[portfolio cat=143 column=3 link=image max=9]
Quenching the Mountain Folks’ Thirst
As a gateway to the Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona’s sole ski resort, the Arizona Snowbowl, there are many reasons to visit Flagstaff, and craft microbrewing is an increasingly popular one. Flagstaff is home to five craft brewing companies. Four of these are conveniently located in Flagstaff’s historic downtown, just a hop, skip, and a jump from one another.
Flagstaff Brewing Company is right in the heart of downtown Flagstaff. Drop in for lunch or dinner, which consists of a unique variety of bar fare, and live music—but most of all, taste what’s brewing. FBC offers a range of tastes to satisfy all: pales, a porter, a stout, an amber, an ESB, holiday ale, and a gold—Great Golden Ale, retail availability growing! And that’s not all. FBC boasts one of the largest single malt scotch selections in the nation, over 100 varieties. Flag Brew even has you covered the morning after with a cup of joe from its own coffee shop, Flagstaff Coffee Company. (You can even get that coffee spiked, a little hair of the dog, if you will.)
Beaver Street Brewing Company is just a short jog across the tracks. Beaver Street creates some unusual and must-try varieties, such as their local favorite Bramble Brew, which is a light raspberry ale. Don’t pass on their award-winning Hefe Wiezen, though—tasty and aromatic! After you’ve finished your delicious meal (served in an English pub-like atmosphere), head next door to its billiard room, Brews and Cues, to shoot a few games with your pals and enjoy some Big Rapid Red or Hot Shot IPA, both also award-winning specialty ales.
Beaver Street Brewery, extends its excellence in craft microbrewing through the Lumberyard Brewing Company. The Lumberyard was awarded Best of the Fest at Flagstaff’s first annual Brewhaha for its Lumberyard Imperial Red in February 2011. This isn’t a big surprise considering this brew and Lumberyard’s Red have both won at the American Beer Festival (2010) and the World Beer Cup (2010). Their fine crafts are offered in over 100 taverns and beverage stores throughout Arizona. The Lumberyard is located next to Flagstaff’s Visitor Center, so grab a bite to eat there after gathering all your local attraction information.
Mother Road Brewing Company is Flagstaff’s newest craft beer creator. Two of its brews—Jackrabbit and Twin Arrows—are named for iconic gas and tourist stops along Historic Route 66, between Holbrook and Flagstaff. Their third brew, Gold Road, is named for the ghost town, Gold Road, Arizona, also off Route 66. Currently these fine brews are only available at local events, but soon beverage stores and taverns are sure to be inundated with requests to carry them. Schedule an appointment for a tour and to sip a pint in their taproom.
Mogollon Brewing Company (MBC) brews five of the most unique and delicious craft brews that will bring you back to Flagstaff again and again. Their flagship ale, Wapiti (wop-eh-tee) Amber Ale is named for the abundant wapiti (elk) population in Northern Arizona. This and their others—Horny Toad IPA, Superstition Pale Ale, Apache Trout Stout, and Heffevenom—can be purchased in beverage stores throughout Arizona. But when you are in Flag, you are welcome to visit the brewery.
Read More: Flagstaff and Coconino county in general have one of the highest micro brewery per capita ratio’s in the country. Northern Arizona loves it’s craft brew’s so much we numerous beer festivities to enjoy ! Read More About Flagstaff Beer Festivals