt Louie and Doug Tansley of Crescent Crown Distributing. Huge thanks to Crescent Crown for sponsoring this series. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 4/24/2020


A while back the guys from InkleDeux and I connected and hit it off immediately. These guys run a great show and blog AND they roast amazing coffee so be sure to check them out here. We decided to do a series on the topics covered in the Certified Beer Server exam, the first certification by Cicerone. This is the first episode of that series and features Matt Louie and Doug Tansley of Crescent Crown Distributing. Huge thanks to Crescent Crown for sponsoring this series. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 4/24/2020


The AZ Strong Beer Festival is one of the top beer festivals in the country. With thousands attending every year this celebration of craft beer brings all walks of life. This episode was recorded on stage with a range of guests and some feedback from the crowd. Oh, and I heckle some passersby as well. Enjoy.



Publish Date: 4/22/2020


Hand sanitizer is in-demand now more than ever leading to some major shortages. Enter distilleries. They create ethanol which is the active ingredient in hand sanitizer so when the alert came that there was a shortage our Arizona distilleries stepped up. In this episode I talk with Town Under Black Distillery in Tucson about what they’re doing to help in some very in-need places in Arizona. We also talk about the future of this distillery who is taking creativity and craft in spirits to a whole new level.



Publish Date: 4/15/2020


In todays episode my guest Mike Mallozzi talks about how solidarity needs to be a cornerstone of making it through this unprecedented time. The co-founder of Borderlands Brewing and one of the most intelligent people I’ve met, Mike guides us through some of the valuable resources available to help you navigate these treacherous times. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 4/13/2020


This episode was recorded live during beer week at a wild food beer dinner at North Mountain Brewing Company featuring Chef Brett Vibber. The amazing food he created was then paired with North Mountain beer and Arizona Sake. We actually had a special guest co-host for this one: Food Network star and Crepe Bar owner Jeff Kraus. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 4/8/2020


Special guest Rob Fullmer of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild joins the show to talk about the current battle him and the Arizona beer community are fighting to stay alive. This is festival season and right now? No festivals. Until April 18th. On this day the Guild and others will be hosting the Arizona Virtual Beer Fest from 2pm until 6pm. Check out todays episode to hear about it all. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 4/7/2020


Special guest Rob Fullmer of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild joins the show to talk about the current battle him and the Arizona beer community are fighting to stay alive. This is festival season and right now? No festivals. Until April 18th. On this day the Guild and others will be hosting the Arizona Virtual Beer Fest from 2pm until 6pm. Check out todays episode to hear about it all. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 4/7/2020


In today's episode I talk with Weedy Weidenthal, the brewmaster from Tombstone Brewing Company. We talk about the current state of affairs as well as his beer journey and why he thinks Chuck Liddell is the best fit to play him in a movie of his life. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 4/1/2020


Well, things have changed a little over the last week or so huh? Our friends in food & beverage are having a real tough time right now. They're doing all they can to weather the storm and luckily there are some great resources for them to help navigate through this all. In this episode I give you some updates on the Arizona beer world as well as how you can help and stay up to date on all that is going on. Hang in there and #keeparizonabrewing



Publish Date: 3/26/2020


In this episode I hang out with Mike and Cody from Pub Pass. Enjoy! 



Publish Date: 3/18/2020


*UPDATE: Hello! Please hang in there with me, life has been crazy so the brewery episodes have been lacking. I am working on getting consistent video content as well as launching a new podcast focusing on Arizona food. Thanks for all your support and I'm really excited  for whats in store for the future*

In this episode my man Marcus Pina reviews 2 beers: Pumpkin Piehole Porter from Historic Brewing Co. and Peach Haze IPA from Uncle Bears. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 3/11/2020


In this episode I head down to Tucson to hang out with Mike and Sam from Harbottle Brewing Company to chat about their journey. We had such a blast and this weekend will be even more fun. "SMaSHed In The Desert" will be going down which is sure to spawn some amazing beers. Get there if you can!



Publish Date: 3/4/2020


In this episode I head over to Litchfield Park to hang out with the guys from TCBC. A great little taproom supplemented by fantastic beer and great people. Hell yes, I'm in. Make a trip over there ASAP. In the meantime enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 2/19/2020


In this episode I hang out with some of the guys from Mobile West Canning. AZ Beer Week = many can releases = busy times for the Mobile West folks. If you are a brewery these are the people you want to package your can releases. And if you are a consumer these are the people you want canning your purchases. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 2/12/2020


In this episode my man Miguel Hidalgo joins me as co-host to chat with the guys from Grand Avenue Brewing Company in Downtown Phoenix. Years in the making they are approaching their inaugural anniversary but having been brewing some bangers from the start. A cool location, world class beers and fantastic food makes this place an immediate addition to your must-hit list.



Publish Date: 2/5/2020


I can’t even tell you how excited I am to share this episode. If at the beginning of 2019 you would have told me that I’d have Jack Maxwell AND Zane Lamprey on the podcast I’d have called you a lunatic. Well, here we are! Recording in a Best Western. Just liked I dreamed it. For real, this was a great time. Jonathan Buford from AZ Wilderness joins in too. Be sure to check out the social media (Instagram and Facebook) to see how you can win a copy of The Arizona Beer Book signed by Zane and Jack. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 1/29/2020


In the 2nd part of the Camp Coolship 2019 episode we do a little reflection with Jennings Carney of Pen Druid Brewing out of Virginia as well as Jonathan and Patrick from Arizona Wilderness. Be sure to check out the first part of this episode released Jan 22nd. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 1/24/2020


Camp Coolship is a great project created by Arizona Wilderness to bring some of the best beer minds in the country into our beautiful state to create a spontaneously fermented beer. This was my second time to Camp Coolship and am so grateful that Wilderness gives me a chance to talk to all these amazing people who are forging the path for the future of craft beer. This is part 1 of the most recent Camp Coolship. Part 2 will be out Friday. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 1/22/2020


Camp Coolship is a great project created by Arizona Wilderness Brewing to bring some of the best beer minds in the country into our beautiful state to create a spontaneously fermented beer. This was my second time to Camp Coolship and am so grateful that Arizona Wilderness gives me a chance to talk to all these amazing people who are forging the path for the future of craft beer. This is part 1 of the most recent Camp Coolship. Part 2 will be out Friday. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 1/22/2020


Coffee is great. Beer is great. Beer with coffee is really great. So when Historic Brewing let me know about a beer they do with Flagstaff-based Elevate Nepal every year that is launched at a Big Lebowski themed bowling event I had to know more. In this episode I sit down with Dan Maurer from Elevate Nepal and Kaitlyn Wolin from Historic Brewing to talk about the project as well as how Dan and his team are working tirelessly to help the people of Nepal including growing of amazing coffee.



Publish Date: 1/15/2020


In the first episode of 2020 we hear some conversations from Arizona Barrels, Bottles & Brews festival in Scottsdale. Put this on your can't-miss list every year for the rest of your life. For real. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 1/8/2020


Ok, so in my defense I DID post an instagram story about taking the rest of December off from putting out episodes. HOWEVER, I now realize how small of a scope it is and that was super weak on my part. Sorry bout dat. So heres what up: The Arizona Beer Book is out and it looks amazing! We have been getting that bad boy all over the state. Be on the lookout at your local Arizona brewery or taproom. We are also launching "A Taste of AZ" very soon to put the same efforts and heart into Arizona food as we do Arizona beer to highlight the people making great things happen. 

With that said Tap That AZ episodes will resume January 6th and we'll start off with a banger: another 2 part episode recorded live at the most recent AZ Wilderness Camp Coolship. Guests include Trve, Plan Bee, Black Project, and Fonta Flora among others. Yeah, you don't want to miss those. 

Thank you as always for your support!



Publish Date: 12/19/2019


In this episode I travel.....5 minutes south of my house. Woohoo! Along with Front Pourch off Happy Valley Road and the upcoming State 48 Rock House we are starting to get some great places up in North Phoenix. I am especially stoked about Simple Machine. I have known co-owner Marshall Norris for a few years and he's the first person I've met who I've known before they opened up a new brewery. Oh yeah, plus him and co-owner Matt Wright are just super cool dudes who happen to make some really badass beer. Did I mention they are 5 minutes from where I live? This could be trouble...



Publish Date: 12/4/2019


In one of the funnest episodes I've recorded I hang out with The Brewmance and Earn Your Booze at The Shop Beer Co in Tempe. Rob and Mike are true professionals on the mic and always a great time to hang out with. These guys have been all about the craft beer scene for quite some time now. It was only a matter of time before we got together for an episode. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 11/26/2019


In this episode I chat with Jim McCune and Jackie DiBella from Craft Beer Marketing Awards. This is the first year for the awards and it sounds really awesome. The liquid in the beer world tends to get all the attention (and rightfully so) but the marketing side is one of my favorite aspects of craft beer. Jim and Jackie explain what the awards are all about as well as the excitement from the beer community for this long-overdue recognition. If you want to enter please click this link. The early bird discounted entry ends November 29th. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 11/25/2019


In this episode I head up north to Lazy G Brewhouse in Prescott. A newly built build creates a large and beautiful space (both indoor and outdoor) to enjoy what will be a long line of great beers and fantastic food in the coming years. With a brewer who hails from the legendary California brew scene and who knows a thing or two about great beer, Lazy G is on the must-visit list every time I head up north. Enjoy the show! 



Publish Date: 11/20/2019


In this episode I sit down with Marc and Rooster from Blue Pint Society to chat about Beer School 11. BS11 will be at Helio Basin on December 15th so Dustin and Mike from Helio joined in to talk about what they're up to and how stoked they are to host the latest iteration of Beer School. Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram to see how you can win a ticket to BS11. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 11/18/2019


In this episode I head down to Washington St. to hang out with the folks at PHX Beer Co. One of the valleys newest brands PHX Beer Co. is coming out swinging. It starts with a stellar brew team which then completes the flavor loop with amazing food. Three beautiful locations, including one with a patio overlooking  Marguerite Lake in Scottsdale, make these guys an easy visit. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 11/13/2019


GIVEAWAY: we are giving away a copy of "Drink Better Beer" so be sure to check out our social media to enter to win. In this episode I get to chat with my favorite beer writer, Joshua M. Bernstein. Josh just put out his 5th book, Drink Better Beer, and it seemed like the perfect time to get him on the show. Josh was able to set some time aside to talk about his beer journey. If you are looking for someone who has their finger on the pulse of craft beer, Josh is the guy to follow. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 11/11/2019


AZ Barrels, Bottles & BrewsNovember 23rd - 2pm-5pm (VIP gets in at 1pm) Salt River Fields at Talking StickClick HERE to get your tickets

Imagine an event that features nothing but Arizona made beverages including beer, wine, spirits, cider and mead. Now imagine that event is in November when the weather is perfect AND due to limited tickets the lines for drinks are short and you get to chat with the great people behind your favorite Arizona-made drinks. Well, that event exists and its happening November 23rd. In this episode we sit down with the folks behind AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews to talk about their goal for making this the premiere beverage festival in Arizona as well as all the great things they have in store for you this years event.



Publish Date: 11/6/2019


When was the last time you had a beer with carrots in it? Exactly. Well, thanks to a group of folks in Phoenix you now have the opportunity to try one that is amazing. Spearheaded by Willie Itule Produce Carbon Daucus is the brainchild of some of the best chefs in Arizona and the brew team at Helton Brewing Co. In this episode we sit down to talk with the Brian Helton and head brewer Rob Coate. To hear all about this delicious beer. Enjoy!

Huge shoutout to my team for all their help. Thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together. Major props to Luke Irvine at Mixed Mercury Media for his amazing photo, video, web development and social media skills. Big shoutout to Adam Green for all the back-end work that goes into producing an episode.

Shout out to Patreon Supporters Chris Odom, Nate Wert, Gerardo Jaime, Jim Pfleger, Marcus Pina and Ryan Colvin. To see how you can get involved with the Patreon Team click here.

Intro/Outro music provided by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca.

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!

***



Publish Date: 11/5/2019


As much of a surprise as it may be water can be pretty scarce in the desert. However, the City of Scottsdale is on it! They have one of the most advanced water treatment systems in the world. They can convert waste water into water that is unmatched in purity. But how do you convince the general public of this? You make it into beer. Enjoy the episode!



Publish Date: 10/30/2019


November events:

11-1-2019 - Eat. Drink. Give!

11-23-2019 - 2nd Annual AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews

11-9-2019 - A Lager Celebration with Wren House

11-2-2019 - Crooked Tooth 3rd Anniversary: Crooked Carnival! 11-16-2019 - Beer Research Institute 5 Year Anniversary

11-9-2019 - 11-10-2019 - Pueblo Vida's 5th Anniversary Weekend

11-9-2019 - Tap & Bottle Invitational Beer Festival!

11-10-2019 - North Mountain Blues Brews & Arts Fest

11-16-2019 - Red White and Brew Beer Festival

SHOUTOUTS

The Team

Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Luke Irvine at Mixed Mercury Media for his amazing photo, video, web development and social media skills

Adam Green for all the back end work that goes into producing an episode

Patreon Supporters Chris Odom, Gerardo Jaime, Jim Pfleger, Marcus Pina, Ryan Colvin and Nate Wert

To see how you can get involved with the Patreon Team click here

Intro/Outro music provided by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow by leaving a review on iTunes? Simply CLICK HERE, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 10/28/2019


This episode was recorded live at JamBEERee in Flagstaff. The festival was super chill and filled with great beer, people and music. We talked to some great people and made some new friends. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 10/23/2019


We are back with another brewers panel episode featuring 3 of the most respected and skilled brewers in the state if not the country. Before we get to that, make a note to submit a rating and review to iTunes. Its a huge help to us. Let me know you did so and I’ll read your review on the episode and send you some swag.

The topic for this installment of the "Brewers Panel" series is trends in beer. Many people, especially on the beer side thought the hazy IPA would never stick. The style is taking on a life of its own and capturing fans from varying preferences. My guests for this episode have worked their entire lives to perfect the clarity of their beer so a hazy seems sacrilege. Joining in on this brewers panel is  Andy Ingram from Four Peaks, Doc Osborne from Pedal Haus and Jeff Huss from Huss Brewing Company.

In this episode you’ll hear what seems like white noise but in actuality it's the fountain right outside the patio area of Pedal Haus just off of Mill Avenue tempe. Seriously if you haven't been there make it a priority. 

Lets tap into ...BEER TRENDS



Publish Date: 10/21/2019


In this episode I sit down with some of the great people behind Eat, Drink & Be Giving which is a collaborative charity event featuring some of the best food and drinks in Tucson. The event is November 1st at Plaza Colonial in Tucson. Be sure to check out the social media posts for this episode to see how you can win 2 VIP tickets to the event. 



Publish Date: 10/16/2019


In this episode I sit down with some of the great people involved with the Hot Chicken Throw Down this coming Sunday October 20th at Ocotillo Restaurant in Phoenix. This competition pits some of the best chefs in Arizona against each other to pair a hot chicken bite with their choice of a Helton beer. Click HERE to get your tickets. We are also giving away 2 pairs of tickets so listen to the episode to see how you can win. 



Publish Date: 10/14/2019


The Eastern part of the Valley is home to many outstanding breweries, and in less than a year Desert Monks Brewing has made quite the name for itself. Located in the Gilbert Town Square Desert Monks regularly has more than a dozen of its own beers on tap, all of which came from the minds of their various owners and brewers.

 

In this week's episode, we sit down with a host of key people from the Desert Monks Brewing and learn about how it came to be, both in name and location, what it is supposed is supposed to be and where it is heading in the future.



Publish Date: 10/9/2019


Be sure to vote for us as the best podcast in the Valley HERE 

In this episode our resident beer reviewer Marcus Pina, aka Brewery 602, reviews Mr Pineapple from San Tan Brewing and Salida Del Sol from Sentinel Peak Brewing. Enjoy!

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Veganza” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca



Publish Date: 10/7/2019


By now, pretty much anyone who knows Arizona beer knows Arizona Wilderness. They are so well known, in fact, that many Arizona Cardinals have stopped by not only to enjoy some beers, but brew some, too. Jared Veldheer, who played for the Cardinals from 2014 to 2017, collaborated with Wilderness on Tropical Storm back in 2015 and now on Double Tropical Storm.

In this episode, we sit down with Jared as well as Wilderness' Jon Buford at the DTPHX location to talk about how a professional athlete got into brewing while delving into how Tropical Storm originally came to be.

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together and to Luke Irvine at Mixed Mercury Media for his amazing photo, video, web development and social media skills. Also thanks to Adam Green for all the back-end work that goes into producing an episode.

Shout out to Patreon Supporters Chris Odom, Gerardo Jaime, Jim Pfleger, Marcus Pina and Ryan Colvin. To see how you can get involved with the Patreon Team click HERE

Intro/Outro music provided by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca.

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!

 

 



Publish Date: 10/2/2019


October events:

10/11-10/12 - Oro's 3 Year Anniversary Oktoberfest Party

10/19 - Huss Uptown's Annual Husstoberfest!

10/20 - OHSO Oktoberfest: Beers, Brats, Best Friends

10/11-10/13 - Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake

10/2-10/30 - Four Peaks' Haunted Brewery Tours

10/12 - Helio Basin One Love 5 Year Anniversary Party!

10/19 - SunUp Brewing Company's 18th Anniversary Celebration

10/19 - Southwest Cider Fest

SHOUTOUTS

The Team

    Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together Luke Irvine at Mixed Mercury Media for his amazing photo, video, web development and social media skills Adam Green for all the back end work that goes into producing an episode

Patreon Supporters Chris Odom, Gerardo Jaime, Jim Pfleger, Marcus Pina and Ryan Colvin

    To see how you can get involved with the Patreon Team click here

Intro/Outro music provided by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow by leaving a review on iTunes? Simply CLICK HERE, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 9/30/2019


We tend to fall into "whats new" mode with beer these days. There are great beers popping up everywhere. However, we often forget about the OG's, the people who have paved the way for this booming industry. And you know what? They are still making great beers AND innovating as well. Dragoon has been a staple of the Arizona beer scene since 2011 and have never stopped making awesome beer. In this episode we sit down with the guys behind this great Arizona brewery to hear their story. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 9/25/2019


We are back with another Beer 101 with our dude Will Walthereson.  For this Beer 101 Will educates us on the art of blending beer. Wooden barrels make some of the most amazing beers ever. But the process can be rather unpredictable. Thus, the art of blending beer. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 9/23/2019


In this episode I sit down with the guys from Chupacabra Taproom, the latest addition to what is becoming a booming Downtown Mesa. A great selection of local and regional craft beers as well as a fantastic rotating cast of food trucks make this place a must-visit. On top of that the building is beautiful and they have an awesome patio. Be sure to listen to the episode so that you can see how you can get a penny pint as well as take the pint glass home with you. Enjoy!

FYI - the video is not ready yet but we'll let you know when it is



Publish Date: 9/18/2019


In the first of what will be a monthly "Brewers Panel" episode we sit down to discuss the current state of Arizona beer and craft beer in general across the country. My guests for this episode are Andy Ingram from Four Peaks, Dave Arnce from The Shop Beer Co. and Matt Trethewey from Beer Research Institute. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 9/16/2019


Opening a business is no easy task. Breweries are no exception. In fact, breweries are notoriously difficult to open. A major key to getting to opening day is to have a strong team. Front Pourch Brewing in Phoenix has nailed that. Everyone from investors to the person sending hop baskets from Oregon to use as light shades are friends and family. From the early days of making beer on their front porch (surprised?) to the madness that was the soft opening they have banded together to open one of the nicest taprooms in Arizona. And the beer? Yeah, its REALLY good. The top hit for the soft opening was a blonde ale that packs a punch at around 7% due to the brewers not understanding the efficiency of the new equipment. And I applaud you for that happy mistake. Keep "Toasty Blonde" on that list. Please.



Publish Date: 9/11/2019


Our instructor for this Beer 101 is Will Walthereson from The Shop Beer Co. Over the past few years lambics and beers inspired by the iconic lambic style have started to gain some momentum. With places like Jester King in Austin who make nothing but these wild type of beers and now in Arizona with Arizona Wilderness, Grand Canyon and a few others exploring this wild frontier consumers and brewers alike are really finding joy and appreciation for these funky treats. 



Publish Date: 9/9/2019


I’ve always been a big fan of the traveling food shows like "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives", Anthony Bourdain shows, and even locally now with Plate & Pour featuring chef Mark Tarbell. A few years ago I came across a Travel Channel show called "Booze Traveler". Ok, traveling AND drinking? I’m in. I immediately fell in love with the show and thought the host, Jack Maxwell was one of the coolest guys ever. Hell, even my kids loved the show and Jack. Fast forward to last year and there I am at Goldwater Brewing having a beer with who else? Jack Maxwell. We’ve since become great friends and our schedules finally aligned to get him on the podcast. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 9/4/2019


In this episode our resident beer reviewer Marcus Pina, aka Brewery 602, reviews the Boysenberry Sour from Helton Brewing Company and Neonic Sour Ale with Raspberry, Vanilla, and Lactose Dreams from The Shop Beer Co. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 9/2/2019


Beer School is always full of great people, great beer and you might actually learn a thing or two. Plus it supports a great cause. Put on by Blue Pint Society these events and Blue Pint Society in general were created to bring awareness and raise funds for testicular cancer awareness. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/28/2019


The following are some great things you should check out between August 26th and September 29th, 2019:

8/30 Goldwater Brewing Co. - DDH Hop Chowda & GOGO Sour Rangers Blue 9/7 JamBEERee 9/14 Born and Brewed 9/14 Mother Bunch 5th Anniversary Luau 9/20 National Sour Beer Day at The Wandering Tortoise NEW OPENINGS! Front Pourch Soft Opening 8/29-8/31 Borderlands Public House SOON! State 48 Rock House! Late 2019 Lazy G in Prescott is now open 9/26  The Meading Room Tentative Soft Opening for 9/26

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Veganza” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca



Publish Date: 8/26/2019


In this episode, Liz heads to Real, Wild and Woody. The best summer beer festival in the Southwest RWW is always a great time and lots of fun conversations to be had. And when you have a microphone things can get very interesting. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 8/25/2019


For this episode, I head down to Gilbert to hang out with Rob the owner of Flying Basset Brewing. These guys are one of the new kids on the block but with a handful of well known Arizona beer mentors he’s worked with it makes sense why they hit the ground running. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/14/2019


Welcome back. In this episode, I get to hang out with some of the best chefs in the country. All of these badass chefs have been on the Food Network hit show Chopped and all are based here in Arizona. A few weeks ago Brian Helton reached out and said “Hey, you gotta get in on this. I am working with Itule Produce and a bunch of awesome chefs to make a one of a kind beer.” If Brian is involved, I’m in. And what Willie Itule Produce is doing to innovate in the produce industry is so great to see. I am really excited to see where this project goes. Stay tuned for future episodes as this project progresses. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/7/2019


Welcome back. In this episode, I get to hang out with some of the best chefs in the country. All of these badass chefs have been on the Food Network hit show Chopped and all are based here in Arizona. A few weeks ago Brian Helton reached out and said “Hey, you gotta get in on this. I am working with Itule Produce and a bunch of awesome chefs to make a one of a kind beer.” If Brian is involved, I’m in. And what Willie Itule Produce is doing to innovate in the produce industry is so great to see. I am really excited to see where this project goes. Stay tuned for future episodes as this project progresses. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/7/2019


In this episode I hang out with Jon Buford and Patrick Ware from Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. 



Publish Date: 7/20/2019


In this episode, I hang out with Jon Buford and Patrick Ware from Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. These guys have blown up since coming onto the scene just a few years ago. From being featured on the Travel Channel hit show Booze Traveler to collaborating with some of the best breweries in the world these guys are just getting started. This episode barely skimmed the surface of their story so we'll be having them back on very soon to hear more. In the meantime, enjoy the show! 



Publish Date: 7/20/2019


To some, they are the guys who "sold out to the enemy". But to many many more they are the pioneers who paved the way for the craft beer craze here in the state of Arizona. In this episode, I sit down with a few of the people responsible for making Four Peaks Brewing Company the industry leader it is today including founder Andy Ingram.  



Publish Date: 7/20/2019


To some, they are the guys who "sold out to the enemy". But to many many more they are the pioneers who paved the way for the craft beer craze here in the state of Arizona. In this episode, I sit down with a few of the people responsible for making Four Peaks Brewing Company the industry leader it is today including founder Andy Ingram.  



Publish Date: 7/20/2019


In this episode, I head over to the newest brewery in Phoenix to have a beer with Walter Station Brewery founder/brewer Jim Erickson. If you haven’t been to this place make sure you put it on your immediate must-do list. Not only are the beers kick ass but the taproom, an old fire station, is very cool. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 7/17/2019


In this episode, we head over to Mesa to check out AZ Pro Prints.  If you’ve had an Arizona beer served in a glass, chances are AZ Pro Prints created that glass. We hang out with the owner Scott and talk about the importance of quality glassware when enjoying an amazing handcrafted beer. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 7/15/2019


This episode is sponsored by the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild. I sit down with Rob Fullmer from The Guild as well as Alex Phillips from Grand Canyon Brewing + Distilling and Sarah Ritchie from 12 West Brewing. We chat about the current state of Arizona beer as well as two huge events coming up at the end of the month: AZ Brewcon and Real Wild & Woody. Get your tickets and listen today! 

AZ Brewcon tickets HERE

Real Wild & Woody tickets HERE

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!

 



Publish Date: 7/10/2019


In this episode I have to, I mean I GET to hang out with 2 of Arizona's most notorious alcohol experts, The Classy Alcoholic and The Arizona Wine Monk. We hang out and sample some tasty beverages from 12 West and Garage East. These two dudes are awesome and the conversation is anything but predictable. Or normal. Or appropriate. Enjoy the show!

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 7/8/2019


In this episode guest host Liz Limberg heads out to Rhiba Farms to hang out at the Old School Farm Picnic. As is the norm at Rhiba she talks to a wide range of amazing people and gets to enjoy many amazing flavors of both food and drink. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 7/1/2019


In this episode I head down to Marana, just north of Tucson, to hang out with Todd and Erika Button, owners of Button Brew House. We chat about how their combined personal and professional skills created a killer team to open the brewery. Oh yeah, they make awesome beer as well. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 6/27/2019


In this "News & Reviews" episode we highlight events at Cider Corps, Copper Brothel Brewery, 1912 Brewing, Scale & Feather Meadery, and The Sleepy Whale. Marcus Pina, aka Brewery 602, also reviews a beer from Bone Haus Brewing. Enjoy the show! 



Publish Date: 6/24/2019


In this episode, we travel up to Flagstaff to hang out with John, Kaitlyn, and Zack from Historic Brewing Company. We hear about the tedious process of brewing one of Arizona's favorites beer as well as the fine balance of growth while maintaining high quality. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 6/19/2019


In this episode, we travel up to Flagstaff to hang out with John, Kaitlyn, and Zack from Historic Brewing Company. We hear about the tedious process of brewing one of Arizona's favorites beer as well as the fine balance of growth while maintaining high quality. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 6/19/2019


Maybe its because I'm getting older but I feel like customer service is slowly dying. However, for those who still make it a focus, I believe it helps them to stand out in the crowd. And what if I told you a company who makes customer service also has the best quality AND prices? No brainer, right? Well, let me introduce you to my friends at Goodfellas Merch in Glendale. In this episode, I sit down with founder Joe to talk about how his love of craft beer and homebrewing translates into the passion he puts into his own craft as a screen printer. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 6/12/2019


Events from this episode:

June 12th - Grand Canyon Brewery Tap Takeover at Richter Aleworks

June 13th - Design Your Own Beer Can Pint Class at The Shop Beer Co. 

June 14th - Double Can Release & Tapping at Goldwater Brewing

June 16th - Fathers Day at Beer Research Institute

June 22nd - Downtown Chandler Brewery Crawl

This week's beer review:

Flagstaff IPA from Lumberyard Brewing Co

Reviewed by Marcus Pina (@brewery602 on Instagram) and follow his page on YouTube

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Veganza” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!

 



Publish Date: 6/10/2019


In this episode, I hang out with Kinsey and Neal owners of Tap Truck AZ. Their truck is a 1966 Chevy C-10 Panel Truck with 5 tap handles protruding from the side of the truck. The tap handles have poured everything from Morning Sex Milk Stout from Beer Research Institute to root beer. Founders of the liquid catering company "Couple of Bartenders" Kinsey and Neal were looking to diversify their offerings to their clients and discovered the awesomeness that pouring straight from a badass truck could bring. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 6/5/2019


In this episode, we head down to Queen Creek to hang out with Travis Tolmachoff from Grain R&D. Located at the 100-year-old Sossoman Farm Grain R&D is doing amazing things to provide Arizona breweries and restaurants with the highest quality local grains with a sustainable approach. Some of the best in Arizona food and beer proudly use their products including Old Ellsworth Brewing, Chris Bianco, Wren House Brewing, and Arizona Wilderness Brewing. Luckily we all get to then enjoy a true taste of Arizona. Enjoy the show! 



Publish Date: 5/29/2019


Since opening less than 2 years ago Cider Corps in Mesa has made a huge splash in the Arizona craft beverage scene. When they were originally on the podcast they had a concern of how their cider would be received by the public. Well, they now have a new concern: making enough cider to meet the demand. These guys create some of the best most unique beverages in the state and are making the right moves to ensure more people get to try them. 

Myke Olsen is quickly making a name for himself in the Arizona food scene. Olsen was recently compared to Arizona's own world-renowned pizza guru Chris Bianco and some feel Myke makes the best pizza in Arizona. A humble man who is focused on making the best product that he can was a natural fit to pair up with the Duren brothers and their Cider Corps team.

In this episode, I hang out with Myke and the Duren brothers to talk about their individual paths to lead up to this remarkable partnership. Enjoy the show! 

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!

 



Publish Date: 5/22/2019


This episode is the second part of the conversations I had during Camp Coolship. Sharing some beers and talking with some of the most highly respected beer people in the country was an incredible experience. The level of knowledge, passion and commitment to creating something unique all these guests possess while staying completely humble and down-to-earth fully encapsulates what I love so much about craft beer. It was an honor to have every one of them on the show. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 5/15/2019


This week's "News & Reviews" features a handful of events including Beer School 9. Listen to the episode to see how you can win a ticket to Beer School 9 happening this Saturday at Beer Research Institute. Plus, we get schooled on Pilsners by Preston from Wren House and Chris Dodson reviews a new Huss beer. Enjoy the show! 



Publish Date: 5/13/2019


A tad bit west of 32nd Street, off of Cactus, you will find a bar that at least from the outside may not strike you as…well…a bar.

But make no mistake, Lovecraft is not only a bar, but one where you will find a delicious selection of beers on draft and in the fridge.

Rebecca Golden, you might remember from the popular 32 Shea, told TapThatAZ that after a little less than 7 years there, she realized it was time to move on.

“I literally gave it all that I had to give, and it was a good time to sell,” she said. “So I sold it and cried from joy.

“That’s crazy because a lot of people don’t know why I sold it.”

Golden said she needed a break, but she could not mentally or emotionally get away. So, 32 Shea got to a point where it was rolling and a highlight of the neighborhood, she knew it was time to move on.

The business sold, she took a break. Nothing was on the docket, which for someone who worked as hard as she did was a well-earned vacation. Golden said she never really planned on getting back into the industry, but at the same time always wanted to open a beer bar.

That was always in the back of her mind, which meant she was never quite done. Finding the place for her new venture was a challenge, especially since she couldn’t put a bar in one of the nice locations near her old stomping grounds.

Then one day when she was on her way to Home Depot she saw a “For Lease” sign on a building that used to be home to a struggling BBQ joint. The owners of 32 Shea weren’t interest in teaming up, so with some assistance from her boyfriend, Golden went ahead and created a beer bar in a part of town that she would like to help improve in part because it’s where she lives.

“At the end of the day I’m a creative and I’m an optimistic pessimist,” Golden said of putting a beer bar in a part of town that many believe cannot – or will not – support one. “I always see opportunity in things and it’s really hard for me to see things that I think can work...and not at least try.”

That’s not to say she is sure Lovecraft will be a hit – after all, nothing is guaranteed. Having more than  100 craft beers available, 31 of which come courtesy of rotating taps, should help.

Then, there’s the food.

“Originally even though we were going to have a beer bar – we were a beer bar, first and foremost – I knew we needed to have food,” she said.

That realization came from visiting other beer bars who were missing out due to not offering food. Given that Lovecraft was moving into a former BBQ restaurant and it made sense to offer something.

Given that Golden grew up in New Mexico, BBQ was not exactly something she was familiar with. About a week and half before Lovecraft opened, a chef friend of hers suggested making New Mexico fare.

After sleeping on it, a menu was born.

“I wake up and I’m like, ‘this is genius,’” she said. “New Mexican food, I know, it’s amazing. It goes well with smoked meats and nobody else is doing this.”

At least, she said, you couldn’t find the BBQ/New Mexican fusion, and once that epiphany came the rest of it came together pretty quickly. Stop in and you will get to enjoy appetizers like Green Chile Blanco Queso Dip, Creamy Green Chile Mac-N-Cheese or Frijoles. You also have a choice of customized tapas.

Delicious beer and a unique menu? That makes sense for a place called Lovecraft.

You can be forgiven if you think that would be the name for a sex shop. In fact, at one point the sign out front made sure to point out that it’s not a place for that. 

“I didn’t come up with it,” Golden said, before with a chuckle calling out her boyfriend Ryan as being the responsible party. Of course, she admitted she was fond of the name “High Jolly” which you’ll probably need to Google to understand.

At any rate, she was outvoted and now says she likes the name Lovecraft because the point of the place is that “we get to support everything craft.”

The food, beer, wine, mead and cider. Everything.

“This, I get to support all those people who took the leap, who took the jump, who did something that was scary or whatever and decided to open whatever that thing was,” she said, likening it to her own risk in opening the bar. “And I get to be the person who supports that.

“And I think that’s super rad. I love being a craft beer bar, or a craft bar. So for the love of everything craft.”



Publish Date: 5/8/2019


This is the first of a two-part series recorded at Camp Coolship 2019 from Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company. In this episode, I get to chat with the people behind this amazing project and why it means so much to them. In a couple of weeks, part two will be released which features the guest breweries on this project. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 4/30/2019


This is the first of a two-part series recorded at Camp Coolship 2019 from Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company. In this episode, I get to chat with the people behind this amazing project and why it means so much to them. In a couple of weeks, part two will be released which features the guest breweries on this project. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 4/30/2019


In this episode, we travel up to Williams to hang out with the crew from Grand Canyon Brewing + Distilling along with longtime friend of the show Justin from Earn Your Booze and Brian from Baptiste Power Yoga. We talk about the epic EYB event (which involves a gameshow-style bartending event) going down this Sunday, April 28th at Copper Blues Phoenix as well as catch up on all the awesome things our friends up north at GCBC are up to. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 4/24/2019


In this episode, guest hosts Tamara Stanger and Sean Traynor from Cotton & Copper join in to hang out with Vlad and Rebecca, owners of Town Under Black Distillery in Tucson. A focus on native ingredients and traditional techniques they are setting the table for wait it going to be the game-changing distillery in the Southwest. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 4/17/2019


This week's events:

4/20 - Old School Spring Farm To Table Picnic at Rhiba Farms

4/20 - Arizona Craft Beer Festival at Westgate

4/25 - Elevated Beer Dinner at Ten55

4/27 - Goldwater Brewing Co. Four Year Anniversary

4/28 - Earn Your Grand Canyon | Copper Blues PHX

This week's beer review:

Deep In The Green DIPA by Grand Canyon Brewing Company

Reviewed by Marcus Pina (@brewery602 on Instagram) and follow his page on YouTube

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Veganza” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 4/15/2019


If you are a part of the Arizona craft beer scene, you know Justin Evans. And if you somehow don’t know Justin, you know his bar, The Wandering Tortoise.

Oh, and if you don’t know the Tortoise, you may have heard of The Sleepy Whale, which Justin and some others are opening in Chandler in April. If none of that rings a bell, then Hops on Birch, a craft beer institution in the pines of Flagstaff, should.

Recently, Justin and his group purchased that spot, too. Not bad for a guy who at one time thought he would go into law after attending Anthem College.

“I got a paralegal degree from there,” Evans told TapThatAZ. “That’s when I thought my career path was going to be being a lawyer.

“Then I got through two years of school and I realized that’s not what I wanted to do.”

Evans went on to say he had been in the food and beverage industry before, and the idea of sitting behind a desk just didn’t appeal to him.

He said the “freeness” of the food and beverage industry did, but across various stops in that field came to the realization that he wanted to one day have his own spot.

Following stops at OHSO Arcadia and the Pig’s Meow (now The Whining Pig Arcadia), Evans – along with Shay Gau, whom he met at the Pig’s Meow – looked to open what became the Tortoise. Many people have at one time considered the idea of starting a business, but Evans, Gau and the other partners, put up their own money, took out the loans and started looking for a place.

They found one in the Sprouts parking lot, but that fell apart due to the grocery chain not wanting another beer seller in their area.

“So we wasted about three months trying to negotiate that deal, we were really drug around on that,” Evans said of the Sprouts lot. “And we rushed to find something else with a couple of stipulations: We wanted to be on Indian School, we wanted to be west on Indian School.

“And somewhere still appealing to my customer base at Pig.”

Eventually, Gau found on a location off of 24th Street and Indian School with about 1,200 square feet of space. Evans was uneasy at first because of its lack of parking, but after about three days the lease was signed.

Within a year they expanded even more, and since then they added a parking lot. All of it proved to be necessary because of not only the atmosphere created in the space but the amazing beer list that has been consistently provided.

That, of course, does not happen by accident, with Evans and his team building relationships not only across the Valley but throughout all of Arizona and even into other markets.

“You know, the first time we got Pueblo Vida in there…it still blows my mind to this day,” Evans said.

If Evans is amazed by the beers he can get, imagine what everyone else thinks. Much of that success is directly due to the relationships Evans and his team have built. Be it Pueblo Vida, Arizona Wilderness or Dark Sky, or others like Modern Times, Pure Project or Bottle Logic, if it’s highly thought of, there’s a good chance you’ll see it at the Tortoise.

And lately you are even starting to see beers named after the Tortoise’s pets, such as King Koda, Super Duper King Mr. and Good Girl Pearl, which are named after Evans’ and Gau’s dogs and made by The Shop and Wren House, respectively.

Those are not the only collaborations the Tortoise has been a part of. They even had one with Modern Times, Technodrome, which was the first collaboration the brewery had ever done with a beer bar.

“We did it on the L.A. system,” Evans said.

Indeed, it’s not just about Central Phoenix. As noted, the Tortoise will soon be joined by the Sleepy Whale and Hops on Birch, with the former being in the East Valley and the latter in Flagstaff.

“That was a space that I was approached about,” Evans said of the Whale. “I looked at it and was like, ‘this is just fantastic.’ I couldn’t say no to that.”

Evans said he wasn’t in any rush to open another place, but instead this was just a matter of something seeming right.

As for Hops on Birch, Evans said that was a “dream come true” but one he said he took advantage of only after he got his wife’s approval. That last line came with a laugh, but Evans – who also has a new baby daughter -- admitted there is plenty on his plate these days. 

But if history is any indication, while it may mean a lot of work for Evans, it will also mean plenty of good beer for even more people who live in the 48th state.



Publish Date: 4/10/2019


Recently named one of the fastest growing breweries in America (9th to be exact) Borderlands Brewing Company in Tucson is at the core of a booming craft beer scene in Arizona. In this episode, The Classy Alcoholic and I sit down with owner Mike Mallozzi to talk about how Borderlands is utilizing its position in the beer community to help bring attention to bigger picture topics. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 4/3/2019


This week's events:

4/1 - Tombstone Beer Guy IPA Release

4/6 - We Won't Be Hazed Release

4/6 - Baja Beer Festival 2019

Click HERE for tickets

This week's beer review:

Snozzberry Berliner by Tombstone Brewing Co. 

Reviewed by Marcus Pina (@brewery602 on Instagram) and follow his page on YouTube

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Veganza” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 4/1/2019


In this episode host Liz Limberg talks with a wide range of guests (at different levels of intoxication) attending Blue Pint Society's Beer School 8 at OHSO-Gilbert. Enjoy!

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 3/27/2019


In this episode, The Classy Alcoholic sits down with Dillinger Brewing Company co-owner Aaron to discuss the story behind this hidden gem in Tucson. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 3/20/2019


This week's events:

Borderlands Turns 7! 2nd Annual Sour Fest at Wandering Tortoise Farmboy and The Beer Research Institute - Pop-Up Dinner

Click HERE for tickets

This week's beer review:

Fayuca Rizing Xtra Pale Ale - a collaboration between local band Fayuca and Helio Basin Brewing Co.

Reviewed by Marcus Pina (@brewery602 on Instagram) and follow his page on YouTube

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Veganza” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 3/18/2019


As co-founder of Wren House Brewing Co. Drew Pool knows a thing or two about opening and operating a successful brewery. In this episode, I sit down with Drew to get an idea of what it has been like to be one of the driving forces behind arguably one of the top breweries in the country. However, this is more than just a story. This episode will be a great resource for anyone who is considering opening a brewery or is just curious to know what all goes into operating a brewery. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 3/13/2019


In this episode, I sit down with Pete from Barn Town Brewing out of Iowa. These guys are doing a collab with Wren House, so be on the lookout for that, as well as doing a tap takeover at Wandering Tortoise on March 7th. Get there ASAP to grab some of their fantastic beers. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 3/7/2019


In this episode, we head down to Chandler to hang out with owners Shawn Shepard and Steve Stone from Helluva Brewing Company. These guys laid out the red carpet for us with an awesome selection of their beers and the perfect foods to go with each. For being such a new place they have hit the ground running. Look out for great things from them. Enjoy the show!

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 3/6/2019


This week's events:I've Got the Hops For You at Helton Brewing Company Click HERE for tickets Roars & Pours Click HERE for tickets Black Canyon Beer Company Grand Opening Downtown Mesa Brew Fest

This week's beer review:Huss Brewing Co Collaboration with King's Convenience, Cinnamon Kölsch Brunch Reviewed by Marcus Pina (@brewery602 on Instagram)

This week's Beer 101:Yeast by Doc Osborne from Pedal Haus Brewery

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodsonfor his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Veganza” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!null



Publish Date: 3/4/2019


In the episode, Liz, Luke and I sit down with Brandon and AJ from the Inkeldeux podcast to discuss our plan to record a miniseries about us all preparing for and obtaining our Certified Beer Server credential from Cicerone. Well, as you will hear Liz already has hers so she’ll be guiding us as well as preparing herself for the Certified Cicerone credential. Stay tuned for more info in the coming months for the miniseries which will also hopefully help you with your beer knowledge or even your own certification. In the meantime check out the InkleDeux podcast on your favorite podcast app and check out their website.

Click HERE for Beer School 8 tickets

Click HERE for info on the McDowell Mountain Music Festival

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 2/28/2019


This week's events: Beer School 8 (click HERE for tickets) Mudshark Brewing Co. Public House OpeningMcDowell Mt Music Festival(click HERE for tickets)

This week's beer review: Mother Road Brewing Co. Lost Highway Double Black IPA Reviewed by Marcus Pina (@brewery602 on Instagram)

This week's Beer 101: Tap Lines by Doc from Pedal Haus Brewery

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Negra Tomasa” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 2/25/2019


This episode was recorded at the Arizona Society of Homebrewers Brew Out where a group of homebrewers got together to brew a bunch of beers. As you've probably heard many times on this show most professional brewers start off homebrewing. However, some people just dig this as a hobby and still make amazing beer. Either way, ASH is a great organization supporting the Arizona beer scene. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 2/20/2019


This episode was recorded live at Strong Beer Fest and you get to hear some of the conversations the team and I had throughout the day. The episode is sponsored by the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild (AZCBG) the nonprofit group behind Strong Beer Festival as well as many other festivals including Baja Beer Festival in Tucson going down April 6th and many other great events through the Arizona beer scene all year long. The AZCBG was established in 1998. Beyond putting on awesome events they also work hard behind the scenes on the legislative side of things and education for breweries and consumers. Check out the AZCBG website www.chooseazbrews.com to learn more about what AZCBG does and how you can help which is most likely supporting local breweries by drinking their beer. Tough gig right?

Guys, thanks again for listening. And thank you to everyone who jumped on the mics or just came up to chat with us about their love for Arizona beer. We have a truly amazing community and I’m super stoked to be part of it. And thank you all for your support. It was a humbling experience to hear so many people share their stories on how the show has helped them appreciate or learn more about Arizona beer and even inspired some people to start creating content to support this scene. We appreciate all that the AZCBG has done for us and Arizona beer. Show your support by checking them out at www.chooseazbrews.com. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 2/14/2019


Grand Canyon/12 West Collab Monday, February 11 6:00 – 9:00pm BottleShop 48 We're hosting a launch party for our friends at Grand Canyon and 12 West for their new collab brew: "You’re Blackberry, Violet!" We can't wait to try this blackberry hazy IPA! Come hang out with the gang and support local AZ craft at it's best. Plus, we'll be watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory :) https://www.facebook.com/events/625169984600119/   When Good Beer Goes Bad: Off-Flavor Education TICKETS HERE Tuesday, February 12 6:00 – 9:00pm Four Peaks Brewing Co. Butter. Paper. Vinegar. Skunks. We've all tasted some flavors in beer that definitely shouldn't be there. Learn about what causes these defects—and how you can avoid them—in this brain-exploding presentation from Four Peaks laboratory technicians and on-staff Cicerones. Each ticket includes a flight of four spiked beers plus one control beer. Attendees will also receive commemorative glassware.    Arm Wrestling Throwdown! Wednesday, February 13 6:00 – 9:00pm Boulders On Southern Join the women of the Arizona Craft beer scene in an arm wrestling Throwdown! A tournament to raise money for the Pink Boots Society of Arizona. We will have raffle prizes, silent auction items and of course great beer! Come show your support for the women of the Arizona beer scene and cheer on your favorite wrestler!    Be My Player 2 Valentines Beer Dinner Thursday, February 14 6:30 – 8:30pm 8-Bit Aleworks We're bringing back our Be My Player 2 Beer pairing dinner for Valentine's Day! Last year tickets sold out in less than a week so don't delay!   Mario and Princess Peach, Link and Zelda, Cloud and Aerith, Squall and Rinoa… video games have no shortage of epic romances. That being said, gamers tend to be pretty laid-back in love, so that’s the approach we’re taking to celebrate Valentine’s Day at 8-Bit Aleworks.   Prior to opening a brewery, when they still had time for time for such celebrations, Ryan and Krystina spent every Valentine’s Day for almost a decade with takeout Chinese food and a cheesy movie of Mrs. 8-Bit’s choosing. This year, 8-Bit’s Player 1 and Player 2 are bringing their tradition to you with the help of Chinoz Grill Food Truck.   Spend an evening enjoying a 5-course meal of Chinese food, each course is paired perfectly with 8-Bit brews and a few other special treats, we're even letting you pick between Ryan or Krystina's favorite main course (Honey Walnut Shrimp or Beef and Broccoli). If you’re looking for a unique and relaxed way to spend February 14th, join us at 8-Bit Aleworks with your favorite Player 2!   Tickets are $80 per couple and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available for sale directly through 8-Bit Aleworks either on our online store or at the brewery. Please be sure to select your main course when buying online. We've only got 36 seats for this event and like all of our beer dinners you'll get to meet new friends at your table!   Harbottle Brewing Turns 1 Year Old! February 15, 2019 12:00pm – Midnight Harbottle Brewing Company Don't miss out as we throw our first ever birthday bash! It's been one crazy year and we are ready to party. Molecular Munchies will be here at 5pm. Jacob Acosta will be rocking out a 6pm. Get here early for special beer releases as well as specials all day.   5th Annual ABV Beer Dinner TICKETS Saturday, February 16 4:30 – 8:30pm The American LegionThe 5th Annual ABV Beer Dinner is a culinary celebration of craft beer and community on the closing day of Arizona Beer Week. Featuring all 7 Flagstaff breweries and 8 local chefs, 100% of this 9-course beer-paired dinner raises funds for Veterans Services in Northern Arizona.   Notes for this episode were taken directly from the Facebook event page for the event

Publish Date: 2/11/2019


In this episode, I travel down to Queen Creek to hang out with Old Ellsworth Brewing Company. Believe me, these guys are cranking out some top-notch beers. And "Pick Your Own Poutine"? I'm in! In this episode, I hang out with owners Brian, Ryan, and Chris to talk about the process of opening a brewery in a city that actually sought out a brewery as well as the challenges of keeping up with demand when you make awesome beer. Enjoy the show!

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 2/6/2019


Arizona Beer Week is finally here everyone! All year us fans of Arizona craft beer chomp at the bit to see what amazing events our favorite breweries and beer spots are going to get themselves into for our consumption pleasure. Everything from women's arm wrestling tournaments to the crown jewel of them all, Arizona Strong Beer Festival, the quantity and quality of events is sure to please even the pickiest of beer snobs.

In this episode, I hang out and talk Beer Week with Nick and Doc from Pedal Haus, sound engineering whiz Chris Dodson, and the Executive Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild Rob Fullmer. There was NO way we could cover every event so follow this link to see a more robust list and be sure to follow your favorite beer places to keep tabs on their events. Enjoy the show!

Shout out to the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild for organizing such awesome events and sponsoring this episode

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Negra Tomasa” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 2/4/2019


When it comes to pretty much anything cool you have people who come out of the woodwork claiming they'd been with it since the beginning. Well, John Alvarado, known to the Arizona beer community (and his mother in law) as Hoppymoto, has been part of this budding beer scene since the genesis of it. On top of that, he has played a major role in the development of the community with his top-notch beer tour company, aptly named Arizona Brewery Tours.  

In this episode, we sit down with Hoppyomoto to talk about his adventures with ABT as well as what he's seen develop over the past few years with Arizona Beer. We even have a few special guests. Enjoy the show!

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 1/30/2019


Tacos, Beers, & Baos Tuesday’s with B.R.I.

Tuesday, January 29 - 5:00 – 11:55pm

Yucca Tap Room 29 West Southern Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85282

Description:Another killer installment of of Tacos, Beers, & Baos Tuesday’s with our local homies B.R.I.! We’ll be tapping 4 delicious beers from from our east valley brethren. We’ll have a special taco just for the event! Also we’ll have $1.50 tacos & $2.50 Baos!

McFate Tap Takeover

Wednesday, January 30 - 6:00 – 8:00pm

Richter Aleworks 8279 W Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Ste 109, Peoria, Arizona 85382

It’s Tap Takeover time once again! Join us as we welcome our friends from Scottsdale, McFate Brewing Co. They’ll be here from 6-8pm with some very special beers you wouldn’t normally find outside their establishment. As always, we’ll be offering $2 off our delicious flatbread pizzas and pretzels during the event. We’ll see you then!

Goldwater Brewing Co. - Casual Medusa West Coast IPA Can Release

Friday, February 1 - 12:00 – 11:59pm

Goldwater Brewing Co. 3608 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

We wanted to brew up a West Coast IPA with some subtle twist! We kept it casual and easy drinking with a low 6% abv, We bombed this West Coast IPA with Medusa, Mosaic, and Cashmere hops! Medusa is a new strain of neomexicanus hops, meaning it's a wild breed of hops cultivated in New Mexico/ Colorado. This hop will give this beer notes of intense guava, melons, apricots and citrus fruits with a smooth, but prominent bitterness, followed by a pop of fruity juiciness from the expressive yeast strain and heavy-handed Dry-Hop! And No, this is not a West Coast / Hazy hybrid! Just a different take we wanted to try on brewing West Coast IPAs.

Curaga - Blue Pint & 8-Bit Beer Project Release!

Saturday, February 2 - 2:00 – 5:00pm

8-Bit Aleworks 1050 N Fairway Dr, Bldg F, Ste 101, Avondale, Arizona 85323

Come celebrate the initial release of "Curaga," our Blueberry Cobbler beer project with 8-bit Aleworks! Every pint sold off premise during Arizona Beer Week garners a $1 donation for our friends at The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation!

I've Got the Hops For You at Helton Brewing Company

Sunday, February 3 - 5:00 – 8:00pm

Helton Brewing Company 2144 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

Start the month of love off with us at Helton Brewing Company on February 3rd! We’re matching three types of cheese up with Helton’s IPAs for you to devour while designing your own cutting board using wood burning tools. We’ll provide everything needed to enable you to tap into your creativity with this blank canvas that can be used in your own kitchen or displayed as art. If you have a design in mind, feel free to print it out and bring it along as we’ll have image transfer materials on hand!

Tickets include: *all tools and materials to burn a design onto one cutting board (dimensions: 13" x 5 1/2" x 3/4") *IPA tasting flight & cheese samples Seating is limited!

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodsonfor his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Negra Tomasa” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!

Most of the notes for this episode were taken directly from the Facebook event page for each event



Publish Date: 1/28/2019


This episode was recorded live at the 2019 Arizona Women's Brew at the San Tan brewing facility. Every year the amazing women of the Arizona craft beer community get together leading up to Arizona Beer Week to create an awesome new beer. 

This year the ladies created Persistence Pale Ale, an oaked pale ale. The creation of this beer even included a blow torch. Enough said. It's always a great time hanging out with these ladies and Arizona beer is very lucky to have such an awesome female presence in this community. Enjoy the show! 

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 1/23/2019


This weeks Arizona beer events and a beer review from Chris Dodson



Publish Date: 1/21/2019


Beer and barbecue: it's a taste match made in heaven. Seriously, have you ever barbecued and NOT had at least 1 beer? Well, the fine folks at The Brewbecue have taken that killer combo to another level. By utilizing the beauty of barbecue and beer they have created a non-profit with the goal of helping to raise money for those in need in the state of Arizona. From the obviously amazing pork belly nachos to the vegan-friendly “Not Pork”. Smoked Caramelized Jackfruit these guys crush the barbecue game. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 1/16/2019


Meat and Cheese and Beer Pairing

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE Thursday, January 17th, 2019 at 6 PM – 10 PM The Beer Research Institute1641 S Stapley Dr, Ste 104, Mesa, Arizona 85204

If you think you can handle the Meat Sweats… Join us for an EPIC Meat and Cheese Beer Pairing. 4 different cured meats and 4 different cheeses paired perfectly with 4 distinct B.R.I. Beers. Meats will all be 1 oz servings Cheese will all be 1 oz servings Beers will be 8 oz servings Ticket Price is $25 15% gratuity is added at the time of purchase for this event

Girl Scout Cookie + Beer Pairing

Saturday, January 19th, 2019 at 12 PM – 3 PM Tap & Bottle North 7254 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, Arizona 85704

Featuring beers from: Tucson Girls Pint Out 1912 Brewing Co Borderlands Brewing Company

% of proceeds to benefit Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona

Localized 3.0

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE Saturday, January 19th, 2019 at 3 PM – 7 PM Helio Basin Brewing Co3935 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Join us for the third installment of all things Local! Come to a truly unique event where some of your favorite local Breweries, Chefs & Food Purveyors come together! Local Meat & Fish markets will provide the ingredients to Four Local Chefs who will each provide two different dishes. Four local breweries will then pair their beer with their chef’s dish. $29 gets you four samples of beer and four food dishes. $39 gets you seven beer samples and seven food dishes. Additional beers and samples are available for purchase at the event while supplies last. Tickets are extremely limited, so be sure to purchase in advance. Markets: Arcadia Meat Market & Nelson’s Meat + Fish Huss Brewing – Chef Chris Collins of the Macintosh Helio Basin Brewing Co. – Chef Ryan Chan of Helio Basin Helton Brewing Company – Chef Rob Coate of Helton Wren House Brewing Company – Chef Jason Alford of Bulthaup AZ

Beer Review

The Beer: German Chocolate Cake Porter from Borderlands Brewing Co. The Reviewer: Marcus Pina aka Brewery602 Beer Reviews

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Negra Tomasa” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!

Most of the notes for this episode were taken directly from the Facebook event page for each event



Publish Date: 1/14/2019


I thought I had never had mezcal. But according to Abel and Ivan from Mezcal Carreno US, I have indeed had it in the form of tequila. As you'll hear all tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequilas. It'll make more sense once you listen. The story behind this brand that these 2 best friends are creating is great and they tell the story very well. My friend Chris Malloy joined in as my co-host and I am so glad he did. Chris really knows what he's talking about when it comes to food and beverage so he was a perfect fit for this episode. Abel and Ivan were great hosts and showed us the value of the proper experience when it comes to high-quality mezcal. Enjoy the show!

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 1/9/2019


Sentinel Peak's 5th Anniversary Party

Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 11 AM – 10 PM Sentinel Peak Brewing Company4746 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712

Celebrate Sentinel Peak's 5th Anniversary with the crew at Tucson's ONLY Midtown Brewpub! Special BBQ menu and beer releases all day in a family-friendly environment.

The Shop Beer Co. - Desert Dolphins Release

Friday, January 11, 2019 The Shop Beer Co. 922 W. 1st Street, Tempe, AZ 85281

This Friday we’ll be releasing our killer collab “Desert Dolphins” with amazing crew from Burgeon Beer Company! “Desert Dolphins” is a Double Juicy IPA sitting at 8.1% ABV, 35 IBU - jam-packed with Mosaic, Cashmere, & Calypso. Draft & 16oz cans will be available for your drinking pleasure 🐬 Stay tuned for more details! 🍻

Richter Aleworks 2 Year Anniversary

Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 12 PM Richter Aleworks8279 W Lake Pleasant Pkwy, Ste 109, Peoria, Arizona 85382

What a difference two years makes! We’ll be celebrating this milestone with some special new beers, new merch and our surprise guests Rub Your Meat BBQ!

HOP Central's 1 Year Anniversary Celebration!

Saturday, January 12 at 2 PM – Midnight HOP Central Brewery and Taproom 5055 W. Ray Rd. (Suite 2), Chandler, Arizona 85226

You are invited to join us for H.O.P. Central's One Year Anniversary with $3 House Beers ALL Day! We want everyone to come and celebrate with us!!! And as a thank you to all our customers, we will be having specials and giveaways throughout the day! Also, Smoking Hot BBQ will be part of the fun from 5pm-9pm. It's all happening on Saturday, January 12, 2019! (2pm-Midnight)

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodsonfor his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Negra Tomasa” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!

Most of the notes for this episode were taken directly from the Facebook event page for each event



Publish Date: 1/7/2019




Publish Date: 12/26/2018


Christmas at Craft 64

Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at 5 PM – 10 PM

6922 E Main St, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

In fine HOLIDAY TRADITION, CRAFT 64 will once again be OPEN on CHRISTMAS DAY for the fourth year!!!!! 5-10pm BAR ONLY....but lot's free snacks, sandwiches, and goodies provided free of charge. SWEET LOVIN', our new Winter Brew will be on tap so when you are DEAD SICK of your extended families, COME JOIN James & Susana for a small celebration!

Wren Day

Wren House Brewing Co.

2125 N 24th St, Phoenix, Arizona 85008

Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at 12 PM – 10 PM

The day after Christmas is our biggest bash of the year full of special trappings including:

*Cellar List* Carefree, Kingsnake.

And more...*Holiday Las Frescas* Cranberry, Hibscus*Holiday Los Postres* Peppermint Coffee*Limited Spiced Rum BA Stout**Special trappings throughout the day*Check out their page for any other updates

Bacon Day at 1912 Brewing Co. - Bacon and Mead Pairing

2045 N. Forbes Blvd #105, Tucson, AZ 85745

Sunday, December 30, 2018 at 1 PM – 5 PM

Dec 30th is National Bacon Day

Back by popular demand, we are coordinating a mead and bacon flight! Join us for this delicious tasting with mead by Superstition Meadery and bacon by Daniela’s Cooking!

We will also be offering a little bacon to add something extra to your Michelada! 

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is “La Negra Tomasa” by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!

Most of the notes for this episode were taken directly from the Facebook event page for each event



Publish Date: 12/24/2018




Publish Date: 12/19/2018


Welcome to another News & Reviews episode. In this episode, I cover 3 events including a new brewery opening, talk an all-new beer guide (I have 3 to giveaway) and a collab beer with Grand Canyon Brewing and Beer Research Institute gets reviewed. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 12/17/2018


California Wildfire Devastation

On the morning of November 8th, 2018, a brush fire broke out in Butte County, California. High winds and dry air created a recipe for rapid growth and this small fire quickly escalated to a point where firefighters abandoned attempts to put the fire out in favor of evacuating people. 

When the fire was finally contained 17 days later there were over 100 people killed, injured or missing with countless others having their lives impacted forever. Property damage is in the billions and entire communities have been destroyed. The Camp Fire was the worst wildfire in the history of California and the worst in the United States in over a century. Needless to say, this region needs some help.

Enter Resilience IPA

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company has been a staple of Butte County for nearly 40 years so this devastation hit really close to home. Soon after the Camp Fire disaster Sierra Nevada announced the plan to release the Resilience Butte County Proud IPA. On top of Sierra Nevada brewing and releasing this beer the brewery asked other craft breweries across the country to brew the same beer to support the cause. And boy did they. Over 1400 breweries have joined this cause to provide assistance to those in need. 100% of the proceeds of this beer at each brewery will go toward The Camp Fire Relief Fund

The Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Ben VanderMeer from Sierra Nevada along with an awesome group of people from the amazing Arizona beer community. We talk about the Resilience IPA and how the Arizona beer community has stepped up to play their part in giving back to this cause. 

Shout Outs

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 12/12/2018


Desert Monks Brewing Co Public Opening

Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 12 PM – 11 PM 1094 S Gilbert Rd, Ste 101, Gilbert, Az

We are finally ready to open our Taproom doors! On tap we plan to have: craft beer, craft soda, cold press coffee, and Rock Stacker Kombucha. Come help us celebrate our journey with some great craft beverages.

Goldwater Brewing Co.'s - Resilience IPA Beer Garden Fundraiser

Friday, December 14, 2018 at 12 PM – 10 PM 3608 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

We are very proud to be a part of Sierra Nevada's amazing project and getting to brew this great beer for an even greater cause. We’ll be tapping our 10 bbl batch version of Resilience Butte County Proud IPA on Friday, December 14th starting at 12pm for our Beer Garden Party in our back courtyard.

100% of the proceeds of this beer will be sent to benefit the victims of the devastating California Camp Fire. 

Watch the ABC15 Arizona News segment here: https://bit.ly/2REuY0p

#resilienceipa#letsdothis

Food Truck: Biscuit Freaks

Live Music: TBD

Come to help us Empty the Tank for a great cause!

Welcome Jester King to Arizona Launch Party Tap Takeover KINGS 

Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 6 PM – 9 PM 2811 N Central Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Thanks to Quail Distributing we will be launching the best brewery from Texas at Kings on December 19th - Jester King!. We will have every available beer from Jester King in the state of AZ. This is what the bottles and list will look like:

Jester King 750ml Bottles Available for sale December 19th: - Kollaborationsbier - Snorkel - Figlet - Foudreweizen - Bier de Coupage - Cerveza de Tempranillo

Jester King Beers On Tap December 19th: - La Vie en Rose - Colonel Toby - Figlet - Correlation  - Part and Parcel - Foudreweizen - Bier de Coupage - Das Uberkind! - Omniscience and Proselytism  - Bier de Blanc du Bois  - Cerveza de Tempranillo  - Birra di Sangiovese  - Soul Conduit

Wandering Tortoise 2 Year Anniversary!!

Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 10 AM 2417 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

This will be an epic celebration. 

Collabs with: Arizona Wilderness Burgeon Modern Times Superstition Meadery &  Wren House  Rowley 

2 Year glassware & shirts

$1000 gift card giveaway 

AND THE BEST TAP LIST EVER!!!

check out this list so far..(as of 12/9)

Arizona Wilderness Wandering In The Wilderness (collab)

Burgeon Desert Oasis (collab) Memory Foam

Modern Times  Technodrome (collab) Weather Control Broken Shadows +some

Superstition Meadery  Collab (name tbd)  LDO BA Aphrodisia 

Wren House Good Girl Pearl (collab) +some

Rowley Farmhouse Terrapin Transit (collab)

Prairie Artisan Ales Apple Brandy Barrel Noir

Pure Project Goodbye Pluto Mango Murkshake Mango Magic

Pueblo Vida  Draft of Coffee, Coconut & Vanilla "Patisserie" - infusion of their Culinary Stout Draft + Cans of Plexus Draft + Cans of Fire Cans of Benthos

Dark Sky Low Hanging Fruit

Tombstone  TBD 

Council Magical Heights 4th Anniversary  Staircase of Everlasting Plums 

Burial Brewing  Shattered Remains of Reality Fall of the Damned The Separation of Light and Darkness

Hangar 24 2017 Pugachev’s Cobra

Epic Quadruple Barrel Big Bad Baptist

Cascade  Kriek Fruitopian Noyaux

Odd 13 Hop Hop Troll Troll Saint Newcole Horchata BA 2018

1912  Ta Loco Sour Series #3

Hamm’s Beer Hamm’s Liquid Gold Lager



Publish Date: 12/10/2018


Owners Bonnie Jackson and Aaron at Irene's Taproom in Phoenix have set up their place to fully experience sound. With a continual list of local Arizona bands as well as bands traveling across the country, they want to make sure their guests get the full audio experience. When Bonnie and Product Manager Paul Rosevear threw out the idea of doing a podcast live in front of their patrons it was a no-brainer for me. 

We landed on the polarizing topic of "big beer and independent beer" as a discussion point. No slouches ourselves Bonnie and I would be on this discussion panel but with such a complex topic we knew we needed some big guns to join in on this discussion. Leah Huss of Huss Brewing Company is a badass brewery owner and one of the most experienced beer personalities in Arizona craft beer. She's in! As the former president of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to anything craft beer related Ken Wilson from Lumberyard Brewing Company was our second Sorachi Ace in the hole. To round it all out my man Keaton aka The Brewz Traveler came to bring in the perspective of a devoted craft beer enthusiast. 

In this episode, we all sit down and talk about this complex subject of "big beer" and independent craft beer. As you will see it's not quite as simple as a quick "f***k big beer". There is much more to this story than meets the eye. Enjoy the show!

The plan is to have one of these live episodes (each with a new topic and panel) every few months so be on the lookout for the next one

Thanks to Irene's Taproom for being awesome hosts!

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 12/5/2018


Owners Bonnie Jackson and Aaron at Irene's Taproom in Phoenix have set up their place to fully experience sound. With a continual list of local Arizona bands as well as bands traveling across the country, they want to make sure their guests get the full audio experience. When Bonnie and Product Manager Paul Rosevear threw out the idea of doing a podcast live in front of their patrons it was a no-brainer for me. 

We landed on the polarizing topic of "big beer and independent beer" as a discussion point. No slouches ourselves Bonnie and I would be on this discussion panel but with such a complex topic we knew we needed some big guns to join in on this discussion. Leah Huss of Huss Brewing Company is a badass brewery owner and one of the most experienced beer personalities in Arizona craft beer. She's in! As the former president of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to anything craft beer related Ken Wilson from Lumberyard Brewing Company was our second Sorachi Ace in the hole. To round it all out my man Keaton aka The Brewz Traveler came to bring in the perspective of a devoted craft beer enthusiast. 

In this episode, we all sit down and talk about this complex subject of "big beer" and independent craft beer. As you will see it's not quite as simple as a quick "f***k big beer". There is much more to this story than meets the eye. Enjoy the show!

The plan is to have one of these live episodes (each with a new topic and panel) every few months so be on the lookout for the next one

Thanks to Irene's Taproom for being awesome hosts!

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 12/5/2018


Dark Sky Brewing  Lunar Legacy Fundraiser  The entire month of December For this month’s #LunarLegacy fundraiser beer, we have “Don’t Forget Your Roots” field beer. A savory treat brewed with three types of root vegetables. 10% of the proceeds from this beer will go to Lowell Observatory for their educational programs! Come drink a pint and support our amazing Dark Sky City!   Borderlands Brewing Company Baskets & Brews Putting League EVERY MONDAY! Until Feb 4, 2019 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm Join us on the patio for a fun game of disc golf putting! This fun and casual game is a flex start, so you can come anytime before 7 pm. Never played? That's ok, learn how to disc golf putt right here at Borderlands! Don't have any discs! No problem, there are spares you can borrow.   Brains and Brews - Science Trivia EVERY MONDAY! Until Feb 25, 2019 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Brains and Brews is a free event where you can learn about cool Science happening in Southern Arizona and test your scientific wit for a chance to win prizes! Learn more at marchforsciencesaz.org/brains-and-brews Learn Cool Science:  From Chemistry to Science in Science Fiction and beyond, each week be prepared to learn about an interesting Science topic from our guest speaker from 7-8pm. This Monday has Jonathan Sexton, Ph.D. presenting "Environmental Health Sciences: Microbial Edition". Not sure what that means but if you dig science get here. Test Your Science Knowledge:  Think you're the smartest kid on the block? Test your Science mettle against five rounds of Science Trivia from 8-9pm, with new categories each week! Win Prizes:  Compete for a chance to win a $25.00 Borderlands Brewery Gift Card for your team, along with bragging rights and Science cred!'   Taste of Tops Tombstone Tap Takeover Thursday, December 6th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Hey, Beer Drinkers! We have Tombstone Brewing in the house this thirsty Thursday. The beers we will have on draft are IPA, DIPA Nelson, Imperial Stout, Black Currant Brett Sour, Passionfruit Brett Sour, Doppelbock aged in maple barrel, English Barley Wine aged in Heaven Hill Barrels, Imperial Stout aged in Woodford Reserve barrels with local Pecans, and more taps available the day of the event. Taste of Tops will also have Matt Brown here, owner of Tombstone Brewing, hanging out and drinking!   Scottsdale Beer Company - Puppy Kisses IPA Release Friday, December 7th 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Join us for the release of Scottsdale Beer Company's newest beer, Puppy Kisses IPA! This yummy brew will be available at Scottsdale Beer Company and about 30 local restaurants and bars while supplies last. Best of all, a portion of Puppy Kisses IPA's sales will go directly to the Arizona Humane Society! These donations will help save more pets like the moms and their puppies in AHS' Mutternity Suites, which is where Kendrix, the brew's label model, was born in our shelter. Cheers to the best smell ever and the beer it's named for, Puppy Kisses! AHS will also be on site with dog adoptions, so make sure to stop by and meet your new furry friend!   Brewery602 reviews Chiltepin Red Ale from Button Brewhouse   Uwe from Sunup Brewing Co. educates us on the Russian Imperial Stout   Thanks to Fayuca for the episode music   Most of the notes for this episode were taken directly from the Facebook event page for each event

Publish Date: 12/3/2018


When Mother Road Brewing Company opened in November of 2011 I was just a casual participant in quality craft beer. However, that all changed with my first visit to their Mikes Pike brewery in November of 2011. With my very first sip of Lost Highway Double Black IPA, Mother Road helped me see that there is a whole new world of beer beyond Natural Light and Bud Ice. Not only did the beer speak to me but every aspect of this community quickly grew on me.  In mid-2016 I decided to start a podcast focused around the growing craft beer scene here in Arizona. There was no question about who I wanted to get for my first episode. Fast forward almost 2 years later to the day and the podcast has now reached 100 episodes. Once again, a no-brainer for who I wanted for my 100th episode.

For this very special episode, I made a trip to their new Butler brewing facility to sit down with owners Michael and Alissa as well as brewer Francis and Jack-of-all-Trades Oliver. 

Enjoy the show!

Publish Date: 11/28/2018


News & Reviews - November 26th, 2018



Publish Date: 11/26/2018


Through my beer adventures and conversations, I have concluded that Belgium sits directly in the middle of the worlds largest beer vortex. Based on my extensive research, it seems as though no one can visit Belgium and not be infected by what is known as Beericus Obsessivus (not a real word, FYI). THANK GOD! Belgian styles are some of my favorites and Wanderlust Brewing Company in Flagstaff makes some of the best. 

In this episode, I sit down with owner Nathan Friedman to talk about how his European adventure created his love for this amazing beer style as well as how recreating what someone loves is not always the best route to converting them to craft beer. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 11/21/2018


12 West Two Year Anniversary

At: 12 West Tap Room at Barnone

3000 East Ray Road Barnone, Building 6, Suite 110, Gilbert, Arizona 85296

Friday, November 23rd

11 am - 11 pm

It's hard to believe it's been 2 years already! Join us for one amazing anniversary party.  Stay tuned for: -Can Releases -Special Tappings -Live Music -New Merch 12 West Beach Cruiser Raffle! Huge thanks to our friends at Image One Sign Company and SOUL Beach Cruisers for putting this together for us. Raffle tickets are $5. Winner will be announced at the Anniversary.

Grand Opening for Transplant City Beer Co.

107 W Honeysuckle St, Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340

Saturday, November 24th

11 am - 10 pm

Transplant City Beer Co. is located where the original location of Peoria Artisan Brewery was by the Wig Wam Resort in Litchfield Park.

Who’s going to be thirsty on Saturday, November 24th? Join us and help us celebrate what still feels like a crazy dream. Other than the brews, we’ll have sodas and snacks, plus we will always have FREE juice boxes/Capri Suns for kids. Don’t forget about our dog-friendly patio as well.  Fayuca RiZing: Festival De Beer y Musica

At: Helio Basin Brewing Company

3935 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018

Wednesday, November 21st

4:30 pm - 11:30 pm

Benefiting ALAS De America.

All Ages

Food + Bravo Pay Beer Garden + Craft Beer + Games + Tacos

$10 or $8 Via Bravo Pay app (@fayucabeer)

Kids 16 under $5

Schedule:

Jam Now (Rock) 5:00pm

Wyves (Rock) 6:00pm

Black Moods (Rock N Roll) 7:00pm

Mercado Negro (Cumbia/ Reggae) 9:30pm

This Weeks Beer Review

The Beer: King Kota

The Brewery: The Shop Beer Co + Wandering Tortoise Collab

The Reviewer: 602Brew. 

Thanks to Fayuca for the episode music

     

Publish Date: 11/19/2018


In this episode, I sit down with Alex Phillips from Grand Canyon Brewing and Nathan Reese from Trout Unlimited. Along with the Arizona Wildlife Foundation and the Arizona Society of Homebrewers contest winner Jeff Skaggs they created a beer called Conservation Kolsch. The goal of this brew is to bring attention to the damage that uranium mining is causing to the Grand Canyon and the surrounding national forest. This is why I love Arizona beer: seeing the bigger picture about what is going on with the environment of this great state and doing all that it can to be part of the solution. Enjoy the show!

Protect Your Canyon Website

Trout Unlimited Website

Grand Canyon Brewing Website

Arizona Wildlife Federation Website

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 11/14/2018


Beer Research Institute 4th Anniversary Beer Pairing Dinner  Thursday 11/15, 7-9  We've specially prepared 4 courses to pair perfectly with our 4-year anniversary beers! If you want to try all 4 Anniversary beers before they go on sale on the 17th, you don't want to miss this. Reception Beer- 480G IPA 1st Course (Appetizer)- Crispy Pork Belly. Chili Garlic Almonds. Sweet and Sour Glaze. Vinegar Slaw. Paired with- Samurai IPA 2nd Course (Salad)- Romaine. Pickled Red Onion. Grilled Peaches. Hopped Pine Nuts. Pineapple Cider Vinaigrette. Paired with Freestyle Haiku  3rd Course (Entree)- Red Wine Braised Short Ribs. Garlic Herb Fingerling Potatoes. Caramelized Onions. Au Jus. Paired with Northern Cali Flannel IPA 4th Course (Dessert)- Dark Chocolate Mousse. Honey Graham Cracker Strudel. Macerated Berries. Whipped Cream. Paired with Pastry Pays The Bills Stout Tickets are on sale at www.bri.beer and at the Brewery. $45 per person plus 18% gratuity. There is a limited amount of tickets and our beer dinners sell out quickly. Make your plans now.   Beer Research Institute 4 Year Anniversary Party Saturday 11/17 - 11am-10pm Join us on November 17th to help us celebrate 4 years! We'll have 20+ beers on and live music all day! This year, we're releasing 4 very special beers for our anniversary The Re-release of Freestyle Haiku (formerly 2017 anniversary ale) Samurai IPA- a East Coast IPA designed and brewed by our assistant brewer, Sam! Pastry Pays The Bills- a Pastry Stout brewed with blueberry, blackberry and raspberry. Yet to be named Oatmeal IPA! The first 200 people can get our limited edition anniversary glass with a pour of any of the 4 beers above for $12 Live music by: August in Stereo The Jamie Waldren Trio Ian Eric The Outlaw Inlaws   5th Annual Red White and Brew Craft Beer Festival at Ground Control Saturday 11/17 2PM-6PM We will showcase beers from 30+ breweries.  Whether you are just learning about craft beer or already a beer geek we have something for you! Talk with experts and mingle with other patrons who appreciate a nice cold one. This event truly has something to make everyone happy. As a locally-organized fund raising event, all proceeds benefit the Fighter Country Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation focused on supporting programs and services at Luke that aid, support and honor Airmen and their families in need. As a military family, we feel strongly about supporting our Luke AFB military community. https://redwhitebrew.brownpapertickets.com/   McFate Brewing’s 6th Anniversary! Saturday 11/17 - starts at 11am Keywords Double IPA can release at 11am, live music, food specials, commemorative glassware and shirts! 🍻Anniversary beers include: The Center Triple Dry Hopped Pilsner Keywords Double IPA  

Publish Date: 11/12/2018


In this episode, I made my way over to Litchfield Park to hang out with Ian and Tara from Ground Control, an Arizona craft food and drink bar. This place has it all: great food, artisan coffee, an amazing craft beer selection both on the retail side and on tap as well as wine, cocktails and Arizona Meade. Can you really beat a place that has amazing craft beer on tap AND makes their own gelato? Yeah, I don’t think so. Stay tuned after the show to see how you can win a $25 gift card for Ground Control. Don't forget about their Red, White, and Brew Festival coming up November 17th. Find tickets here. You'll hear more about that in the episode. Enjoy!

Ground Control Website

Ground Control Instagram

Ground Control Facebook

Shout out to the show sponsor, Goodfellas Merch out of Glendale

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 11/7/2018


11/9 11/10 11/9-11/12 Joel Flowers from AZ Beer Me reviews the Black Caddis an American Style Porter from Wren House Brewing

Publish Date: 11/4/2018


In this episode, I sit down with Bonnie Jackson, co-owner of Irene's Tap Room on 12th Street and Northern in Phoenix along with one of her top team members Paul Rosevear. Opening a new business is never easy and Bonnie and her partner Aaron Taylor were no exception to this. One thing after another fell onto the path of opening this place but they never gave up and 2 months ago Irene's Tap Room opened its door. And what an awesome place this is. With their strongly held belief in supporting independent, their tap room only carries independent craft beer and wine with a strong focus on Arizona craft. And what an awesome selection it is, both on tap and on the retail side of things. Stay tuned after the interview to see how you can win 5 drink tokens for Irene's Tap Room. Enjoy the show!

Irene's Tap Room Website

Irene's Tap Room Instagram

Irene's Tap Room Facebook

All photos for this episode were taken by Mixed Mercury Media

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 10/30/2018


This weeks events: 10/28 - Day of the Dogs at the Gilbert OHSO 11/2 - Grand opening of Uncle Bear's Brewery, Taproom and Yard in Phoenix on Ray Road 11/3 - AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews at Salt River Fields 11/3 - Scottsdale Beer Company & The oDDity Wine CollectiVe Dinner 11/3 & 11/4 - Crooked Tooth 2 Year Anniversary Celebration

This weeks beer review is from Marcus Pina. He reviews Bloody Basin Brute IPA from Arizona Wilderness Brewing.

 



Publish Date: 10/28/2018


Uwe Boer from Sunup Brewing Company has been making beer for a long time. And good beer at that. In fact he’s responsible for the highest rated Russian Imperial Stout in Arizona. Uwe has been a staple in the Arizona craft beer scene longer than some legal beer drinks have been alive! He’s a great guy with a great story to tell. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 10/23/2018


In this episode I sit down with Greg and Kyle from 24 Hour Hops in Maricopa. If you are like me I love this time of the year. Beautiful weather here in Arizona, events galore and of course, fresh wet hopped beer. But these guys are trying to change this wet hop thing from a one time per year thing to a year round thing. There is one thing hops really love and we have plenty of that here in Arizona: sunshine. I’ve had both beers made with these hops and let me tell you, I was impressed. The brewers who made them were impressed as well. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 10/16/2018


Caskwerks Distillery products have been on Arizona craft spirits shelves and winning awards for the past few years but things were taken to another level this year when they opened up their Tempe tasting room. Fantastic craft cocktails made within just a dozen feet from where their handcrafted spirits are made highlight the experience. Add on an exception food program created by Craig from Fire & Foraged and you have a recipes for success.

In this episode I hang out with owners John and Chris to discuss what sets these guys apart and how they fit into the growing Arizona craft beverage scene. Get to their place ASAP to see what all the hype is about. In the meantime enjoy the show!

Caskwerks Website

Caskwerks Instagram

Caskwerks Facebook

HUGE SHOUTOUT to my sponsor Goodfellas Merch. Tell them I sent you and get free screens on your first design with them through the end of November

Goodfellas Merch Website

Extra special thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 10/9/2018


In this episode I hang out with owner Jon Lane to talk about the story behind this Arizona favorite brewery, distillery, neighborhood hangout, restaurant, the list goes on. Jon is a super cool charismatic guy who is passionate about all that he does. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 10/2/2018


To the guys at Oro Brewing Company being part of up-and-coming downtown Mesa is a big deal. Coming up on their two-year anniversary they are already a huge part of the revitalization of this historical area. And with beers like the Saison d’ Oro and the Elevate Nepal Coffee Blonde it makes sense. Fantastic beers paired with great local partnerships creates a recipe for success for this young brewery. In this episode I sit down with owners Chuck and Dave as well as Jesse the head brewer to talk about how quality and community are key components to their brand. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 9/24/2018


I’m kind of sorry if you get sick of me talking about Sentinel Peak Brewing Company. I say “kind of” because you REALLY need to know about this place and go there. Today. Drop all your responsibilities and go. Take all the PTO you have and just go. They have great beer. And a smoker. And a great patio. And the best blue cheese on Earth. And an amazing team. I could go on and on. But you don’t want that. Just listen to this interview with Jermey, one of the owners, and you’ll be hooked too. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 9/18/2018


In this episode I sit down with Kali and Mac from Sedona Beer Company to talk about the awesomeness of having 2 patios with a view as well as Macs approach to making unique beers. Enjoy the show!

 



Publish Date: 9/10/2018


In this episode I sit down with owner Lisa and GM Kurt from Village Coffee Roastery in Scottsdale. In my option VCR is the most underrated Arizona coffee roastery. Passion and science back me up on this one. I really love these guys and the craft coffee they're making. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 9/3/2018


In this episode with Nick and Dale Butler from Limelight Brewing as well as Chef Kevin Binkley. Limelight is the in-house brewery for Binkleys Restaurant but some recent changes have made is possible to try this fantastic beer in other places as well. This father/son brewing duo knows their beer, Chef Binkley knows his food and they were all a joy to talk with. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/27/2018


Pueblo Vida Brewing Company is known around the Southwest as one of the top breweries in the region. And for good reason. This place makes killer beers time after time.

In this episode I sit down with Pueblo Vida owners Kyle and Linette along with Saywells Design owner Ryan. We talk about the importance of community as well as the process of creating one-of-a-kind can art. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/20/2018


In this episode I sit down with Mickey Salem from "Kings Beer & Wine". Mickey is the guy you want to buy beer from. A straightforward New Yorker with a wealth of knowledge on craft beer he'll tell you if something is good or not. He wants you to enjoy whatever it is you leave his store with. And trust me, you have a TON to choose from. Next time you're near downtown Phoenix stop into his place, grab a pint and see what all the hype is about. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/13/2018


This episode was recorded on location at the 2018 Real Wild & Woody Indoor Beer Festival at the Phoenix Convention Center. Lets just say that the conversations became more "interesting" as the festival progressed. However, it was a great time had by all and I am looking forward to covering this festival in the future. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/10/2018


In this episode my man Orlando Martinez from Hangar 24 Brewery takes over hosting duties to talk with Jason and JT from College Street Brewhouse out of Lake Havasu. Orlando had been telling me about these guys and the amazing stuff they were doing. So we decided to take a road trip and I was not disappointed. Super cool dudes and they make some fantastic beers. Keep an eye out for these guys. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/6/2018


You have never met anyone quite like the Arizona Wine Monk. The way he dresses, the way he talks, and just the way he presents himself. He is a truly unique individual and I am so glad that we have him here in Arizona to helps us all understand wine a little bit better.

In this episode co-host Chris Dodson and I sit with with the Arizona Wine Monk. In fact this whole episode was put together by Chris and he took the reigns of the interview. I pretty much sat back and Googled all the new words I was learning. The centerpiece of our conversation is the recently released Sangio Cerveza from Arizona Wilderness. Sangio Cerveza is a 51% beer 49% Wine hybrid with aged hops, fermented and matured in a french oak foeder on two tons of Sangiovese wine grapes from Dos Cabezas Wine Works. Its pretty awesome. We also learn a lot about Arizona wine, wine in general and the Monk himself. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 8/3/2018


In this episode co-host Chris Dodson and I sit down with Jamie Jarman, founder of Jarmans Craft Coffee. Jamie is known in the Arizona craft beer circle as a great guy who has great taste in beer. But coffee was his segway into beer and he is now turning his love for great coffee into a business. And let me tell you...he knows his stuff! I mean, a bourbon barrel aged coffee? Nuff said. Keep an eye out for his coffee and enjoy the show.



Publish Date: 8/1/2018


The first time I saw the name Black Bridge Brewery it was on tap at Craft 64 in Scottsdale. An Arizona brewery that I've never heard of with a wheat wine with an 14% ABV called Wicked Poison. Well with that ABV I HAVE to try it. And it was fantastic! Fast forward 1 year and I'm with my dude Orlando Martinez from Hangar 24 on our way to Lake Havasu. He tells me we have to stop at Black Bridge but tells me nothing more wanting me to draw my own conclusions. And the result was me being blown off my feet.

Many breweries do their best to be that neighborhood place. But the culture at Black Bridge combined with the semi-small town aspect of Kingman creates the perfect storm to allow Black Bridge to be that place more than any other brewery I’ve seen in Arizona. What was intended to be just a visit turned into me grabbing my gear from my car to get theres guys behind the mics. And they did not disappointed. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 7/30/2018


One of the first times I hung out with Keaton Arnlund, aka Brewz Traveler, he road up to Verde Valley with us to do our episode with Sinagua Malt. He brought his badass drone and the whole trip up we were geeking out about how awesome it was going to be to get drone footage of the Verde River and the farms where the barley was being grown. Long story short: 20 seconds into it maiden voyage Air Force Brewz hit a branch and sunk to the bottom of the river. I even offered to jump in to try to recover it but Keaton knew it was a lost cause. His laidback reaction (compared to what would have been my week long sulk) let me know that this dude was pretty cool.

In this episode I sit down with Keaton and his fiance Marissa to talk about how adventure brought them together as well as the adventure that lies ahead of them as they set out to travel across the country exploring the best of craft beer in the US. Be sure to follow along on their social media. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 7/27/2018


In this episode Erik Merkow and I sit down with Megan Greenwood of Greenwood Brewing. To her beer is more than just the best beverage of all time. Its a way for her to highlight all of the great accomplishments of women not just in the beer world but everywhere. Her first widely-available beer, a crisp refreshing and totally crushable pale ale called Herstory is all about that: sharing the stories of amazing women. I really enjoyed talking with Megan and can't wait to see where this all goes. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 7/23/2018


Rob Fullmer, the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, and the craft brewer guilds all across the country are the ones who fight for our right to party. Or just drink great craft beer. Either way its a pretty important job. In this conversation with Rob we talk about the upcoming ACBG events including the Real, Wild & Woody Beer Festival that occurs July 28th as well as all the other fun and exciting stuff he does. Enjoy the show! 



Publish Date: 7/20/2018


In this episode Scott Keys from Beers N Buddies joins me as my co-host. Not only is Scott a craft beer enthusiast but he is also a real life historian. Like, for real. And what a perfect co-host for this episode because we sit down to talk with Ed Sipos the author of "Brewing Arizona: A Century of Beer in the Grand Canyon State" to learn about....well, I think the title says it all. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 7/16/2018


In this episode I sit down with guest hosts Tamara Stanger and Erik Merkow to chat with Brett Vibber, owner and chef at Cartwrights Modern Cuisine. Brett is redefining what we think of as Arizona cuisine. Arizona is home to one of the most vibrant ecosystems on Earth and the amount of amazing food that this land provides will blow you away. Brett is teaching us all what Arizona cuisine actually is. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 7/13/2018


For over half of the 20th century Youngstown, Ohio was the place to be. The "Steel Valley" was one of the strongest cities in the "Industrial Heartland of North America". The removal of the steel industry in the 1960's and 1970's brought this city to its knees and its hasn't been able to stand up ever since. Since 1990 the city has lost nearly 30% of its population.

Over the years it has been in the national news but not for the right reasons. At different points over the past few decades it has been know to have the highest murder rate per capita in the US was well as the highest arson rate per capita. It was one of the last mafia strongholds in the US. One of the most highly regarded college football players of our era was a Youngstown boy. Maurice Clarett set the freshman rushing record at Ohio State and was the key piece to Ohio State winning a national championship in 2002. Debacle after debacle led to a high speed police chase in 2006 which resulted in Clarett being maced because the taser couldn't penetrate his Kevlar body armor. Oh, and police found two samurai swords, an AK-47 and 2 handguns in his car. Ummmm, what the hell were you gonna do Maurice?!?! TWO samurai swords?!?! Kevlar?!?! AK-47?!?!

And who can forget Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlick, the lanky but powerful middle weight content who KO'd the seemingly unbeatable Jermaine Taylor to gain the middle weight title in what was dubbed as the "Fight of the Year" in 2007. However, years of substance abuse and legal troubles caused this once prominent fighter to fall back into the shadow. Yep, Youngstown boy. 

As much struggle as Youngstown has had over the years I believe there is something that can help this city regain some of its prominence: craft beer. Craft beer distills down into 2 core elements: artistry and hard ass work. Youngstown Ohio has both. 

In the episode I sit down with my pal Brian Ford (my co-host in the now-defunct-but-hopefully-soon-reanimated Mixtape Podcast) to chat with Ira and Marcy Gerheart, founders of Noble Creature Cask House. Noble Creature was built from the bones of an old church right in the heart of Youngstown. These two LOVE Youngstown and are happy to do their part to bring some good vibes to this city that has dealt with enough heartbreak for a lifetime. If their creativity, determination, and blue-collar attitude is a sign of what craft beer will bring to Youngstown then I think we will see this great city rise to prominence once again. 

Enjoy the show!

 



Publish Date: 7/9/2018


This episode was recorded live at the AZ Food & Beer/AZ Food & Wine Pour Event at Scottsdale Beer Company. Jose Acevedo from the Finding Arizona Podcast and his lovely fiance Britt were the special guest hosts for this episode. We were very proud to help raise funds for Cortney's Place at this event. Thank you to all of the participants of this event including OHSO Distillery, Cider Corps, Page Springs Cellars, Oddity Wine Collective, artist Katie Kral, and musician Michael Maleckar. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 7/6/2018


On May 18th I was invited to a craft cocktail event at Adventurous Stills in Tempe. Joining Adventurous Stills was Iconic Cocktail Co. and AZ Bitters Labs to create one-of-a-kind cocktails. Joining me as co-host for this episode was Page, the host of Neatly on the Rocks podcast. If you haven't checked out her show do it now. This episode is a collection of the conversations we had with the people at this awesome event. Enjoy!



Publish Date: 7/2/2018


On May 19th I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Rhiba Farms Spring Fling Farmraiser Dinner to record a podcast. I mean, some of the best chefs in Arizona collaboraitng with one of the best breweries in the state with The Shop Beer Co.....you can't go wrong.

It started off with a bang by getting to talk with Chris Bianco but the cast of chefs was amazing and they were such great people. Enjoy the episode filled with conversations with some of the top food people in Arizona.



Publish Date: 6/25/2018


Since opening 5 years ago Tap & Bottle in Tucson has had a major impact on the craft beer scene. Aside from just being a badass craft beer bar/bottle shop Tap & Bottle has also collaborated with some prominent Arizona breweries including Arizona Wilderness and The Shop Beer Co. In this episode we talk with T& B owner Rebecca to discuss the journey of T & B as well as their 5 year anniversary party June 23rd and the collaboration beer they did to celebrate. Enjoy the show! 



Publish Date: 6/18/2018


In this episode I sit down with Alexander Benjamin Phillips IV and Dan Choiniere, founders of Stonecutters Industries. Stonecutters is responsible for the lovely annual BeerDior calendar and countless other amazing things. These guys have been the best of friends for years and are wealths of knowledge about beer. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 6/11/2018


In this episode I sit down with Alex Phillips from Grand Canyon Brewing Company. Its always great talking to Alex and having him on the show was a no brainer. And he didn't disappoint. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 6/4/2018


In this episode I sit down with Don Byus and Jason Rowe from Brass Tap - Gilbert to talk about their place along with the June 7th AZ Food and Beer/AZ food and Wine Taste-About in Downtown Gilbert. Erik Merkow joins as my co-host. Get to the event on June 7th! Enjoy the show.

Enjoy an amazing evening of fun and tastings at our first AZ Food and Wine and AZ Food and Beer Taste About in downtown Gilbert! Check-in will start at Brass Tap where you will receive your passes for the event and begin your taste-about adventure ( all within walking distance of each other). With over 11 participating restaurants and bars, also being the hottest restaurant real estate in the country, the night will continue as you walk from Brass Tap to Ohso, Barrio Queen, Lolo's Chicken and Waffles, Nico, Pomo's Pizzeria, Zin Burger, Sushi Brokers, Liberty Market, Peterson's Ice Cream, Oregano's, Dierk's Bentley Whiskey Row, and Snooze AM Eatery. Experience the evening in no particular order and at your leisure! In addition, there will be live music at various venues as well as live painting and art from AZ Food and Wine and AZ Food and Beer's very own artist Katia Von Kral (Art by KVK). Tickets include all tastings of food, wine, beer, and one raffle ticket for the possiblity to win the live painting by KVK! More raffle tickets will be available for purchase at check-in.



Publish Date: 6/2/2018


In this special Memorial Day episode we have the honor of featuring 2 military veterans on the show. Guest host Justin Cross from Earn Your Booze sits down to chat with Eli Crane a former Navy Seal about his company Bottle Breacher out of Tucson. If you haven't seen what Bottle Breacher does go check them out right now. And then enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 5/28/2018


On May 31st we will be enjoying our 2nd Pour Event. This one will be at Scottsdale Beer Company. Along with my co-host Erik Merkow we talk with Doug Ledger from Scottsdale Beer Co, Josh Duren from Cider Corps, and Jessica Evans from OHSO to discuss all the amazing things that will go on at the event as well as other AZ beverage related topics.

Join us for a night of food, craft beer, wine and spirit tasting with all Arizona purveyors. We'll have a number of beers, and wines along with some fantastic food. Enjoy the live music, art and podcast with Tap That AZ with 20% of the proceeds benefiting Courtneys Place Foundations



Publish Date: 5/25/2018


Show notes by the infamous Classy Alcoholic:

So many of the microbreweries in Tucson have made significant contributions to the hype and fame that’s defined the Arizona craft beer scene for the last half-decade. 1912 Brewing Co is a place that has been producing quality beer for a couple of years but has somehow managed to fly under the radar thus far. The locals love them and they’ve been on the lips (both figuratively and literally) of the few Phoenix beer enthusiasts who have made the trek down south to the Old Pueblo.

But they aren’t flying under the radar anymore. Because just a few weeks before this episode was recorded, 1912 Brewing was signed by an AZ distributor that is expanding their reach into every part of Arizona. 

The owner and head brewer of 1912, Alan Conger, is the guest on today’s episode. And instead if listening to the sweet, smooth voice of your regular host Eric Walters, this ep has been hijacked by Arizona’s #1 craft beer blogger: The Classy Alcoholic. 

Mr. Classy is the guest host today and his slurring, drunken fat voice will guide you through Alan’s story as he shares some experiences from his time in the Marine Corps, his struggles transitioning from a homebrewer to one of Arizona’s most prominent craft beer creators and his plans for the future of his business. 

Just a few days before this episode aired 1912 Brewing Company successfully canned three of their best beers and they’re currently available now wherever fine AZ beer is sold. 

So listen in and make sure to send us some good feedback on how well The Classy Alcoholic did hosting this episode. Seriously, he needs the self-esteem boost. His parents never told him they were proud. He’s sad. He’s so, so sad. 

The Classy Alcoholic Arizona’s #1 beer and wine blogger. theclassyalcoholic.net

Social media:

Facebook.com/theclassyalcoholic

Instagram.com/theclassyalcoholic

Twitter.com/brownanddrunk

Sent from my iPhone while drunk. 



Publish Date: 5/21/2018


What: Rhiba Farms Spring Fling Farmraiser Dinner When: Saturday, May 19th from 5pm until 8pm Where: Rhiba Farms, 40792 N Rattlesnake Ln, San Tan Valley AZ 85140Get Tickets HERE

What started off as a low voltage contracting business in Chandler is now home to a 3.3 acre urban farm known as Rhiba Farms. Noticing a void locally for wheatgrass the farm starting off with this simple crop to meet the demand across the valley for this popular health juice ingredient. The roster of crops have now grown to include aquaponic lettuce, an arrangement of fruits and vegetables, and free range chicken. Rather than bring the farm to their tables, six local chefs and a craft brewer are bringing the tables to the farm. James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Bianco headlines a fundraising dinner on Saturday, May 19 in support of RhibaFarms. Joining Bianco are Jason McGrath, Craig Plevack of Fire & Foraged, Sasha Raj of 24 Carrots, David Traina of Liberty Market, and Micah Wyzlic of Phoenix City Grille. Each course will be paired with brews from The Shop Beer Co.

The 3.3-acre San Tan Valley farm’s Food Rescue program fuels the desert soil to grow amazing products people don’t always associate with the climate. RhibaFarms provides the chefs and their restaurants with produce, wheatgrass, microgreens, mushrooms, eggs and flowers for the tables. In a true regenerative form of farming, the brewery also uses RhibaFarms ingredients for several of its brews and RhibaFarms uses The Shop’s spent grains for compost.

Guests will get to tour the farm for a first-hand look at just how much food a small urban farm can produce for the community, then sit at tables amongst the vegetable fields. Proceeds of the dinner will go toward additional infrastructure like greenhouses, aquaponics, mushroom boxes, worm and insect bins.

Chefs are creating dishes highlighting ingredients provided by RhibaFarms like an all-Arizona sourced risotto entrée from Chef Bianco that includes Sonoran White Wheat with blue oyster mushrooms and smoked tri-color beets with pickled RhibaFarm vegetables from Chef Wyzlic. The Shop is also brewing beers like a grapefruit sour and a red raspberry and currant fruit beer that will incorporate ingredients from the farm.

Guests are reminded the location is a working farm with no paved paths. With warm weather almost a certainty, people are encouraged to take the 60s and 70s Spring Fling theme to heart with tie-dye and flower child attire. The farm also asks guests to bring a flashlight and dinner plate for a uniquely Bohemian, vegetarian-based, family-style dinner. The courses will be paired with craft beer. Non-alcoholic beverages and simple wine options will be available as alternatives.

In addition to the dinner, there will also be a blind auction fundraiser where private dinners from the chefs and other goodies are up for grabs. Seating is limited. Tickets for the RhibaFarms Spring Fling are available online at RhibaFarms.com/collections.

Videos: RhibaFarms Overview:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FguzN-nwVk Food Rescue Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20THJfGpAFo

Social Media: @RhibaFarms @pizzeriabianco @fireandforaged @24carrots @libertymarket @phoenixcitygrille @theshopbeerco

#RhibaFarmsSpringFling



Publish Date: 5/17/2018


When I started this podcast in late 2017 my vision was much greater than just an Arizona local craft beverage podcast. From the beginning my goal was to continue add new elements (writing, photography, video, events, etc) to allow it to morph into something even better. In July of 2017 I was introduced to Erik Merkow, founder of AZ Food and Wine. With Eriks experience and our common ground on key personal and professional values I knew that we would become a force to be reckoned with. 

Fast forward to April 19th 2018 and there we stood in the beer garden of Helton Brewing Company 90 minutes before our first event as AZ Food and Beer (AZFAB for the cool kids). Nervous to see if anyone would actually show up. But they did. And it was a great time. Beer provided by Helton Brewing, Helio Basin Brewing and Goldwater Brewing. Food provided by Noble Bread and Helton compliments of chef Judd Cummings. Live music from the amazingly talented Kim Capria. A stunning live painting of Muhammed Ali by Katia Von Kral. And most importantly a group of amazing friends to share in this special occasion many of whom joined in for a moment or two in this episode.

My man Chris Dodson took over hosting duties for this episode and crushed it as usual. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 5/14/2018


In this episode I sit down with Drew and the ever-elusive Preston from Wren House Brewing Company. I profess my love for their beer and we talk about stuff. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 5/7/2018


Did you know that we have one of the top mead producers in the world right here in good old Arizona?!?! And it’s run by some amazing people. Today’s episode features the owners of Superstition Meadery. We were truly given the royal treatment for our visit and their world class hospitality is matched by world class craft beverages they produce. Enjoy the episode but also make the short trip to Prescott to see for yourself why this place is world renowned 🤘🏻🍯🍷



Publish Date: 4/30/2018


In this episode, guest host Chris Dodson got together, at The Shop Beer Company, with Marc Semler, Matt Trethewey and Greg Sorrels from the Beer Research Institute, and Jason Rowe from the Brass Tap to talk about Marc's Blue Pint Society. Enjoy the show!   Click to donate or learn more about the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation - https://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/    

Publish Date: 4/26/2018


In this episode Jesse Perry, aka Mr. Downtown Phoenix takes over hosting duties and hangs out with Phil the Grill from Trapp Haus BBQ along with Dustin from Helio Basin. Enjoy the show! 



Publish Date: 4/23/2018


In this episode I am joined by AZ Beer Jedi as my co-host. We talk to all the amazingly interesting people at Helton Beer School 6.0 including a guy who has jaw bone spurs on his shoes.

Huge shoutout to my man Chris Dodson who edits all my episodes. This one was quite a challenge as he to cut down about 2.5 hours of content. Chris, nice work!



Publish Date: 4/16/2018


Gentlemens Cigars are all about quality. Quality materials, quality rollers and quality company vision. In this episode I sit down with 3 of the 4 owners to discuss how their cigars are unlike any other cigars on the market. And trust me, these are some amazing cigars. Check out their website to get your hands on one. Enjoy the show!

 

 



Publish Date: 4/9/2018


In this episode we are joined by Erich Schultz Steadfast Farm and Chase Saraiva from Arizona Wilderness Brewing. We talk about how these 2 great local companies are playing their role in bringing agriculture, locally sourced food and locally sourced beer to the forefront of the Arizona food and beverage scene. 



Publish Date: 4/3/2018


If you have ever been to Helio Basin Brewing Co. (or had any of their canned beers) or Mother Bunch Brewing you have seen the beautiful artwork of Jesse Perry aka Mr. Downtown Phoenix. In this episode I sit down with Jesse along with Mother Bunch Brewer Omar and Jose Acevedo, host of the awesome local podcast, Finding Arizona. We talk to Jesse about his personal story and discuss how art and beer are going to be the key pieces to the rise of downtown Phoenix. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 3/26/2018


In this episode guest host Jesse Perry (Mr. Downtown Phoenix) and I sit down with owner Julie and brewer Omar from Mother Bunch Brewing Company. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 3/16/2018


Going into Strong Beer Fest I had a game plan. Kind of. One hour into it that game plan was gone. But I still had a mic and a recorder. So this happened...



Publish Date: 3/12/2018


Episode 2 finds the ladies once again in the taproom of The Shop Beer Co. where unsuspecting guests have the time of their life drinking some of the best double IPA's Arizona has to offer. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 3/5/2018


In this episode I am joined by my pal The Classy Alcoholic at Helton Beer School 5.0. We talk with the guests and participants alike and have a grand old time. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 2/26/2018


One day I was mindlessly scrolling through the Instagram suggested pictures/accounts like I sometimes do and I came across a picture that actually made me tap on it. Now I know it doesn’t sound like anything impressive but trust me it is. Unless it’s a picture of beer I rarely even slow down. But this picture captured my attention. It was a long wooden dinner table with smiling people lining each side enjoying each other’s company while waiting for what I assume will be an amazing meal. That in itself was great but the setting is what blew me away. This table was outdoors in an open desert landscape with beautiful mountains in the background. I had to know more so I clicked on the account and saw that it was based out of Arizona. At that moment I was determined to cover at least one of these dinners for the podcast.

I reached out to Cloth & Flame introducing myself and quickly heard back from owner Matt Cooley who seemed just as excited as me to do an episode. I let him know that the podcast is focused on Arizona beer so wanted to make sure I covered an event that included an Arizona brewery. A couple of months later it was announced that Cloth & Flame would be teaming up with Huss Brewing Company and Pig & Pickle would be the food side of things so I jumped at my chance. Game on!

This dinner was located in the Superstition Mountains. Like WAY out there. But when we finally got to the spot I saw why. This place was perfect highlighted by the serene mountain backdrop. The vibe was great and it started with the music. I made sure that Matt knew that his playlist was impressive so much so that I stalked him on Spotify to make sure I could set the same mood at my next dinner party. The long table not only looks cool but it also serves an importance purpose: to create an environment where people can get to know their neighbors. This combined with poor cell phone service was the perfect recipe for a great human experience.

Now let’s get to the food. Holy mother of all that is fantastic.  Pig & Pickle served 5 total courses and each was paired with a Huss beer. With each course someone from both Huss and Pig & Pickle would explain what we would be enjoying for that course and why they chose that.

Below is what we all got to enjoy:

Appetizer Housemade bratwurst on a pretzel bun with kimchi and mustard. Paired with Joppy Javalina Course 1 Smoked cod with crunchy stuff and pickle. Bloody Mary shooter. Paired with Scottsdale Blonde Course 2 Beer braised pork belly with bacon jam and radish salad. Paired with Alt Amber Course 3 Braised short rib with pastry leek, carrots, and peas au jus. Paired with Ro Sham Beau Double IPA Dessert Chocolate and raspberry crème pie with mesquite syrup and cacao nibs. Paired with Koffee Kolsch

Needless to say this was all amazing. Beer matches so well with food and these guys nailed it. While the food, beer and environment was amazing the best part was interacting with all of the people around you. The food is served family style and you are so close to everyone you have no choice but to interact and get to know your neighbors. Everyone left with new friends. When the evening was almost over they actually turned off all the lights and there we were, in the middle of the Sonoran Desert with no light pollution and the view of the stars was simply breathtaking. What an amazing way to end an always spectacular experience.

Do yourself a favor and follow Cloth & Flame so that you can find an event that allows you to experience what we did. I guarantee you will not have a second of regret.



Publish Date: 2/19/2018


In this episode I finally get to sit down with Tamara the multi awarding winning chef from from Basin and talk about the amazing food she rocks out of that kitchen. I am a huge fan of her food and an even bigger fan of her as a person. In this interview you'll see why. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 2/12/2018


In this episode I sit down with Craig and Judd from "Fire and Foraged", the mobile kitchen stationed at The Shop Beer Co. Awesome dudes making awesome food that goes great with some awesome beer. Enjoy the show! 



Publish Date: 2/5/2018


Ok, so I got bullied out of my own show this time. In the last episode I hung out with Mikel Anne from the Shop, Erin from Huss and Liz from Whining Pig to talk about the Women's Collaboration, Murder She Oats. But when we finished up they were having such a good time I just said “hey, keep it rolling!” So they did. And this episode is a result of that. I actually went back to the brewery talk with the boys from the shop while they did this so I didn’t even know what was going on but they created some magic with what we are going to call “Who Walks in the Door”. It happened so naturally that there was not much structure with it but it was awesome and I think the idea that spawned from it will result in some great future episodes. Moving forward the idea behind WWITD will be for the ladies to do some blind taste testing of Arizona beers with, well, who ever walks in the door. Really excited for this. These girls are awesome so enjoy episode 1 of WWITD. 



Publish Date: 1/30/2018


For the past 3 years the awesome women of the Arizona craft beer scene have been getting together to brew some beers of their own. The goal is to raise awareness for women in the industry as well as giving back to women in the communities of Arizona. This year they all got together and brewed a throwback IPA called Murder She Oats and even made an awesome t-shirt with Angela Lansbury on it. Keep an eye out for the beer for AZ Beer Week,

In this episode I sit down with Mikel Anne from The Shop Beer Co., Liz from the Whining Pig and Erin from Huss to discuss the 3rd annual Arizona Women's Brew.



Publish Date: 1/22/2018


In this episode we travel up the hill to Flagstaff to brew an Imperial Blueberry NEIPA with Dark Sky Brewing. After we brewed (and after drinking quite a few delicious Dark Sky beer) we sit down with Ryan and Nick from Dark Sky as well Liz from Whining Pig to talk about....well, pretty much everything. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 1/15/2018


I know that this may come as a shock to many people but water in the desert is not exactly abundant. I know, crazy talk. But its true. And thankfully we have guys like Chip Norton who are taking strides to ensure the proper steps are being taken to keep the natural water flowing. Oh yeah, and Chip loves beer. His desire to conserve the Verde River and his love of craft beer led him to get together with some like minded individuals and start Sinagua Malt. The purpose of Sinagua Malt is to help preserve the Verde River flow but an amazing byproduct of this is that Arizona breweries can now have access to Arizona-grown malt for their beers. Although they just started a couple of years ago and aren't even running at full capacity they are already seeing a major increase in the flow of the Verde River. In this episode we travel up to Camp Verde to hang out with Chip and hear the story behind Sinagua Malt. Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 1/8/2018


In this episode I sit down with Aaron Markus and Justin Cross to talk about how Tap That AZ came to be and whats in store for the future of the show. Enjoy! 

    Thanks to Goldwater Brewing Company for letting us use the Goldmine to tap this episode All video production and biggest shoutout goes to Aaron Markus from 8 AM Films for just being awesome and creating amazing work. Thanks to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together. Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!


Publish Date: 12/26/2017


In this episode along with co-host Chris Dodson I sit down with Noel Garcia, co-founder of 12 West. We talk about how his obsession for making quality beer and unconcerned approach to what some people may consider failure has helped 12 West become on of the hottest and most revered breweries in the state.  Enjoy the show!



Publish Date: 12/18/2017


In this episode I sit down with owners Matt and Greg and their brewer Colby. We talk about opening a place where they would want to go, making the type of beer they want to drink and attracting the type of people they would want to hang out with. So far so good. Enjoy the show!

 



Publish Date: 12/11/2017


In this episode I sit down with the head brewer from Pedal Haus Brewery in Tempe, Doc Osborne, and get educated on beer. Great conversation, really cool knowledgeable guy. Enjoy the show! 



Publish Date: 12/4/2017


Anyone who has even met Brian Helton knows that he is a huge advocate for education in the craft beer world. He has done many types of classes including pairings food with beer as well as sensory classes to help you become a better beer taster. This also includes Beer School which is basically a handful of breweries getting together to put on mini crash to help educate people in different areas of craft beer.  Plus you get some sweet swag, get to taste awesome beers and meet some of the best people in the world. In case you haven't heard, craft beer people are the most awesome people in the world.

We were lucky enough to be invited to cover this event and there was no way we were going to turn that down. It was great talking with everyone from people within the Arizona craft beer industry to home brewers looking to improve their craft to straight up beer enthusiasts. 

All but the first four pic compliments of Virginia from Virgin Adventures

Big thanks to the participating breweries:

Video Production and most specialist  shout out goes to Aaron Markus from 8 AM Films for just being awesome and creating amazing work.

Special shout out to Marc Semler for being the man to put all this together and pretty much playing cat rustler during the whole event. Nice work buddy.

Another shout out to Chris Dodson for his awesome production/editing work to help put the audio side of the episodes together.

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 11/27/2017


From day one Gabo Fayuca and Helio Basin Brewing Company has been great supports of this podcast. So awesome to see them putting together this awesome event of November 22nd to benefit Phoenix Childrens Hospital. Great beer, great music, and all for a great cause. In this episode I sit down with Dustin from Helio and Gabo to discuss the festival. Always a blast hanging out with these guys. Free admission so make sure you get there.

Fayuca Rizing Xtra Pale Ale's first Beer Fest

Presented by Bravo - Tip or PayStir It Up Records & Productions and Helio Basin Brewing Co. Festival de Beer y Musica is a free music and beer fest hosting 9 bands on 2 stages, food, vendors, family activities and ice cold beer!!Wednesday, November 22 at 4 PM - 10 PM

FREE - All Ages

Helio Basin Brewing Company - 3935 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018

Ticket Information BAND SCHEDULE:  BEN ANDERSON 4:00PM FAIRY BONES 4:30PM A.C RIGZ 5:00PM JAM NOW 5:30 HALEY GREEN 6:00PM THE BANTER 6:30PM BEAR GHOST 7:15PM FAYUCA 8:15PM info:  www.fayucabeer.com



Publish Date: 11/20/2017


I have a secret to tell you. I’ve never told anyone this before. I really enjoy beer. I know. Shocking. But I wasn’t always a beer drinker. In my early years I was surrounded by the likes of Genesee and Natural Light so on nights out I would usually opt for a Jack and Coke even though I wasn’t a huge fan of pop (as we called soda in the Midwest). But hey, I had to drink SOMETHING. Then I moved to Arizona and my life changed. In many positive ways. But in the category of alcohol consumption for the purpose of this article. I was first turned on to craft beer which I quickly feel in love with. My love affair with quality spirits was a much longer courtship.

The first taste of Scotch I even had was a 15 year Highland Park that my father in law bought to share with a group of us for Christmas. There were about 8 of us and we each got a pour to taste, contemplate and discuss. The first sip immediately triggered my inner dialogue to respond with “Spit it out! Now! You have just ingested some sort of handcrafted black-market Mongolian cleaning solvent!”. Luckily I had the self-control to NOT spit it out on the table and avoid embarrassment despite my strong desire to do exactly that. Now my mind was racing (“This sip was less than 10% of the total volume of liquid still left in my glass. I can’t keep this up. What do I do?!?!” So I did what I have done for years to get out of anything that I HAD to do: I closed my eyes, said 3 Hail Mary’s and threw it back like an old-school Slick Rick album. Damn, that wasn’t so bad. And now it’s over. But then they get to me in the roundtable discussion. 

Them: “So what do you think?”

Me: “Of what?”

Them: “Of the Scotch”

Me: “Oh. Yeah. It was good. REAL good”

Them: “WAS?!? You drank it already?!?!”

At this point I had no choice but to confess I drank my portion of this $90/bottle Scotch in less than 2 seconds like it was a $3 Flaming Dr. Pepper to get amped up for the Limp Bizkit concern. Needless to say they gave me flack for that for a long time. But they also never gave up on me. Every time we all got together someone would buy a bottle of good whiskey and we’d all taste it. And my palate developed quite nicely. Now there are times where I enjoy a good whiskey more than a beer. Not often. But occasionally. Why? You got some of the good stuff?

So anyways, since starting this podcast I have ventured off the beer path a few times to check out some of the awesome spirits being made in this great state with my visit to Hamilton Distillers and Arizona Distilling Company. Not too long ago Chase from Adventurous Stills reached out and invited us over to check out their place in Tempe. I had heard some great things about their products before going there so was excited to check it out but was even more blown away once we go there. The fact that pretty much everything they use is hand made is amazing in itself but their spirits were REALLY good.

In this episode I sit down with 2 of the 3 owners, Chase and Kelly, to talk about the challenges they face selling top-shelf spirits and how the water is Tempe is perfect for making spirits. Enjoy the show!

Adventurous Stills is located at 31 S Robson Suite 103, Mesa, AZ 85210

Adventurous Stills on Facebook

Adventurous Stills on Instagram

Video Production done by Aaron Markus from 8 AM Films

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 11/13/2017


For most of my beer drinkers out there when we hear “cider” we respond with “Oh yeah, my wife loves those”. For many of us cider is just too sweet or tart and usually just too weak. We want a little kick with our drinks especially for us hop heads whose smiles get bigger as the ABV’s go up. So when my buddy Stefan, aka AZ Beer Jedi, said “hey, there is a cider house opening in Mesa soon” I was like “cool” but also secretly thinking “ok, I’ll probably never go there”. But also in the back of my mind I know that Stefan is a man of good taste so I hadn’t TOTALLY eliminated all chances of ever going. There was still a small thread of interest. Then I read the story behind Cider Corps. Jason Duren had been stationed in Afghanistan and suffered 2 traumatic brain injuries caused by 2 separate IED explosions in late 2012. When he returned home the adjustment was very difficult and a doctor recommended that he take up a hobby to help in the rehabilitation process. His brother Josh also wanted to do what he could to help his brother. The two decided to make cider. At first it didn’t go well. At all. The first batch went right down the drain. But over time they dug so deep into this that they started to understand just more than adding ingredients together. They understood the science behind what was happening. This in-depth understanding helped to catapult them to a level where now there is a waiting list for restaurants around the state to have their cider on tap. Ok Stefan, I GUESS I’ll check it out.

I was super stoked to meet these guys and try this cider. And it did not disappointment. They had 6 different kinds including a pumpkin pie cider, a cold brew coffee cider and my favorite, Dead End Kettle Sour IPA. Yeah, you heard that all right. And all of them were amazing. And to hear the story straight from them? Even better. Just a couple of awesome guys doing great things. Their slogan is “Enjoy Great Cider, Honor Great Sacrifice” and they live by that. The taproom is full of military-related items including a HUGE flag that hangs and hand grenade tap handles. Even the bar top that are putting in will be made out of purple heart wood as a homage to Jason’s Purple Heart which they plan to embed into the bar top as well. Overall, one of my favorite interviews so far. Looking forward to seeing what these guys do.

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 11/11/2017


My very first experience with Arizona craft beer was Railhead Red at Beaver Street Brewery. It changed my life. For better and worse. I now know what good beer tastes like. But I also gained a few pounds. Well worth it. After hitting up Beaver Street periodically over the next year or so II was super excited when word came out that they were expanding and opening a new bigger brewery and restaurant which became what is now Lumberyard Brewing Company. Owners of what is quite possibly the best patio view in downtown Flagstaff Lumberyard has become an oasis of freshly made craft beer and amazing food. 

In fact, another life-changing experience happened to me right on that very patio. I’m a huge fan of BBQ pulled pork. Hands down one of my favorite foods of all time. I also love mac n cheese because I’m an American. Seriously, you show me an American who doesn’t like mac n cheese and I’ll show you a terrorist. Well anyways, I’m looking over the menu and suddenly a single  beam of light shone from the heavens with the sound of angels singing their heavenly tune filled my ears. I followed the shining heaven beam directly to the bottom corner of the menu and quickly realized the purpose of this beam: baked mac n cheese. Ok, you have my attention. But what fell slightly below is what really blew me away: “Don’t forget to include one of our add-ons” and on THAT list I quickly shuffled past everything and saw BBQ pulled pork. Done. Deal. I didn’t even look at the rest of the menu which is rare. My normal process is to narrow it down to about 4 things and then experience self-induced anxiety before making a decision that I immediately regret and dwell on for days. Not this time. I nailed it. And to top it off it was even better than I imagined it would be. So good that I think about that dish at least once a week and that was over 6 years ago! I have also not been able to eat mac n cheese without BBQ sauce ever since. 

Oh yeah, guess what?! They have beer too. Really good beer.The Knotty Pine Pale is one of my go-to Arizona pale ales and their Red Ale is stellar as well. I’m a sucker for reds and Lumberyards red is fantastic. They even started a single hop series which I love. I want to know what each hop tastes like so that I know what to look for when making future selections. These guys have won awards. Like, the big kind. Not the “Most Shotgunned Beer at Glenns Bachelor Party” kind of awards. I’m talking Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal type of stuff. They know what they’re doing.

In this episode I sit down with Ken Wilson the sales manager at Lumberyard and an overall beer expert. Ken is also the president of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild. Needless to say Ken knows his beer. We recorded this episode during the can release of “This Side Up”, the collaboration between The Shop, Dark Sky, and Helton so things escalated from a sound perspective really quickly. This was a misjudgment on my part but hey, you live and learn right. Anyways, Ken and I have a plan of doing a mini-series about the business of beer so you’ll be hearing more from him in the future. Enjoy the show! 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 11/6/2017


Justin Cross is a great episode to the podcast. We are following him on his journey to opening up his own brewery here in Arizona in a mini-series called "Somethings Brewing" (listen to part 1 and part 2 so far). As much as Justin is passionate about beer he is possibly equally as passionate about fitness. So Justin did what many before him did. He thought "Hmmm. Fitness and beer. They go together like.....well, fitness and beer". When he first presented his theory to me I thought "This poor fellas needs to tighten up his technique on skull crushers and not take it so literally". But then he explained it. And it made sense. You don't have to choose one or the other. You can really have both. Its all about balance. Another guy with the same idea and Justin's good friend Elliott aka Apartment Bartender together came up with the idea of Earn Your Booze, a philosophy about having that balance and making sure you earn those drinks by kicking butt by getting some sort of exercise in.

This concept has caught fire and finds the guys shipping t-shirts across the world. And now, they have their first event coming up this Saturday November 4th at Scottsdale Beer Company. The event is going to be a prime example of earning your booze. Rush Club is going to be putting on an awesome workout and competitions while The Viking from Peak Nutrition is going to be laying down some knowledge on how to make good choices while still enjoying yourself when out for some drinks. And you can even get a tour of the brewery and enjoy one of their many awesome beers. And we will be there as well. Aaron will be shooting video and Eric will be participating in the workout. For about 4 minutes. Before throwing up and passing out. It's gonna be awesome. 

Click HERE for full event details 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band called Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback! 



Publish Date: 10/31/2017


When Rob from North Mountain Brewing Company toured Europe as a young man it showed how that beer can be really good. That trip and his desire to do something different has inspired him to create certain styles that not many breweries try to tackle such as Belgian Strong Ales, Belgian Quads, and Saisons. And he nails them. And their food is awesome so so that never hurts. The food is deliberately made with the beer in mind. 

Official Tap That AZ Recommendations:

    Beer - Belay Double IPA Food - Asian Pulled Pork Sliders

North Mountain Brewing Company: 22 E Dunlap Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020

Video content created by 8am Films

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 10/30/2017


In this episode I sit down with Steve McFate, owner of McFate Brewing Company. We talk about how a leap of faith propelled him into a career in craft beer and we talk about how every neighborhood should have its own brewery. Since starting this podcast I have wanted Steve to be a guest and really enjoyed our conversation. Enjoy the show!

South Location/Brewery - 1312 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

North Location/Tap & Barrel - 7337 E Shea Blvd #105, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 10/23/2017


Since it opened its doors in 2015 Goldwater Brewing Company has hit the ground running. Spawned from their dads passion for brewing Dillon and Chad McClelland have turned this Scottsdale brewery into the place to be in Old Town Scottsdale. Above ground there is a beautiful taproom and brewery that pumps out more beer than you could ever imagine from the space given.  But the real gem is The Goldmine: a former underground shooting range that houses barrels currently aging some future awesomeness ad well as a few Brite Tanks laying horizontally in some of the 75 deep wholes previously used as the firing areas of the shooting range. Yeah, you heard that right. This place is unlike anything you've ever seen and these guys maximize its uniqueness. 

These guys are killing it and a recent Bronze metal at the Great American Beer Festival for their Machine Gun Teddy Brown Ale proves it. In this episode I sit down with Dillon, Chad, and assistant brewer Jordan to talk about how their dad influenced their beer styles, how Chad made them better, and how they are able to pump out such great beer in a limited space. Enjoy the show!

AZ Food and Beer - all about Arizona Beer - Official Website

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 10/16/2017


Arizona is a food lovers paradise. Everything from authentic Mexican food to some of the best pizza in the country we are so lucky to have so many choices. But sometimes that can be the program. How do you decide when give so many options? Do you want to rely on the opinions of many unqualified people who mainly just use the platform to feel more important than they really are? Yes, I'm talking about Yelp. I think South Park summed that whole thing up pretty well. Enter Valley of the Sun Foodies, a small yet passionate group of people who love supporting the local Arizona foodie scene. They use their Facebook page to promote positive support of the local scene.

When I recorded my very first episode at Mother Road Brewing Company in Flagstaff I met a gentleman by the name of Brian Roper. He was super excited about what I was doing and let me know that he also loves supporting the local scene and told me about a group her just started called Valley of the Sun Foodies. Since then Brian has been an awesome supporter of the podcast and has done a lot to help me make many great connections. It took a little convincing to get him behind the mic but I finally did it! Fellow Valley of the Sun Foodie Tracey joined in as well along with The Classy Alcoholic

Keep in mind this was the 5th episode I had recorded that day at Mesquite River Brewing Company so it is possible that I was slightly buzzed at this point. Either way, we had a great time. Enjoy the show! 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 10/9/2017


Big thanks to my man Stefan Canchola, aka AZ Beer Jedi for joining me in this episode, providing the pics and for the following write-up.

In beautiful and luxurious Scottsdale Arizona you will find a wonderful playground of attractions and delights to satisfy any taste or craving, from world class restaurants, resorts, shopping and entertainment, but did you know you will also find the best craft beer in all the state, literally.

Tucked safely in the heart of what is known as "Old Town" you will find the 2nd oldest house in the area. Built in 1937, 6922 E Main St had only been home to a few businesses but for the most part had been neglected and abandoned and anyone wanting to use the location definitely had their work cut out for them.

Opening it's doors on Saturday March 7, 2015, Craft 64 hit the ground running as a force to be reckoned with not just in the craft beer community but as a destination spot for locals and tourists looking for a great place for a quality drink, out of this world pizza and a great atmosphere with a sole focus on what is arguably one of the most important thing to foodies and beverage seekers, local first and locally sourced.

The Beer:

All Arizona, All the time!

Featuring 31 handles, here you will find beer from all over Arizona, and especially from places you didn't realize had a brewery, Yuma? Kingman? If it's in Arizona they probably will get a keg of it.

This is the perfect place for locals because if driving to Lochiel Brewing in the far east valley or 8-Bit on the far Westside is too much of a chore, Craft 64 is conveniently located right in the middle.

House Beers:

Yes they brew their own beer but not on site. In a partnership that's been extremely successful Craft 64 has been contract brewing with SunUp Brewing of Phoenix and has collaborated with Dubina Brewing of Glendale on their incredible Mango Sour to which I'll say is basically a perfect beer. In regards to the house beers it's something I've said every time I've tried one of them for the first time, they know what their doing, who they're brewing for and they do it very well!

The food:

No Freezers, no fryers, no microwaves and no gas, see where I'm going with this? Just say no to no quality. Ingredients from pizza dough, mozzarella, pizza sauce, salad dressing are all made fresh daily. Tomatoes and that amazing crack bacon are all locally sourced and the marriage of these treasures are brought together in a pizza oven that comes straight from Italy powered by pecan wood

On most days when you visit you will find behind the bar working like a general to keep things smooth and flowing, local craft beer hero James Swann, a self described beer enthusiast and recovering beer snob. Swann has a storied and accomplished history in helping grow the love for craft beer in the Phoenix area. When asked about his experience and contribution to the scene he remains extremely humble and grateful to those whom he's credited learning from and allowed him to run with his ideas.

You owe it to yourself to check out what is being celebrated on a regular basis by the likes of Phoenix Magazine, USA Today, local news networks and social media as one of if not the best restaurants and beer bars in Arizona.

ENJOY!!! ~ AZ Beer Jedi

Craft 64 Website

Follow AZ Beer Jedi on his Facebook page

Follow the AZ Food & Beer Facebook page...full website coming in October! 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by the awesome local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 10/2/2017


This is the 2nd installment of us following Justin on his journey to opening up a brewery here in Arizona. 

Grab your favorite local Arizona beer and enjoy the show!

Instagram - @the_alpha_ale

The Global Brew Coalition Facebook Page

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by an awesome local Arizona band called Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback! 



Publish Date: 9/25/2017


This is the 2nd installment of us following Justin on his journey to opening up a brewery here in Arizona. 

Grab your favorite local Arizona beer and enjoy the show!

Instagram - @the_alpha_ale

The Global Brew Coalition Facebook Page

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by an awesome local Arizona band called Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback! 



Publish Date: 9/25/2017


You travel up the hill from Phoenix about two hours north and you'll find Nick and Ryan from Dark Sky Brewing Company doing....well, pretty much whatever the hell they want. For three years now these two have said "suck it" to what is expected out of a new brewery and forged their own path. And we thank them for that. In this episode I sit down with these dudes in one of my favorite interviews so far. Enjoy the show!

The Official Tap That AZ beer suggestion: Blood of My Enemys

Listen in on the Dark Sky Brewing Company's podcast here

More info on the AZ Food & Wine "Pour" event at Torch Cigar Bar here

Follow the AZ Food & Beer Facebook page...full website coming in October! 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!



Publish Date: 9/18/2017


In this episode I sit down with Fred and Carl, owners of Mesquite River Brewing Company

We talk about retirement plans and great beer. Enjoy the show!

My Beer Suggestion: Bubblin' Crude Stout

Check out the AZ Pure Brew Challenge website here 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band called Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback! 



Publish Date: 9/11/2017


In this very NSFW episode I hang out with the legendary and infamous Classy Alcoholic, Arizona beer blogger extraordinaire. Check out his website here

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band called Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback! 



Publish Date: 9/4/2017


In this episode I sit down with Jeff, Leah, and Chip from Huss Brewing Company. These guys have been a key part of the Arizona craft scene for years. They are all about Arizona craft beer and making the best beer they can. And they do it amazingly! Enjoy the show! 



Publish Date: 8/28/2017


Since my first taste of Railhead Red at Beaver Street Brewery in Flagstaff I was hooked on Arizona craft beer. My wife? I'm still working on her. She has some of her local favorites like Huss Koffee Kolsch, Sonoran Brewing White Chocolate Ale, and Papago Orange Blossom but for the most part she's a work in progress. Don't get me wrong she is progressing at a rapid pace and I'm proud of her progress. But usually our ventures out involve something similar to this “let's go to Brewery X so you can have a couple beers and then we'll go to Restaurant X to get something to eat.” A very reasonable request and a win-win. But I always worried that the beer choice at this so-called "food" place would be, at best, questionable. 

Then we found Scottsdale Beer Company. I think the plan was "lets go have a couple beers there and then go eat at the new restaurant that was built in an old horse stable where you pick all your own vegetables from the stem yourself and then have it prepared using only sunlight and wind and then served on an copper hubcap". Hey, I love the new movement of farm-to-table restaurants that use nothing but the best local ingredients. But some go a little overboard. ANYWAYS.....on this day, everything changed. First of all, four words: giant bacon cheddar tots. If you can't tell from this episode I really love these little pieces of heaven. And Doug gave me a little pointer: order them "staff style" which basically means that are threes times as awesome. I don't really remember what was special about them "staff style because I was too busy devouring them. And wings cooked three times (actually four)? Brined, smoked, fried, grilled, and THEN sauced? Hell yeah! 

And guess what else they have......BEER! I should say AWESOME beer. Brad is a wizard behind that glass. When I first got there I told him to bring me a couple of his choosing to start off with. Be brought me a sour and a mint saison. Besides horseradish mint is my least favorite flavor and I am not a huge fan of sours (though they are growing on me). I thought "damn it. I should have told him what I wanted." But I'm glad I didn't! Both were fantastic and the mint saison was one of my favorites of all their beers. Go there. Try them all. They always have a huge selection. You won't be disappointed. 

My food suggestion: Guess.....GIANT BACON CHEDDAR TOTS STAFF-STYLE!!!

My beer suggestion: Mint Condition Saison 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band called Fayuca

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Publish Date: 8/21/2017


The first time I saw Fayuca was at McDowell Mountain Music Festival in 2012. In between shows on the main stage we noticed a flock of people gravitating to the corner of the festival toward the local stage. As we got closer we could feel the energy of the crowd feeding off of this 3 piece band who was just killing it. Fronted by a charismatic singer/guitarist this band instantly won me over.

The 2nd time I saw them was a few years later. By then they had grown to a 5 piece band but that same  raw energy existed, and now even more so. They had grown from a raw kick ass local band to this polished amazing band that was on the path to greatness. When I started the Tap That AZ podcast I wanted intro music that meant something to Arizona. I had zero questions about where I wanted to get that music from and luckily lead singer/guitarist/founder Gabo was more than happy to allow me to use their song "La Negra Tomasa" as my theme music.

I've been following Fayuca throughout the years and when I heard they were collaborating with Helio Basin Brewing Company I was ecstatic: my favorite local band (actually one of my favorites period) and one of my favorite breweries working together. Can't beat that. And then when they reached out and asked me to be a part of it? Hell yeah! No brainer!

In this episode we talk with Gabo, his business partner BJ of "Made in Phx" and Helio Basin brewer Dustin to talk about the collaboration and Fayucas upcoming tour in which they'll play 16 shows in 22 days.

On August 24th there will be a launch party for the beer at Helio Basin Brewing Company. In addition to the "Fayuca Rizing Summer Pale Ale" release there will also be live music and awesome merch. Come to the party! It will be awesome.

Enjoy the show! 

 



Publish Date: 8/14/2017


In this episode I sit down with Jason from Arizona Distilling Company in Tempe. This distillery is making amazing spirits out here in the desert and I was lucky enough to sample most of them. I was not upset about that. And their stuff is GREAT! Gin straight up? Not my normal "go-to" drink but man, their gin is amazing. I'd drink it every day on the rocks and life would be good. But they have other stuff too. And you should try it all. Enjoy the show!

My suggestion: try the Commerce Gin straight up

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band called Fayuca

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Publish Date: 8/7/2017


Helio Basin Brewing Company has go it going on! Coming up on August 12 they celebrate their 1 Year Anniversary. Make sure you get there because they are having a PAR-TAY!!!  They'll have a pig roast, a special anniversary beer and a re-release of many of their most popular seasonals. Click on this link to check out more details. 

A key angle (literally) of the "Bermuda Phoenix" triangle (along with Wren House and Helton) Helio Basin is quickly making a name for themselves in both the AZ craft beer scene as well as the AZ culinary scene. They were recently ranked as one of the top new breweries in the country by both Beer Advocate and Travel + Leisure. Head into their place and you'll see why.

  Owners Dustin and Mike started their brewing careers as college buddies and even had their college fund their brew sessions! In college I was drinking Red Dog and these guys were brewing up their own craft beer. What the heck was I doing?!?!   I love beer. LOVE it. But I may actually love food even more. Probably because I consume food more than I consume beer. Which is a good thing. I think. Is it? Anyways, the food at Helio Basin is UNREAL thanks to chef Tamara Stanger. She has a true commitment to using as many local ingredients as she can and isn't afraid to do a little foraging to get the ingredients she needs to make some of the amazing things that she makes.   I have such faith in everything she does that when I went there to interview them I told her to make me whatever she wanted. There is only one food that I don't like (horseradish) but I told her that I would even eat that if she made something that had that in it. Luckily it didn't. I mean I trust her but horseradish is the Genghis Khan of food: it destroys and pillages everything around it. But she made me ceviche. I'd never had that before but I would vote it the best in the world. Where can I submit my ballot?   Get down to their place on the southwest corner of Indian school and 40th street. Drink all of their amazing beer and have Tamara make you something. Anything. Trust me.   My beer of choice: Hoppy Amber My eats of choice: Anything. And everything

Publish Date: 7/31/2017


The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild has been around for nearly 20 years. In a nutshell the organization does all that it can to promote and advance the progress of the Arizona craft beer scene. After talking with Executive Director Rob Fullmer and Communications Manager Paul Rosevear I now realize how much this amazing organization actually does on a daily basis not only for Arizona craft beer but the state of Arizona in general.

Among the many duties of The Guild is to organization and put on some of the best beer festivals in the country right here in our beautiful state. One of these events will be this Saturday, July 29th. Real Wild and Woody is geared to knock your socks off. In a responsible way. I mean, they’re going to have REAL trees there. And it’s inside! This event is going to be awesome: live music, vintage video games, educational stuff, amazing food, and most importantly, amazing beer. I am super bummed that I am not going to be there but make sure you drink some beers in my honor. I'll be having a real tough time staying at a beach house in Maine enjoying some of the best beers the east coast has to offer. Someone has to do it. Taking one for the team. You’re welcome.

From the "Real Wild and Woody" website

Beer aficionados , clear your calendars…the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild will be expanding  Real, Wild and Woody Part Tres, a one day only, exclusive indoor craft beer festival designed for those who love the variety and diversity of the Strong Beer Festival, but perhaps crave a more intimate setting. Get ready for more pre and post events, educational seminars and an insiders look at the industry.

Buy Tickets - First 500 people to purchase tickets will receive a special limited edition “30 years of brewing in Arizona” glass.

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band called Fayuca

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Publish Date: 7/26/2017


Through my journey of visiting and talking with some of my favorite breweries across the state of Arizona I have learned many things:

    I actually DO like sour beers I can drink about 12 tasters and 1 pint during a podcast interview I should NOT drink about 12 tasters and 1 pint during a podcast interview And finally, opening up a brewery is HARD WORK!

If you are lucky enough to see them in action while you are visiting you can easily see that these guys and girls are busting their butts while at the same time sweating their butts off in their effort to make you the best damn beer you've ever tasted. But making beer is only a small portion of that. First you have to choose a name. Easy enough, right? Not so much. Just ask Steve McFate. Once you have a name then you have to either build or redesign your space to accommodate a commercial brewery. And many of these people are doing the work all themselves. So after working a normal shift at their regular job they are spending hours afterwards putting in the blood and sweat to literally build their dream (listen to the Crooked Tooth episode to hear Ben Vernon talk about this). The list goes on an on. And THEN you get to opening day which in actually when the REAL work begins: staying open and successful. Through this show is have developed the utmost respect for the dudes and dudettes who work so hard to play their part in what I consider one of the coolest sections of society: the craft beer world.

With that said I developed this idea to interview someone through their path toward opening a brewery so that listeners can get an idea of how the whole process works and help this aspiring brewery owner gain a following so that anticipation build and opening day brings a lot of excitement. 

Enter Justin Cross. The Man of Many Projects. Fitness Beast. Home Brew Wizard. I initially connected with Justin via his Instagram @the_alpha_ale. Justin allows his followers to see very step of his process and is great at explaining the whole process simply so that anyone can understand. and he makes amazing beer. After hanging out with Justin a few times in the real world I realized that this dude is determined and is working his butt off to make his dream happen. And he is doing it the right way: by being a good person and work to improve the lives of others.

Through this miniseries we are going to follow Justin on his journey toward opening up his brewery. In Part 1 we are going to get a little back history with his experience in the brewing world as well as the "why" behind what he is doing.

Grab your favorite local Arizona craft beer and enjoy the show!

Instagram - @the_alpha_ale

The Global Brew Coalition Facebook Page

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band called Fayuca

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Publish Date: 7/24/2017


Through my journey of visiting and talking with some of my favorite breweries across the state of Arizona I have learned many things:

    I actually DO like sour beers I can drink about 12 tasters and 1 pint during a podcast interview I should NOT drink about 12 tasters and 1 pint during a podcast interview And finally, opening up a brewery is HARD WORK!

If you are lucky enough to see them in action while you are visiting you can easily see that these guys and girls are busting their butts while at the same time sweating their butts off in their effort to make you the best damn beer you've ever tasted. But making beer is only a small portion of that. First you have to choose a name. Easy enough, right? Not so much. Just ask Steve McFate. Once you have a name then you have to either build or redesign your space to accommodate a commercial brewery. And many of these people are doing the work all themselves. So after working a normal shift at their regular job they are spending hours afterwards putting in the blood and sweat to literally build their dream (listen to the Crooked Tooth episode to hear Ben Vernon talk about this). The list goes on an on. And THEN you get to opening day which in actually when the REAL work begins: staying open and successful. Through this show is have developed the utmost respect for the dudes and dudettes who work so hard to play their part in what I consider one of the coolest sections of society: the craft beer world.

With that said I developed this idea to interview someone through their path toward opening a brewery so that listeners can get an idea of how the whole process works and help this aspiring brewery owner gain a following so that anticipation build and opening day brings a lot of excitement. 

Enter Justin Cross. The Man of Many Projects. Fitness Beast. Home Brew Wizard. I initially connected with Justin via his Instagram @the_alpha_ale. Justin allows his followers to see very step of his process and is great at explaining the whole process simply so that anyone can understand. and he makes amazing beer. After hanging out with Justin a few times in the real world I realized that this dude is determined and is working his butt off to make his dream happen. And he is doing it the right way: by being a good person and work to improve the lives of others.

Through this miniseries we are going to follow Justin on his journey toward opening up his brewery. In Part 1 we are going to get a little back history with his experience in the brewing world as well as the "why" behind what he is doing.

Grab your favorite local Arizona craft beer and enjoy the show!

Instagram - @the_alpha_ale

The Global Brew Coalition Facebook Page

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band called Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback! 



Publish Date: 7/24/2017


In this installment of the podcast I head over to Peoria to hang out with 2 of the owners of Freak'N Brewing Company, Tommy and Rene, along with their sales rep Phil. I taste all of their awesome freak'n beers and we talk about all kinds of freak'n things. Enjoy the show and be sure to share with a friend!

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band called Fayuca

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Publish Date: 7/17/2017


In this episode I sit down with Jacob and Laura Hansen, owners of Saddle Mountain Brewing Company in Goodyear. A pal of mine Luis Herrera who also happens to be the Beer Ambassador for SMBC even joins us near the end of the episode. Up until they opened up SMBC there were no breweries in Goodyear. With a little tenacity and help from an awesome member of the city council they were finally able to make history. In this episode we talk about their journey and how this city council member now has a beer named after him at the brewery. Enjoy the show! 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band called Fayuca

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Publish Date: 7/10/2017


The best thing about Whiskey Del Bac from Hamilton Distillers is, well, the taste. So thats a good start right? For those of you who like smokey whiskey this one is a must-try.  I guarantee you it's unlike anything you'd tasted before. If you could drink brisket this is what it would taste like. And thats a good thing.  In fact just recently Whiskey Del Bac was named one of the top 10 whiskeys in America by Esquire magazine. And it deserves it. Another great thing about it is that you can find it pretty much anywhere but to find out more specifically look here. Next time you're out looking for a high quality whiskey to try this one will be worth every penny. 

For this episode I went right to the distillery and got to hang out with the man himself: owner/distiller Stephen Paul. We talked whiskey, tasted whiskey, and had a good old time just hanging out. Stephen is all about creating a great product and his passion for what he does really shined in this episode. Enjoy the show! 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band called Fayuca

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Publish Date: 6/26/2017


I had a great time doing this episode at Richter Aleworks. Brandon, April, and Wes were great hosts and l loved hearing their story and their determination to open this place up. One obstacle after another has hit them but they keep hitting back. In fact, at the release of this episode they should be releasing their first house-made beer. Keep an eye on their Instagram and Facebook pages to keep tabs on that. Either way get on over there. Awesome people with an awesome Arizona beer selection. Once these guys getting rolling on all their own beers I have a feeling there are going to change the game. Enjoy the show! 

8279 W. Lake Pleasant Parkway Suites 109-110 Peoria, AZ 85383  Phone: (602) 908-6553  Email: info@richteraleworks.com 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by a local Arizona band called Fayuca

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Publish Date: 6/12/2017


Growing up in a small town in Ohio my experience with beer was nothing like what I have available to me now. To me drinking craft beer meant drinking Killians. That was some off-the-wall behavior back in my day. Pulling into the traditional annual summer Steve Miller Band concert at Starlake Amphitheater my friends and I proudly displayed our coolers full of Natty Light and Buttweiser. Jesus, how did we ever make it out of life alive?!?! Now granted, there is a proper time and place for every beer and what exemplifies a classic tune like "Take the Money & Run" quite like an ice cold Natty Light? Your not rocking out to that with a $15 bottle of Firestone Walker Parabola Imperial Stout. You ever try to beer bong barley wine? Of course you haven't because if you did you wouldn't be alive to read this. Nothing flows through a funnel and tube quite like Busch Light.  

Fast forward to late 2007. I had made the 2000 mile trek from my hometown to the big city of Phoenix. New place, fresh start.....let's try a new beer! The local Sprouts had Shiner Bock on sale and it looked cool so what the hell?!?! And I liked it. I knew my days of drinking low grade carbonated urine water were officially over. From there things took off. Within a few months I was an adventure in a new land. And then I had my first true Arizona-brewed beer: Railhead Red from Beaver Street Brewery in Flagstaff (now Red Ale from Lumberyard). I was in love. From that day I have been all about Arizona made beer. Lucky for me the numbers of breweries has doubled since then and no end in sight for that growth. I am excited to see where this journey takes us. 

However, I have always wondered how a local brewery around my hometown would go over. Would the locals accept it or soak their torches in MGD and burn the place to the ground? Well, in 2015 three brave souls opened up Birdfish Brewing Company in the small town of Columbiana, Ohio to test that theory out. And it has treated them well. These 3 crazy dudes really do some whacky stuff too. I had a dill pickle gose when I was there and it was surprisingly fantastic. They love to push the envelope and really mix things up.  

In this episode I sit with 2 of the 3 owners. I talk with them about the challenges and joys of opening a microbrewery in a place where the craft beer culture barely even existed as well as how their existence is making some positive waves in the local community. I know this is an ARIZONA craft beverage podcast but I think you'll enjoy and appreciate what these guys are doing. And enjoy the Irish background music; I was lucky enough to beer there on St. Patty's Day to enjoy their Irish beers which were phenomenal. 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by Arizona's own Fayuca

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Publish Date: 5/29/2017


In this episode I get to hang out with Brian Helton. His focus is not to make some crazy concoction or off-the-wall thing but rather to make solid beer. And be able to consistently make it awesome. Time and time again. Well, so far so good Brian.

As of this writing Helton Brewing Company has been opened for just around 1 year and from what they are doing over there they are going to open for a long time. A beautiful brewery and tasting room along with a brand new beer garden make this place on 22nd Street and Indian School a must visit. Oh yeah, they make some awesome waffles and stuff too. Bacon cheddar waffles which are totally my style.

This Saturday May 20th, 2017 Helton is celebrating their 1 year anniversary with a grand old shindig. They are tapping a new Double IPA, will have live music, great food, and lots of other exciting stuff. And of course I'll be there so now you HAVE to come. See you there! Or if you are reading this and listening to the episode at a later date, well you sure did miss one hell of a party. You totally missed out and should regret it forever. 

Big thanks to Alexxis Grant for taking all the pictures for this episode. You can follow her photography Instagram page at @timelesspresent

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by Arizona's own Fayuca

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Publish Date: 5/15/2017


So apparently people from the Czech Republic drink more beer per capita than any other country in  the world. IN. THE. WORLD. Wow, that came out of nowhere. In fact they have claimed that title for 23 years in a row! Czechs drink 142 liters (equal to about 300 pints) per person which makes us Americans look like little girls at a mere 75 liters per person. And apparently it's cheaper to get a beer in the Czech Republic than it is to get a bottle of water so at least they have their priorities straight. On an unrelated note I will be moving to the Czech Republic next week.  

 

Dubina Brewing Company opened in 2013 behind a strong and proud family history of great beer making. In this episode I sit down with Jared Dubina to talk about how his grandfather was a huge influence on his passion to open his own brewery. We talk about how sometimes a little critical feedback can really light your fire to perfect your craft and how local businesses influence and contribute to so much of what they do on a daily basis. Enjoy the show!

 Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by Arizona's own Fayuca

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Publish Date: 5/1/2017


Me: "I'll do #'s 1, 6, 7, 8, and......"  

Dude at Crooked Tooth, without hesitation: "3!"  

Me: "Huh?"  

Dude at Crooked Tooth: "If you like those 4 you'll love #3"  

Me: "Well alright, alright"  

That was my first interaction with Ben Vernon from Crooked Tooth Brewing Company in Tucson. And you know? #3 was my favorite. I knew right then that Ben was a cool dude who truly cared and knew a lot about beer and how to make his guests feel welcome. In this episode I sit down with Ben and talk about the challenges/joys of transforming an old service shop into a fantastic brewery and whatnot.   

A little while back I took a trip down to Tombstone to visit Matt Brown at Tombstone Brewing Company which was a great place making great beer. But I also had a secondary objective that day: get back to Tucson ASAP and grab chimichanga at the place that apparently invented it and just an awesome Mexican food joint in general. The story about the chimichanga is great. But they had me at “fried burrito”. I had even skipped 2nd breakfast to make room for this legendary treasure. So we made the trip back to Tucson and walked into El Charro at around 2:30. “The wait is about 45 minutes”. My heart sank which is probably preferable to what that chimichanga would have done to my heart had we possessed the patience to wait that long. But 45 minutes was much too long for me to wait in my fragile state so we decided to go with Plan B: take the 0.3 mile walk to Borderlands Brewing Company to come up with Plan B.  

Borderlands Brewing Company was a really awesome place too. Located in an old brick warehouse right by the railroad tracks this place has character for days and some marvelous beers. The bartender was cool as hell and when we expressed a desire to check another brewery without hesitation she said "Crooked Tooth. You gotta check them out. Cool people making great beer". It was decided: Crooked Tooth would be the next stop. Another 0.3 mile walk (by the way, I was burning WAY more calories than was necessary at this point) and we were there. On the journey over we noticed hoards of people stumbling around the streets and realized we were right in the middle of a pub crawl. Lots of people wandering aimlessly trying to find the next place to find a great craft beer? I can relate to that.  

We came around the corner and there is was: another great Tucson brewery in a brick building that looked like it had been there for a hundred years. As soon as we walked in I knew I was going to love this place. Right when you walk in there is an old payphone with vines on it sitting beside an old safe filled with board games. And the place was beautiful inside. Exposed brick everywhere and the huge wooden tables were heavy duty as could be. The place just had a cool vibe to it. And then I saw what they were serving flight tastings in: wooden skateboards with 5 holes in them to hold the tasting glasses. Heck yes! That when I first met Ben (see beginning of this article). I knew right then I had to cool this dude on the show. And he was totally down. Plus their beer is the real deal. Especially the It's Always Sunny in Amarillo (and such a great name).  

A few weeks later I was back in Tucson with mics in hand to record this episode. It was on a Saturday before they opened for the day during a "Pints and Poses" thing they do where people come in for an hour of yoga and then have a pint, all for $5. Yoga is just one of the events they are known for. Don’t forget about speed dating, live music, stand up comedy, the list goes on. So in the background of the episode you'll hear the Zenful music of the yoga in the background as Ben tells me the story of Crooked Tooth Brewing Company thus creating "Ben The Beer Zen Master". Has a nice ring to it. Enjoy the show. And go have a beer there. Today.  

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by Arizona's own Fayuca

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Publish Date: 4/17/2017


On the corner of 32nd Street and Shea Boulevard sits a little gem called.....well, 32 Shea. Established in 2011 this place has been changing the face of the neighborhood as well as proving how creativity and hard can break down any barriers of how you view your local espresso bar/café/lounge/drive-thru/Zen space. In this episode I sit down with owner Rebecca Golden to talk about how her vision and determination have turned this Up-Uptown* neighborhood spot into more than just another place to get a chai latte. Or a craft beer. Or bacon-cheddar waffles. Or a glass of wine. Or a Nutella Espresso Martini. Or braised short ribs. You get the point. Seriously, all of that stuff is available there at one time or another during the day. This place rocks.  

My wife Jackie and I initially came across 32 Shea one day when we were going to take an early morning trip to Flagstaff. Using trusty ol’ Yelp I found this new place close to the highway that allegedly had some pretty awesome coffee options. We found the place in an unassuming parking lot in front of a strip mall and proceeded through the drive-thru. We looked at the menu, pulled up to the window, and began to place our order when the girl at the window said “just so you know our specialty coffee today is a pistachio Nutella latte”. I saw the pure joy on Jackie’s face and I could tell that she was hooked. And then she actually TASTED it. I immediately heard the classic love song emanating from Jackie’s brain ("Just the 2 of us. We can make it if we try. Just the 2 of us. You and I!"). And my vanilla latte had enough kick into it to allow Jackie and I to solve all the world’s problems during our 2 hour drive. I knew at that point that I would (happily) be spending lots of money there over the next few years. 

Since then 32 Shea has expanded in multiple ways. For starters they are open for 15 hours a day six days out of the week which means you could spend all day there and:  

They have expanded the quaint physical structure into an amazing patio with a Buddhist statue fountain as the centerpiece. This fountain really pulls it all together and creates the ambience that perfectly matches the energy of this place. Trees also fill the patio which create the perfect oasis. Between the trees and the fountain you have no idea you are literally 50 feet from the busy traffic of 32nd Street.  

Next time you are around 32nd Street and Shea Boulevard stop by no matter what time of day it is and I bet you find something you like.  

* Up-Uptown is a Copyright of Rebecca Golden  

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by Arizona's own Fayuca

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Publish Date: 4/3/2017


Though somewhat of a NKOTB (new kid on the block for you non-90’s kids) Tombstone Brewing Company is raising quite a ruckus in the Arizona craft beer scene. From their bang-up Double IPA to the rumors amuck regarding their barrel-aging program owner Matt Brown and brewer Weedy Weidenthal are fetchin' to change the game. In this episode I sit down with Matt and shoot the crap about Tombstone and beer.  

My journey to the "Town Too Tough To Die" began just like any Old West adventure begins: wrasslin' the young 'uns into the wagon with enough provisions to make the 2 hour journey to our midway oasis, The Old Pueblo (also known as Tucson).  We left the homestead right on time so I was grinnin' like a weasel in a hen house. But that only lasted a short time. 20 minutes into the journey the smooth air ride suspension of the wagon sailing over the bumpy highway caused my oldest young un' to fill a burlap sack (Whole Foods reusable grocery bag) with her breakfast. This led to detour #1 of the trip (throwing that away at the nearest Quick Trip ASAP ) soon to be followed by detour #2 (stopping at CVS for another "burlap sack" in case it happens again). Back on the road again. All was good again. Until the youngest of the young 'uns decided that a potty break was a non-negotiable 5 minutes from our desert oasis (my wife's grandparents house). Low and behold 2.5 hours later we reached our first destination. 

In Old Pueblo I transferred my gear from my wagon to the lifted-suspension wagon of my buddy Max, an ace-high chap, who would be my escort through hostile territory (we passed at least 3 Safeways) along with his gal Kelsey who would take over as our designated wagon master so that Max and I could get all roostered up. And off we went albeit a little behind schedule. But damn it, I was makin' it to Tombstone come hell of high water. 

The trip down was estimated to be 75 minutes and it truly did feel like a trip in the Old West including the group of 4 fellas we passed by who I'm pretty sure were smoking 6 cigarettes atween the 4 of em. The hills truly do have eyes.  

We finally pulled into town a quarter to high noon but owner Matt Brown was much obliged to sit down, bend an elbow and jaw about his place. The next day was their big grand opening and his day was surely filled with a heap of "how do you do's" and what not but he was steadfast on making the time to talk with me.  I was, and still am, truly grateful that he made the time to still record the show with me despite my delayed arrival. I got to wet my whistle with an array of brews including a few that weren't being served until the next day at the grand opening party. I definitely hit paydirt with the Double IPA and Black Lager but all were fantastic. The Scotch Ale that was aged in Islay barrels was granny-slappin' good in particular. 

A huge thanks to Matt for being such a great host and thanks to Weedy for making such amazing beer. Next trip down there I plan on being on a looser time schedule so I'll have all the time in the world to drink all of their beer. I mean it. ALL of their beer. 

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by Arizona's own Fayuca

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback! 



Publish Date: 3/20/2017


Established in 2008 Press Coffee Roasters were at the forefront of the craft coffee movement in Arizona. These guys have been making great things happen ever since. In this episode I sit down with Alex Mason to discuss what make Press so awesome. 

Coffee shops can be intimidating. For years when I went into any coffee shop I felt like I was on the "Soup Nazi" episode of Seinfeld ("If I don't get this right I'm going be ridiculed for years and kicked out forever".) When it came time to order I would panic, just order an Americano and deal with it. It took me years to realize that I don't actually like Americanos. One day I was feeling invincible (and I was the only one in line) so I took my time and ordered a vanilla latte. Boom! That’s what I'd been looking for the whole time! But what else had I been missing out on?!?! This gave me the courage to explore a little more.  

With my new-found confidence I strutted into Press Coffee located in Scottsdale Quarter. A cool little place with that beautiful scent of great quality coffee. An avid beer lover the first thing I noticed was a tap. Like a beer tap. My first though was "well if they have beer I should probably get one" but quickly realized that it was cold-brew coffee. Nice! I'd heard so much about this stuff and I guess now was the time to try it. They poured it in a cup that at the time seemed the size of a Dixie cup. "Come on dudes! I need a morning jolt and this ain't cutting it!" is what I thought but figured I'd roll with it. No reason to get a Big Gulp if I didn't even know if I was going to like it.  

But like it I did! Man this was delicious. Up to that point black coffee was not my deal but this converted me REAL quick. And that Dixie cup? Yep, it did the trick. Within 15 minutes I had solved the worlds problems and learned everything about every person I talked to. Oh, and I went back in and grabbed that bag of Yirgacheffe coffee that I grabbed and put back on the shelf 4 times in my struggle to make a "buy/don't buy" decision. And it was also fantastic.  

When I started this show Press Coffee Roasters were right at the top of my target guest list. They were voted Best Coffee Roaster the past 2 years by Phoenix New Times, named best coffee in Arizona by The Food Network and won a Bronze medal at the 2015 Golden Beans Awards which is the worlds largest coffee roaster competition. So yeah, they're kind of a big deal.  

In the episode Alex and I talk about the Press coffee philosophy "from seed to cup" which means they value the quality of the coffee in every single step of the process from the time it’s a tiny lil seedling until the moment we devour it like the savages that we are. Each stop of the coffee process leaves the potential to lose quality that can never be regained. And Press ensures that this does not happen. And we thank them for that.  

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by Arizona's own Fayuca 

Want to show your support and help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback! 



Publish Date: 3/6/2017


In this episode I sit down with Dave Arnce and Jason Calhoon from The Shop Beer  Co. in Tempe.

The Shop Beer Co. started off as side project within Cartel Coffee Lab a few years ago. Today these dudes are making some really awesome craft beers including 2 of my favorite Arizona beers: F.I.T.Y.M. Double IPA (listen to the show for the acronym explanation) and DPA (Desert Pale Ale). And don’t forgot about any of their beers that feature any type of coffee. Remember these guys came from an amazing coffee company so their coffee game is legit including their own line of cold brew coffee (Sidekick Cold Brew). I am normally not a fan of nitro beers but their Nitro Coffee Brown blew me away. On Wednesdays they do what they call “Randall Wednesdays” which basically means they take one of their flagship beers and using a contraption called The Randall they infuse it with pretty much whatever they want. They have done this with crazy stuff like Girl Scout Cookies, tequila-soaked oak chips, or chai spices. I haven’t been there for a “Randall  Wednesday” but it’s on my list.

The brewery/taproom is located in a renovated house that was the home of a former Tempe mayor. The place is located in pretty much a residential area which really gives it that neighborhood feel which is great because that’s what the guys are going for. Between the taproom and the actual brewery lies the beautiful beer garden. On the patio lies a large picnic table but you go down a few steps and there are tables and stools in abundance. The guys told me that they get live music going on there during the week. The outside space is great with lots of room but small enough to get a real community feel when the place is busy. A place where you can’t help but talk to all your new friends around you (especially after a couple of F.I.T.Y.M.’s.). However, the real highlight of the beer garden is the amazing graffiti-style artwork that covers a huge wall that runs the entire length of the west end of the beer garden. A giant animated beer wandering about complete with the classic hobo bindle and some sort of wasps nests and an array of colors. I’m not exactly sure what the heck it is but I know that it’s awesome and that’s all that matters. And you know the coolest part? Dave is the artist behind the amazing work! The big building in the back is the brewery and you can even get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes action through the glass.

You hungry? Well, The Shop Beer Co. doesn’t technically serve food but there is a food truck that is permanently stationed there and it is awesome. Craig from Fire & Foraged is always coming up with awesome food. The menu continually changes with whatever fresh ingredients Craig can get. I had the BLAT (BLT with avocado) and it was unreal. I know, BLT, pretty simple but Craig did something special to that thing because it was the best BLT I’ve ever had. On any given day your choices can range from beer brats and chili cheese fries to the unconventional brewery food  of grilled quail or catfish. Eat there. You will not be disappointed.

The bottom line is that The Shop Beer Co. is run by some awesome dudes who are into more than just making great beer. They want to create a place where people from the neighborhood can come to and call their own. A place where people actually talk to each other and make new friends. And they are off to a great start.



Publish Date: 2/20/2017


In this episode I sit down with Ryan and Krystina Whitten from 8-Bit Aleworks in Avondale. 

A trip to 8-Bit Aleworks is a deliberate trip. Nestled in a business park a few hundred feet east of the shores of the Aqua Fria "River" in Avondale this is not a brewery that you happen to just come across. And that’s just fine by owners Ryan and Krystina Whitten. In fact at one point they even changed their name from 8-Bit Brewery to 8-Bit Aleworks to eliminate any possible confusion with what they do: make fantastic beer. You want food? Great! Bring in whatever you want. I'm sure that they'll have a beer that pairs beautifully with what you are eating. Even if its not a perfect pairing I guarantee you that its still going to be a tasty beer.  

With 8-Bit Aleworks you get an amazing craft beer experience surrounded by images and sounds from the glory days of video games. The main wall in the tap house is a large depiction of one of the most memorable images of many of our childhoods: the game level on Super Mario Bros. including a man-eating plant and hammer-throwing turtle. I got a flight to try all the beers and the flight holder was actually a green plastic tube in homage to the Super Mario Bros. games. Great touch! These guys even got a write-up in Game Informer magazine! 

You can even play some of these games via a choice of a couple of arcade games or console games. In the background you hear...wait, is that Metallica? In the style of classic Nintendo music? Yes it is! A subtle yet amazing detail. 

Did I mention that Ryan makes fantastic beer?



Publish Date: 2/6/2017


In this episode I got to hang out Ray Del Muro from Refresh Glass. The company is redefining how we look at glass recycling in Arizona. Refresh Glass is on a mission to rescue 10 million wine bottles across the state of Arizona. At the time of this recording they were less than 3 thousand bottles away from their first million. You can track it on their website Refreshglass.com. Here's the catch: they don't just recycle the bottles, they make them into things like drink glasses and planters. Really awesome stuff. And a Ray is a really interesting dude.  

Enjoy the show!  

Official Website: http://www.tapthataz.com/ 

Instagram: @tapthat_az

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tapthataz/  

E-mail: eric@tapthataz.com  

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by Arizonas own Fayuca - http://www.fayuca-music.com/  

Want to show your support help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!  

Publish Date: 1/23/2017


In this episode I sit down with Matt Frosch from Peoria Artisan Brewery. We met at the actual brewery located in Peoria. They also have a tap room, which was the original location, in Litchfield Park. Matt was a great host giving me a tour of their process and was just a very down to Earth guy.

Peoria Artisan Brewery does some great things with beer and I had the pleasure of trying some of their holiday seasonal beers. The Cranberry Gose was great. I have never found a sour beer that I like but this one changed it all for me. They also having some great flagship beers including the Haboob Black IPA and the Savannah Marie IPA. I even got to try my first straight-from-the-tap beer and it was way better than I expected. Oh yea, their food is amazing too. So much so that I made sure we set up the interview on a Sunday so I could get the shrimp & grits off of the brunch menu. Amazing.

Enjoy the show!

Official Website: http://www.tapthataz.com/ 

Instagram: @tapthat_az

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tapthataz/  

E-mail: eric@tapthataz.com  

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by Arizonas own Fayuca - http://www.fayuca-music.com/  

Want to show your support help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!  

Publish Date: 1/16/2017


In this first episode I sit down with Michael Marquess from Mother Road Brewing Co.

Mother Road Brewing Co.  has long been my favorite brewery in all the land so it’s only fitting to feature them in the very first episode. Mother Road Brewing Co. is located on the original Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Located in an old laundry building the brewery embodies the hardworking  mentality of those traveling across the old Route 66 in search of the American Dream.  

When I arrived for the interview I was greeted by owner Michael Marquess and tap room host Cedar.  I began with a pint of their 5th Anniversary Ale, an amazing strong Double IPA. Michael then took me on a tour of their brewing facility. I absolutely love local craft beer but know nothing about how it’s made. But now I do. Kind of. Not really. But it was cool to see how it all goes down. Lots of science and whatnot.

Something I really love about Mother Road Brewing Co. is the local feeling. Being a little off the beaten path it’s not a place that people just happen to stumble upon. People come here with a purpose. Over the years that I have been going there I have always noticed a good blend of newcomers wanting to check out this highly rated brewery as well as a steady flow of locals but on this visit the local presence was more obvious to me. I got there right when they opened up and so did many of their loyal customers. Donning Mother Road Brewery Co. hats, t-shirts, and hoodies I thought that some of them were actually employees. Nope, just the local people who love the brewery and its beer who were there to get their Saturday growlers filled up before the place got jumping. That says a lot about the place.

The next time you are in Flagstaff be sure to take a detour onto old Route 66 and check out what Mother Road Brewing Co. has to offer. Whether it’s the fantastic beer or the great staff you are sure to be pleased. In the meantime enjoy the show!

Official Website: http://www.tapthataz.com/ 

Instagram: @tapthat_az

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tapthataz/  

E-mail: eric@tapthataz.com  

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by Arizonas own Fayuca - http://www.fayuca-music.com/  

Want to show your support help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!  

Publish Date: 1/7/2017


In this first episode I sit down with Michael Marquess from Mother Road Brewing Co.

Mother Road Brewing Co.  has long been my favorite brewery in all the land so it’s only fitting to feature them in the very first episode. Mother Road Brewing Co. is located on the original Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Located in an old laundry building the brewery embodies the hardworking  mentality of those traveling across the old Route 66 in search of the American Dream.  

When I arrived for the interview I was greeted by owner Michael Marquess and tap room host Cedar.  I began with a pint of their 5th Anniversary Ale, an amazing strong Double IPA. Michael then took me on a tour of their brewing facility. I absolutely love local craft beer but know nothing about how it’s made. But now I do. Kind of. Not really. But it was cool to see how it all goes down. Lots of science and whatnot.

Something I really love about Mother Road Brewing Co. is the local feeling. Being a little off the beaten path it’s not a place that people just happen to stumble upon. People come here with a purpose. Over the years that I have been going there I have always noticed a good blend of newcomers wanting to check out this highly rated brewery as well as a steady flow of locals but on this visit the local presence was more obvious to me. I got there right when they opened up and so did many of their loyal customers. Donning Mother Road Brewery Co. hats, t-shirts, and hoodies I thought that some of them were actually employees. Nope, just the local people who love the brewery and its beer who were there to get their Saturday growlers filled up before the place got jumping. That says a lot about the place.

The next time you are in Flagstaff be sure to take a detour onto old Route 66 and check out what Mother Road Brewing Co. has to offer. Whether it’s the fantastic beer or the great staff you are sure to be pleased. In the meantime enjoy the show!

Official Website: http://www.tapthataz.com/ 

Instagram: @tapthat_az

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tapthataz/  

E-mail: eric@tapthataz.com  

Intro/Outro music is "La Negra Tomasa" by Arizonas own Fayuca - http://www.fayuca-music.com/  

Want to show your support help this show grow? Simply click here, give the show a rating and share some feedback!  

Publish Date: 1/7/2017