America’s Newest Craft Beer Desination – Flagstaff, Arizona

 

Seems northern Arizona’s got more going on than the red rocks of Sedona or the Grand Canyon. High desert towns long known for their sprawling scenic grandeur have started brewing beer–and some are getting very good at it.

Welcome to Flagstaff–craft beer’s newest Kathmandu.

Flagstaff is a small city with approximately 65,000 residents, nestled at the base of the San Francisco Peaks and sitting at around 7,000 feet above sea level. With the Grand Canyon in the vicinity and Route 66 running through it, Flagstaff’s long been known as a travel destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers…and now, it’s getting known for its beer!

Craft beer first came to Flagstaff in 1994 when two new venues dared to open their doors.

Flagstaff Brewing Company was the city’s first craft beer brewpub. Legend has it that initially, the locals didn’t know quite what to think but were quickly won over by the beer and the lifestyle, and its courtyard soon became an all-season craft beer village green located right off historic Route 66.

The first official microbrewery, Beaver Street Brewery, opened at nearly the same time and quickly became an institution in its own right. It continues to be a wildly popular destination frequented by both tourists and locals who are passionate about the brewery that has amassed all kinds of awards at the prestigious GABF.

Beaver Street’s success led to expansion and growth, and in 2010, they opened a new brewery in a renovated lumberyard to serve as its distribution arm. Almost twice as big as its Beaver Street location, Lumberyard Brewing Company currently generates almost 4,700 barrels of beer a year, has its own bar and restaurant, and also serves as their canning and distribution center.

, America’s Newest Craft Beer Desination – Flagstaff, ArizonaMother Road Brewing Company opened on November 17th in 2011 and was named after a moniker given to Route 66 by Grapes of Wrath author John Steinbeck. It was founded by Michael Marquess and his wife Alissa who quickly brought on fellow homebrewer and UC Davis grad Urs Riner as Head Brewer. Both a production brewery and taproom, Mother Road’s mission is to “hand craft and distribute distinguished beers with respect for history, our community, and the environment.” They’re known for their session beers that so perfectly fit the outdoor enthusiasts that flock to the area and their taproom proudly displays works from regional artists and occasionally showcases music from local legends.

The brewery has almost doubled production over the last year and is currently producing over 1,148 barrelsof beer, including their flagship Lost Highway Black IPA – a dark double that at 8% ABV is most definitely not a session beer.

Mother Road used to be the new kid on the block in this growing craft beer Mecca – but not any longer.

, America’s Newest Craft Beer Desination – Flagstaff, ArizonaWanderlust Brewing Company opened in October 2012. It’s a 3-barrel brewhouse and a one-man show–and that man is Nathan Friedman. The name Wanderlust speaks to Nate’s love of traveling, and his adventurous spirit shows in the beers that he brews. Wanderlust is known for their innovative yet approachable beers. They’re currently featuring Chateau Americana, a Belgian Pale Ale that’s almost a Belgian IPA, 928 Local Farmhouse Ale, and Pan American Stout, a deliciously drinkable beer brewed with coffee and vanilla.

Established in 2013, Historic Brewing Company is Flagstaff’s newest brewery–a company rooted in passion, quality brewing methods, and hustle. Self-described as “Makers of Awesomeness,” Historic is a production brewery with a taproom, and their beers run the gamut from their classic Hopped Up Pilsner to Piehole Porter, their take on the traditional Porter brewed with fresh cherries and vanilla.

With Its high desert setting and its Old West feel, Flagstaff, Arizona has long attracted artists, visionaries, loners, and entrepreneurs–and some of them are brewing remarkable beer. It’s not Bend, Oregon yet, but the pieces are there and the vibe is right. Flagstaff has stepped into the national spotlight in a big way and is fast becoming a serious destination for those who are serious about their beer!

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