Pine: THAT Brewery
Your favorite cold beer is probably no more than a room or two away. So why on Earth would you drive hundreds of miles for more beer unless you’re Homer Simpson?
Simple. Adventure is brewing.
The lure of fine ales, stouts and pilsners should not be ignored. And thanks to a growing crop of talented brewers, great craft beers are available statewide.
Here are three places that can make you very hoppy indeed.
Flagstaff: Dark Sky Brewing Co.
Dark Sky Brewing may be Flagstaff’s bestkept brewing secret, thanks to its small batches brewed by mad beer scientists. The modest location does it no favors. But it’s worth seeking out.
Why you’ll love it: Sneak into the brewing room and you’ll see colorful potions bubbling over Bunsen burners, and bolts of electricity arcing above mysterious machines. No, not really, but you might expect to once you sample the concoctions seemingly formed from mismatched parts. Not all recipes work, but when they (frequently) do, the result is as surprising as it is delicious.
The beer: It’s almost easier to list what you won’t find, such as a basic lager or amber ale. Beers have been brewed using fruits, nuts, vegetables, desserts and bacon (not all at the same time). Had Dark Sky been around in the 1990s, Forrest Gump would have said, “Life is like the taps at Dark Sky Brewing Co., you never know what you’re going to get.”
Details: 117 N. Beaver St. 928-235-4525, www.darkskybrewing .com.
You expect cool weather and tall pines as you head up to the Mogollon Rim. But finding a microbrewery with some of the best beer brewed in the state is a pleasant happenstance.
Why you’ll love it: Just when you thought nothing could improve the cool, calm and quiet landscape, you find a brew pub in the forest. The rustic charm is evident the minute you pull into the pine-studded parking lot. You step into the modest cabin to realize you’re in a beer wonderland, filled with enticing scents.
The beer: THAT has earned a solid reputation in just two years. It brews for all tastes, from blond and amber ales to a double IPA that will slap your taste buds in the face. The seasonals don’t disappoint either. If only there were a beer called “This.” Then you could tell friends, “I had This Pale Ale at That Brewery,” starting a “Who’s on First?” routine.
Details: 3270 State Route 87. 928-476-3349, thatbrewery.com. A second location is at 300 E. Cherry St., Cottonwood.
Williams: Historic Brewing Barrel + Bottle
Stroll along neonsplashed Route 66 and you’ll see all sorts of businesses celebrating the city’s history, whether it’s a gas station-turned-diner or a souvenir shop filled with train memorabilia. Then you come across Historic Barrel + Bottle and wonder, “If this had been open in the 1980s, would Route 66 still have been bypassed by Interstate 40?” Sure, but it would have been a tougher decision.
Why you’ll love it: The cozy environment offers a cool getaway from touristy streets. Take a seat at the bar and chat up the beer-tenders, who are happy talk about brews you won’t find elsewhere (though the beer is actually brewed at the Historic mothership in Flagstaff, you’ll find all the trappings of a brewpub minus the vats). The servers are friendly and relaxed. It’s busy on weekends when the train returns from the Grand Canyon.
The beer: Note the eclectic selection, from a coffee stout to a cucumber lager. Enthusiasts may want to order a sixsample flight, or describe your preferences and leave the choice up to the beerista. Even if it’s not quite your taste, the quality of each beer comes across clearly.
Details: 141 Railroad Ave. 928-635-4150, www.historicbarreland bottle.com.