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