8 Great Craft Beverages From Arizona
Arizona has a reputation for hot and dry weather, but that doesn’t mean you should leave this beautiful state off your travel bucket list. Arizona is home to the Sonoran Desert, multiple national parks, and several impressive forests and mountain ranges. And if you’re looking for the perfect way to cool down while visiting, check out the state’s thriving craft beverage scene and be sure to try at least a few of these delicious Arizona craft beverages while visiting.
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White Russian Imperial Coffee Stout by SunUp Brewing Company
Nestled in the ever-popular city of Phoenix, SunUp Brewing is a casual brewpub with a remarkable collection of drinks with big, bold flavors. Their White Russian Imperial Coffee Stout features notes of coffee, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, dark caramel and fruits such as plum, prune and raisin. SunUp recommends pairing this tasty drink with equally strong flavored meats like duck, venison and wild turkey, or enjoying it alongside scrumptious desserts like chocolate cheesecake, chocolate raspberry mouse cake or decadent truffles.
See more: Top 10 Craft Beer Cities Around the U.S.
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Tower Station IPA by Mother Road Brewery
IPAs, otherwise known as India pale ales, got their start in England but have rapidly grown in popularity all around the world. And the Tower Station IPA presented by Mother Road Brewery in Flagstaff is one that deserves a space on your craft brew bucket list. With hints of tangerine, pineapple, grapefruit and pine, this satisfying beer honors the historic Route 66 that runs through the state and passes Tower Station. If that isn’t cool enough, they designed a convertible 16-ounce can with an entirely removable top to mimic “dropping the top” of a convertible on a long road trip.
Koffee Kölsch by Huss Brewing Company
As the name suggests, Kölsch is a style of beer that has its origins in Germany. But this coffee-flavored version from Huss Brewing Company is the perfect one to sample if you don’t anticipate going overseas anytime soon. With roasted caramel and hazelnut flavors, this light-bodied brew packs a surprising coffee punch that will leave you wanting more. You should also make a point to savor an afternoon at Huss Brewing, which is one of the largest independent brewers in the state of Arizona.
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Refuge IPA by Arizona Wilderness Brewing
The Refuge IPA is one of the many extraordinary craft beverages you can find at Arizona Wilderness Brewing in Gilbert, Arizona. Each of their handcrafted drinks is inspired by their home state and its diverse landscape. Refuge is their flagship IPA with zippy citrus flavors and moderate carbonation. It’s simultaneously light and refreshing, making it the ideal drink to enjoy on a warm summer day in the Grand Canyon State.
See more: Why You Should Try New Mexico Craft Beverages
Ragnarok by Superstition Meadery
Unlike your more traditional meads, which are often very honey-forward, Ragnarok from Superstition Meadery may catch you off guard with its tropical mango, jasmine and white tea flavors. Superstition suggests pairing this one with gorgonzola, Thai coconut curry or fruit chutney with grilled white fish, but you can always enjoy it no matter what’s on your plate.
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Sarcosuchus Double IPA by Dragoon Brewing Co.
Dragoon Brewing says it best when they call this beer “a ferocious beast of an Imperial IPA.” Coming in at just under 10% ABV, these craft brewing masterminds named their Sarcosuchus after the Supercroc, an extinct prehistoric reptile thought to be one of the largest crocodiles that ever lived. While we think this is the one to start with if you visit Dragoon Brewing, don’t let that stop you from sampling their other equally creative craft brews.
Sunna’s Nektar Braggot by SunUp Brewing Company
We couldn’t pass up the chance to feature just one more SunUp Brewing favorite: Sunna’s Nektar Braggot. Unlike many of their creations, this one is actually a mead created with honey and barley malt. Named after the Norse Goddess of the Sun, this mouthwatering drink is a beautiful golden color that features caramel, vanilla and marshmallow flavors in addition to honey. If you don’t want to take our word for it, consider that it won the bronze medal at the 2016 Mazer International Mead Cup. Needless to say, this one is definitely worth a try!
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Hatch Chile Gatos by Fate Brewing Company
Fate Brewing started off small with just a seven-barrel brewhouse and 14-barrel fermentation space. But thanks to their ingenious creations and wildly popular flavors, they’ve since grown to a 15-barrel brewhouse and 180-barrel fermentation space. You can order their drinks at various locations in the state, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. But if you’re having a hard time narrowing down the options, we recommend trying their Hatch Chile Gatos. This golden ale provides a pop of roasted Hatch chile flavor without much heat and won the gold at the 2018 World Beer Cup.
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