Swanky Suds: Scottsdale’s Craft Beer Scene Sparkles in the Desert!

Swanky Suds: Scottsdale’s Craft Beer Scene Sparkles in the Desert!

Scottsdale, Arizona boasts a thriving craft beer scene with over 30 local breweries in the greater area. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, beer enthusiasts can find a diverse range of flavors to suit every palate. The city’s Scottsdale Ale Trail features eight breweries and beerhouses, offering visitors a curated experience of the local craft beer culture.

These microbreweries not only serve exceptional beers but also contribute to the community through sustainable practices and support for local farmers. Many establishments pair their unique brews with delectable dishes, creating a complete culinary experience for patrons.

Visitors and locals alike can explore renowned breweries such as Goldwater Brewing Co. and O.H.S.O., each offering distinctive flavors and atmospheres. Whether planning a day-long brewery tour or seeking the perfect pint to complement a meal, Scottsdale’s craft beer scene provides ample opportunities for discovery and enjoyment.

History of Scottsdale’s Craft Beer Scene

A bustling craft beer festival in Scottsdale, Arizona, with rows of colorful tents, live music, and people enjoying tastings and socializing

Scottsdale’s craft beer scene emerged as part of the broader appreciation for locally sourced, artisanal beverages. The city’s first craft breweries opened in the early 2010s, tapping into the growing demand for unique, flavorful beers.

Pioneering establishments like Goldwater Brewing Co. helped establish Scottsdale as a craft beer destination. These early breweries focused on creating distinctive flavors that reflected the region’s character and climate.

As the craft beer culture grew, more breweries and taprooms opened throughout Scottsdale. The city now boasts over 30 local craft breweries in the greater area, each contributing to a diverse and vibrant beer landscape.

The Scottsdale Ale Trail was established to showcase the city’s burgeoning craft beer scene. This self-guided tour connects eight breweries and beerhouses, allowing visitors to experience a range of local brews.

Scottsdale’s craft breweries have gained recognition for their innovative approaches to brewing. Many incorporate local ingredients and draw inspiration from the desert environment to create unique flavor profiles.

The city’s craft beer industry has also embraced sustainability practices. Some breweries have implemented green brewing techniques, aligning with Scottsdale’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Today, Scottsdale’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, attracting beer enthusiasts from around the world. The industry has become an integral part of the city’s culinary and tourism offerings, contributing to its reputation as a diverse and sophisticated destination.

Overview of Scottsdale Breweries

Scottsdale boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with numerous local breweries offering unique and flavorful brews. These establishments combine innovative brewing techniques with a commitment to quality, creating a diverse range of beers that cater to various tastes.

Goldwater Brewing Co

Goldwater Brewing Co is a family-owned brewery known for its high-quality craft beers. Located in Old Town Scottsdale, it offers a diverse selection of brews, including their popular Desert Rose Cactus Kolsch and Machine Gun Teddy Brown Ale. The brewery’s tasting room features a rustic ambiance with industrial touches, providing a comfortable space for patrons to enjoy their drinks.

Goldwater Brewing Co prioritizes sustainability by using locally sourced ingredients and implementing water conservation practices in their brewing process. Their commitment to the community is evident through regular collaborations with local businesses and participation in charitable events.

Fate Brewing Co

Fate Brewing Co has become a staple in the Scottsdale craft beer scene since its inception in 2012. The brewery is renowned for its innovative approach to beer-making, often experimenting with unique flavor combinations and brewing techniques.

Some of Fate’s popular offerings include:

  • Fate American Pale Ale
  • Buena Vista Blonde Ale
  • Irish Red Ale

Fate Brewing Co’s taproom provides a welcoming atmosphere for beer enthusiasts to sample their latest creations. The brewery also offers a full food menu, making it a popular spot for both dining and drinking.

Four Peaks Brewing Company

Four Peaks Brewing Company, founded in 1996, is one of Arizona’s most well-known craft breweries. While their main production facility is in Tempe, their Scottsdale location offers a more intimate brewpub experience.

Four Peaks is famous for its flagship Kilt Lifter Scottish-style ale, which has won multiple awards. Other popular brews include:

  • 8th Street Ale
  • Hop Knot IPA
  • Peach Ale (seasonal)

The brewery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of solar power and water conservation efforts. Four Peaks also actively supports local community initiatives and charities.

O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery

O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery is a dog-friendly establishment that combines craft beer brewing with artisanal spirit distillation. Their Scottsdale location offers a relaxed atmosphere with a spacious patio, perfect for enjoying their creative brews.

O.H.S.O.’s beer selection includes a variety of styles, from light lagers to bold IPAs. Some customer favorites are:

  • Boom Dynamite IPA
  • Handlebar Hefe
  • Morning Brew Coffee Blonde

In addition to their beers, O.H.S.O. produces small-batch vodka, gin, and rum. The brewery also offers a full food menu, making it a popular spot for brunch and dinner.

McFate Brewing Company

McFate Brewing Company, now known as Fate Brewing Company, has been a significant player in Scottsdale’s craft beer scene. The brewery is known for its experimental approach to brewing, often creating unique and bold flavors.

Some of McFate’s popular brews include:

  • Candy Bar Milk Stout
  • Fatality IPA
  • King Size German Chocolate Cake Stout

The brewery’s taproom offers a cozy atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their craft beers. McFate also hosts regular events, including trivia nights and live music performances, fostering a sense of community among local beer enthusiasts.

Craft 64

Craft 64 is a unique establishment that combines a craft beer bar with a wood-fired pizza restaurant. While not a brewery itself, Craft 64 is an essential part of Scottsdale’s beer scene, offering an extensive selection of local and regional craft beers.

The bar features 30 taps, primarily showcasing Arizona-brewed beers. Craft 64 also brews its own beer in collaboration with local breweries, creating unique offerings exclusive to their establishment.

Some popular beers available at Craft 64 include:

  • Craft 64 Smooove Hoperator IPA
  • Arizona Wilderness DPBC Pale Ale
  • Wren House Spellbinder IPA

The combination of artisanal pizzas and carefully curated craft beers makes Craft 64 a favorite among local beer enthusiasts and foodies alike.

Brat Haus

Brat Haus, while primarily known for its German-inspired cuisine, plays a significant role in Scottsdale’s craft beer scene. The establishment offers an impressive selection of local and imported craft beers, making it a popular destination for beer lovers.

Brat Haus features over 25 taps, with a rotating selection of craft beers from Arizona and beyond. Some local favorites often found on tap include:

  • SanTan Brewing Company’s Mr. Pineapple
  • Huss Brewing’s Scottsdale Blonde
  • Grand Canyon Brewing’s Sunset Amber Ale

The beer garden atmosphere at Brat Haus provides a unique setting for enjoying craft beers. The establishment also hosts regular events, including beer tastings and tap takeovers, contributing to Scottsdale’s vibrant beer culture.

Signature Crafts and Local Favorites

A bustling craft beer festival with colorful banners and diverse beer tents set against a backdrop of desert mountains in Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale’s craft beer scene boasts a diverse array of signature brews and local favorites. From traditional styles to innovative creations, the city’s breweries showcase unique flavors that capture the essence of the Southwest.

Kilt Lifter Scottish-Style Ale

Kilt Lifter Scottish-Style Ale stands out as a beloved Scottsdale craft beer. This amber-colored brew offers a rich, malty flavor profile with subtle hints of caramel and roasted notes.

Its smooth texture and moderate alcohol content make it an approachable choice for both beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers. The ale’s balanced sweetness and low hop bitterness contribute to its widespread popularity.

Many local pubs and restaurants feature Kilt Lifter on tap, solidifying its status as a Scottsdale staple. Beer lovers often pair this Scottish-style ale with hearty dishes or enjoy it on its own as a sessionable option.

Desert Rose Cactus Ale

Desert Rose Cactus Ale embodies the innovative spirit of Scottsdale’s craft beer scene. This unique brew incorporates prickly pear cactus, a local ingredient that adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant pink hue to the beer.

The ale’s light body and refreshing taste make it an ideal choice for hot Arizona days. Its flavor profile balances fruity notes with a crisp finish, appealing to those seeking a distinctive beer experience.

Desert Rose Cactus Ale often features in beer flights at local taprooms, allowing visitors to sample its unique character. Some breweries offer seasonal variations, experimenting with different desert botanicals to create new flavor combinations.

Hoppy IPAs

Scottsdale’s craft breweries excel in producing a wide range of hoppy IPAs. These beers showcase the bold flavors and aromas of various hop varieties, from citrusy and tropical to piney and resinous.

Popular styles include West Coast IPAs, known for their aggressive bitterness and dry finish. New England-style hazy IPAs have also gained traction, offering a juicier, less bitter alternative with pronounced fruit flavors.

Many local breweries rotate their IPA offerings regularly, featuring single-hop varieties or experimental blends. Beer enthusiasts can often find limited-release IPAs that push the boundaries of hop-forward brewing.

Smooth Stouts

Smooth stouts round out Scottsdale’s craft beer offerings with their rich, dark profiles. These beers typically feature roasted malt flavors, often accompanied by notes of coffee, chocolate, or caramel.

Local brewers produce a range of stout varieties, from classic dry Irish stouts to more robust imperial versions. Some incorporate Southwestern ingredients like chili peppers or mesquite, adding unique twists to traditional recipes.

Many Scottsdale breweries offer seasonal stout releases, particularly during cooler months. Beer lovers can find both traditional and barrel-aged versions, with some aged in whiskey or bourbon barrels for added complexity.

Beer Tasting and Tours

A rustic brewery with barrels, taps, and beer flights on a wooden table. A guide leads visitors on a tour of the facility

Scottsdale’s craft beer scene offers exciting tasting opportunities and brewery tours. Visitors can explore a variety of local breweries, each with its own unique flavors and atmosphere.

Goldwater Brewing Co. provides in-depth tours that showcase their beer-making process. Guests learn about brewing history and techniques while sampling award-winning craft beers.

Scottsdale Beer Company emphasizes local ingredients in their brews. Their tours highlight the farm-to-pint concept, giving visitors insight into the sourcing and production methods.

Many breweries cluster in Old Town Scottsdale, making it convenient for beer enthusiasts to plan self-guided tours. This area is ideal for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

For a more structured experience, guided brewery tours are available. These often include transportation between multiple locations, allowing participants to sample safely and responsibly.

Tasting flights are a popular option at most Scottsdale breweries. These small servings let visitors try several different beers in one sitting, perfect for discovering new favorites.

Some breweries pair their beers with food, creating a complete dining experience. This approach showcases how different brews complement various dishes, enhancing the overall tasting adventure.

The Culinary Side of Craft Beer

Scottsdale’s craft beer scene goes beyond just great brews. Local breweries and brewpubs have embraced food pairings, creating memorable dining experiences that highlight the flavors of both beer and cuisine.

Pairing Beer With Food

Beer’s versatility makes it an excellent companion to various dishes. Light lagers complement delicate seafood, while hoppy IPAs cut through rich, spicy foods. Malty brown ales pair well with roasted meats and nutty cheeses.

Many Scottsdale brewpubs offer tasting flights alongside small plates, allowing patrons to explore different combinations. Some venues host beer pairing dinners, guiding guests through a curated menu of dishes and brews.

Beer sommeliers, or Cicerones, are becoming more common in local establishments. These experts help diners choose the perfect beer to enhance their meal.

Craft Beer and Wood-Fired Pizza

Wood-fired pizza has become a popular offering in Scottsdale’s craft beer scene. The smoky, crisp crust pairs exceptionally well with a variety of beer styles.

Some brewpubs feature open kitchens where patrons can watch pizzas being prepared and cooked in wood-fired ovens. Toppings often incorporate local ingredients, reflecting the same emphasis on quality and craftsmanship found in the beers.

Popular pairings include:

  • Margherita pizza with a crisp pilsner
  • Pepperoni pizza with a hoppy IPA
  • White pizza with a Belgian-style wheat beer

Local Brews and Barbecue

Barbecue and beer form a classic combination that’s well-represented in Scottsdale’s craft beer scene. The smoky, savory flavors of barbecue complement a wide range of beer styles.

Many local brewpubs offer house-smoked meats and homemade sauces. Brisket, pulled pork, and ribs are common menu items. Some venues even use beer in their barbecue sauces or as a marinade for meats.

Recommended pairings include:

  • Brisket with a robust porter
  • Pulled pork with a fruity wheat beer
  • Spicy ribs with a malty amber ale

Beer flights are often available, allowing diners to sample different brews with their barbecue platter.

Special Events and Festivals

A bustling outdoor festival with colorful tents and banners, showcasing a variety of local craft beer vendors in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale’s craft beer scene comes alive through its vibrant festivals and events. The Arizona Strong Beer Festival, held annually at Salt River Fields, showcases some of the state’s best brews. Beer enthusiasts gather to sample a wide variety of craft beers from local and regional breweries.

Another notable event is the AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews, typically taking place in November. This festival celebrates Arizona-made craft beer, spirits, wine, and hard seltzers. Over 25 local breweries and distilleries participate, offering a true taste of the Copper State’s craft beverage industry.

The Arizona Craft Beer Festival, while not exclusive to Scottsdale, draws beer lovers from across the region. It features live music, gourmet food pairings, and an extensive selection of craft beers to sample.

These events provide excellent opportunities to explore Scottsdale’s beer scene and discover new favorites. Attendees can learn about beer-making processes, meet local brewers, and enjoy live entertainment. The festivals often showcase the strong community spirit within the craft beer industry.

For those planning to attend, it’s advisable to check event dates and ticket availability in advance. Many festivals offer VIP packages for enhanced experiences. Remember to arrange safe transportation and stay hydrated while enjoying the diverse beer offerings.

Craft Beer Resources in Scottsdale

Scottsdale offers a wealth of resources for craft beer enthusiasts to explore the local brewing scene. From guided tours to mobile apps, beer lovers have multiple ways to discover and enjoy the city’s craft beer offerings.

Guided Brewery Tours

Several companies offer guided brewery tours in Scottsdale, providing a curated experience of the local craft beer scene. These tours typically visit 3-4 breweries over the course of 4-5 hours.

Participants can sample a variety of beer styles while learning about brewing processes and ingredients from knowledgeable guides. Many tours include transportation, allowing guests to enjoy their tastings responsibly.

Some popular tour operators focus on specific neighborhoods like Old Town Scottsdale or North Scottsdale. Others offer customizable private tours for groups.

Maps and Apps for Beer Lovers

Digital resources make it easy for visitors and locals to navigate Scottsdale’s craft beer landscape independently. The Scottsdale Ale Trail map highlights eight breweries and beerhouses in the city center.

Several mobile apps cater to craft beer enthusiasts in the area. These apps often include:

  • Beer menus and tap lists for local breweries
  • User ratings and reviews
  • Geolocation features to find nearby breweries
  • Information on beer releases and events

Some apps allow users to log and rate beers they’ve tried, creating a personalized record of their craft beer journey through Scottsdale.

Enjoying Craft Beer Responsibly

A group of friends gather around a table at an outdoor craft beer garden, enjoying a variety of local brews in the warm Scottsdale sunshine

Scottsdale’s vibrant craft beer scene offers a wealth of flavors and experiences. Savoring these unique brews responsibly ensures a safe and enjoyable time for everyone.

Moderation is key when exploring local breweries. Pacing yourself allows for a fuller appreciation of the diverse beer styles on offer. Many establishments provide tasting flights, perfect for sampling multiple beers in smaller portions.

Designated drivers are essential for brewery tours. Alternatively, rideshare services and public transportation offer safe ways to navigate between venues.

Staying hydrated is crucial. Alternating between beer and water helps maintain balance and extends the tasting experience.

Tips for responsible enjoyment:

  • Eat before and during beer tasting
  • Set a drink limit beforehand
  • Be aware of alcohol content, especially for high-ABV craft beers
  • Respect brewery staff and fellow patrons

Local breweries often collaborate with nearby restaurants. Pairing craft beers with food can enhance flavors and provide a more balanced experience.

By embracing responsible practices, visitors can fully immerse themselves in Scottsdale’s craft beer culture while prioritizing safety and well-being.