Best 15 Breweries in Arizona: A Comprehensive Guide
Arizona is home to some of the best breweries in the United States, with a thriving craft beer scene that has been gaining popularity in recent years. From Flagstaff to Tucson, there are plenty of options for beer lovers to explore and enjoy. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA, a smooth porter, or a crisp pilsner, there is something for everyone in Arizona’s brewery scene.
According to Untappd, a popular beer rating and review app, some of the top breweries in Arizona include Tombstone Brewing Company, Wren House Brewing Company, and Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. These breweries are known for their unique and flavorful beers, as well as their welcoming and relaxed atmospheres. Many of these breweries also offer food options, making them a great place to spend an afternoon or evening with friends and family. With so many great options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which brewery to visit first.
Famous Breweries in Arizona
Arizona is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a wide variety of breweries offering unique and flavorful beers. Here are some of the most famous breweries in Arizona:
Tombstone Brewing Company
Tombstone Brewing Company is located in Tombstone, Arizona, and is known for its award-winning IPAs and stouts. The brewery has a rustic, old-western feel, and visitors can enjoy their beer in the taproom or on the outdoor patio.
Website: https://tombstone.beer/
Address: 107 E Toughnut St, Tombstone, AZ 85638, United States
Arizona Wilderness
Arizona Wilderness is a popular brewery located in Gilbert, Arizona. The brewery is known for its innovative and experimental beers, which often incorporate local ingredients like prickly pear and mesquite. Arizona Wilderness also has a farm-to-table restaurant that serves up delicious food to pair with their beers.
Website: https://www.azwbeer.com/
Address: 201 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Wren House Brewing Co
Wren House Brewing Co is a Phoenix-based brewery that is known for its hazy IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. The brewery has a cozy taproom with a laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals to gather and enjoy a pint.
Website: http://wrenhousebrewing.com/
Address: 2125 N 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States
Huss Brewing Co
Huss Brewing Co is a family-owned brewery with locations in Tempe and Phoenix. The brewery is known for its German-style beers, including hefeweizens and kölschs. Huss Brewing Co also has a taproom and restaurant that serves up delicious food to pair with their beers.
Website: https://www.hussbrewing.com/
Address: 100 E. Camelback Road, #160 Phoenix, AZ 85012
Barrio Brewing
Barrio Brewing is a Tucson-based brewery that has been around since 1991. The brewery is known for its smooth and easy-drinking beers, including its popular Barrio Blonde ale. Barrio Brewing also has a restaurant that serves up delicious pub fare.
Website: https://barriobrewing.com/
Address: 800 E 16th St, Tucson, AZ 85719
Lumberyard Brewing Company
Lumberyard Brewing Company is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, and is known for its award-winning beers, including its popular Knotty Pine Pale Ale. The brewery has a spacious taproom with plenty of seating, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Website: https://lumberyardbrewingcompany.com/
Address: 5 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Four Peaks Brewing Company
Four Peaks Brewing Company is a Tempe-based brewery that has been around since 1996. The brewery is known for its flagship beer, Kilt Lifter Scottish Ale, as well as its hoppy IPAs and seasonal beers. Four Peaks also has several locations throughout Arizona, including a popular spot in Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport.
Website: https://www.fourpeaks.com/
Address: 1340 E. 8th St. #104 Tempe, AZ 85281
Dragoon Brewing Co
Dragoon Brewing Co is a Tucson-based brewery that is known for its hop-forward beers, including its popular IPA, Stronghold Session. The brewery has a taproom with a laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals to gather and enjoy a pint.
Website: https://dragoonbrewing.com/
Address: 1859 W Grant Rd #111, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
Mother Road Brewery
Mother Road Brewery is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, and is known for its flavorful and well-balanced beers, including its popular Tower Station IPA. The brewery has a spacious taproom with plenty of seating, making it a great spot for groups to gather and enjoy a pint.
Website: https://motherroadbeer.com/
Address: 7 S Mikes Pike St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Helton Brewing Company
Helton Brewing Company is a Phoenix-based brewery that is known for its traditional and easy-drinking beers, including its popular American Pale Ale. The brewery has a welcoming taproom with plenty of seating, making it a popular spot for locals to gather and enjoy a pint.
Website: https://www.heltonbrewingcompany.com/
Address: 2144 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Goldwater Brewing Co
Goldwater Brewing Co is a Scottsdale-based brewery that is known for its hop-forward beers, including its popular Hop Chowda IPA. The brewery has a spacious taproom with plenty of seating, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Website: https://www.goldwaterbrewing.com/scottsdale
Address: 3608 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA
Historic Brewing Company
Historic Brewing Company is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, and is known for its flavorful and well-balanced beers, including its popular Piehole Porter. The brewery has a cozy taproom with a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a pint.
Website: https://www.historicbrewingcompany.com/
Address: 4366 E Huntington Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA
The Shop Beer Co
The Shop Beer Co is a Tempe-based brewery that is known for its flavorful and well-balanced beers, including its popular Church Music IPA. The brewery has a spacious taproom with plenty of seating, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Website: https://www.theshop.beer/
Address: 922 W 1st St, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Santan Brewing Co
Santan Brewing Co is a Chandler-based brewery that is known for its flavorful and well-balanced beers, including its popular Devil’s Ale. The brewery has a spacious taproom with plenty of seating, making it a great spot for groups to gather and enjoy a pint.
Website: https://santanbrewing.com/
Address: Terminal 3 – 3400 E Sky Harbor Blvd Phoenix, AZ 85034
Simple Machine Brewing Co
Simple Machine Brewing Co is a Phoenix-based brewery that is known for its innovative and experimental beers, including its popular Strawberry Milkshake IPA. The brewery has a cozy taproom with a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a pint.
Website: http://www.simplemachinebrewing.com/
Address: 701 W Deer Valley Rd STE 1, Phoenix, AZ 85027, United States
Popular Beers in Arizona
Arizona is home to a vibrant craft beer scene, with a variety of styles and flavors to suit any taste. Some of the most popular beers in Arizona include:
- IPA – IPAs are one of the most popular styles of beer in Arizona, with many breweries offering their own take on this hoppy, bitter brew. Some of the most popular IPAs in Arizona include the Flagstaff IPA from Flagstaff Brewing Company, the Hopaloosa IPA from SanTan Brewing Company, and the Dragoon IPA from Dragoon Brewing Company.
- Hazy IPA – Hazy IPAs are a newer style of beer that has quickly gained popularity in Arizona. These beers are known for their cloudy appearance and juicy, tropical flavors. Some of the most popular hazy IPAs in Arizona include the Spellbinder IPA from Wren House Brewing Company and the Northeast IPA from Helton Brewing Company.
- Lagers – Lagers are a classic style of beer that is known for its crisp, clean taste. Some of the most popular lagers in Arizona include the Scottsdale Blond from Goldwater Brewing Company and the Desert Wheat from Four Peaks Brewing Company.
- Fruited Sours – Fruited sours are a refreshing and tart style of beer that is perfect for hot Arizona summers. Some of the most popular fruited sours in Arizona include the Koffee Kölsch from Huss Brewing Company and the Sonora White Wheat from Mother Bunch Brewing.
- Milk Stouts – Milk stouts are a sweet and creamy style of beer that are perfect for dessert. Some of the most popular milk stouts in Arizona include The Husstler Series Milk Stout from Helio Basin Brewing Company and the Mocha Java Stout from Papago Brewing Company.
Overall, Arizona has a wide variety of popular beers to choose from, with something for every palate. Whether you’re a hophead looking for the most hops, a fan of rich, dark beers like black IPAs and scotch ales, or just looking for a refreshing wheat beer, Arizona’s craft breweries have got you covered.
Signature Ingredients in Arizona Beers
Arizona’s breweries are known for their unique and flavorful beers that incorporate local ingredients. Some of the signature ingredients found in Arizona beers include velvet mesquite pods and cactus fruit.
Velvet mesquite pods are a common ingredient in Arizona beers. These pods are harvested from the mesquite tree and are used to add a sweet and nutty flavor to the beer. The pods are often roasted and ground into a powder before being added to the beer. Some of the breweries that use velvet mesquite pods in their beers include Four Peaks Brewing Company and SanTan Brewing Company.
Cactus fruit is another popular ingredient in Arizona beers. The prickly pear cactus, in particular, is used to make a sweet and tangy syrup that is added to the beer. The syrup is made by boiling the fruit and straining out the seeds. Some of the breweries that use cactus fruit in their beers include Huss Brewing Company and Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.
In addition to these signature ingredients, many Arizona breweries also incorporate local hops and grains into their beers. For example, the Grand Canyon Brewing Company uses locally grown hops in their beers, while the Lumberyard Brewing Company uses Arizona-grown barley in their beers.
Brewery Locations in Arizona
Arizona is home to many award-winning breweries that offer a wide range of craft beers. Whether you’re in Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, Prescott, Glendale, Lake Havasu City, or Scottsdale, there’s a brewery nearby that you can visit to enjoy a refreshing pint of beer.
Phoenix: Phoenix is the largest city in Arizona and has a thriving craft beer scene. Some of the best breweries in Phoenix include Wren House Brewing Company, Helton Brewing Company, and Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company.
Gilbert: Gilbert is a small town located in the southeast valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Despite its small size, Gilbert has several excellent breweries, including Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company and O.H.S.O. Brewery.
Mesa: Mesa is a city located in Maricopa County, Arizona. It is home to several excellent breweries, including The Beer Research Institute, Desert Eagle Brewing Company, and Oro Brewing Company.
Tucson: Tucson is the second-largest city in Arizona and has a vibrant craft beer scene. Some of the best breweries in Tucson include Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, Crooked Tooth Brewing Company, and Borderlands Brewing Company.
Flagstaff: Flagstaff is a city located in northern Arizona and is home to several award-winning breweries. Some of the best breweries in Flagstaff include Mother Road Brewing Company, Historic Brewing Company, and Dark Sky Brewing Company.
Prescott: Prescott is a city located in Yavapai County, Arizona. It is home to several excellent breweries, including Prescott Brewing Company, Granite Mountain Brewing, and Superstition Meadery.
Glendale: Glendale is a city located in Maricopa County, Arizona. It is home to several excellent breweries, including Dubina Brewing Co., The Perch Brewery, and Helluva Brewing Company.
Lake Havasu City: Lake Havasu City is a city located in Mohave County, Arizona. It is home to several excellent breweries, including College Street Brewhouse & Pub, Mudshark Brewery, and Barley Brothers Brewery & Grill.
Scottsdale: Scottsdale is a city located in Maricopa County, Arizona. It is home to several excellent breweries, including Four Peaks Brewing Company, Goldwater Brewing Co., and McFate Brewing Company.
Arizona’s Unique Beer Styles
Arizona’s breweries offer a wide range of beer styles, from traditional IPAs to experimental brews. Some breweries also incorporate local ingredients and flavors to create unique and distinctly Arizonan beers.
One example of this is the use of prickly pear fruit in beer. Prickly pear is a cactus fruit that is native to the Southwest and is used in various dishes and drinks. Some Arizona breweries, such as Grand Canyon Brewing Company, incorporate prickly pear into their beers to create a unique flavor profile.
Another unique beer style found in Arizona is the “Valley beer.” This term refers to beers that are brewed with water from the Salt River Project, a major water provider in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The minerals in the water give Valley beers a distinct taste that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
In addition to these unique styles, Arizona breweries also offer a variety of traditional beer styles, such as lagers, porters, and stouts. Many breweries also experiment with different brewing techniques and ingredients to create one-of-a-kind beers.
Overall, Arizona’s breweries offer a diverse range of beer styles that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re looking for a traditional beer or something more experimental, there’s sure to be a brewery in Arizona that has just what you’re looking for.
Beyond Beer: Cideries and Distilleries
While Arizona is known for its craft beer scene, there are also a number of cideries and distilleries worth checking out. Here are a few options for those looking to branch out beyond beer:
Cider Corps
Located in downtown Mesa, Cider Corps is a veteran-owned cidery that specializes in small-batch, handcrafted ciders. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and offer a variety of flavors, from classic apples to more unique options like prickly pear and jalapeno. Visitors can enjoy flights, pints, and growlers to go, as well as a rotating selection of food trucks on site.
Website: http://www.cidercorpsaz.com/
Address: 31 S Robson #103, Mesa, AZ 85210, United States
Superstition Meadery
For something a little different, head to Superstition Meadery in Prescott. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey, and Superstition is known for its high-quality, award-winning meads. They offer a variety of flavors, ranging from dry to sweet, and even have a few sparkling options. Visitors can enjoy tastings, glasses, and bottles to-go, as well as a small food menu.
Website: http://www.superstitionmeadery.com/
Address: 120 W Gurley St, Prescott, AZ 86301, United States
Borderlands Brewing Company
While primarily a brewery, Borderlands in Tucson also offers a selection of spirits distilled in-house. Their lineup includes vodka, gin, and whiskey, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can enjoy flights of both beer and spirits, as well as a rotating selection of food trucks on site.
Website: http://www.borderlandsbrewing.com/
Address: 119 E Toole Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States
Barnstar Brewing Company
For those willing to venture a bit further out, Barnstar Brewing in Skull Valley is worth the trip. Located on a remote ranch overlooking the Granite and Tonto mountains, Barnstar is known for its unique, small-batch beers and rustic atmosphere. They also offer occasional live music events and food trucks on-site. Keep in mind that the journey to Barnstar involves a primitive dirt road, so be prepared for a bit of an adventure.
Website: http://barnstarbrew.com/
Address: 4050 Forest Service 102 Rd, Skull Valley, AZ 86338, United States
Overall, Arizona’s cideries and distilleries offer a unique and flavorful alternative to the state’s bustling craft beer scene. Whether you’re a fan of cider, mead, or spirits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.