The Phoenix Business Journal wanted to bring the growth of Arizona’s microbrew industry to the forefront, and what better month than October (traditionally a month of Octoberfest where beer takes center stage). The publisher brought 32 of the greater-Phoenix area’s microbrews together for a head-to-head competition to determine the best local beer.
The Matheson Team actively supports Scottsdale area businesses and restaurants. They are the heart of our community and places our customers own, manage or operate and we are proud of their growth.
The competition started September 26th with brews in one of 4 categories: IPAs, Ales & Lagers, Specialty Brews and Porters & Stouts.
Participating breweries included SanTan, Sentinel Peak, Oak Creek, Arizona Wilderness, Four Peaks, Lumberyard, Phoenix Ale, Mudshark, Prescott Brewing, Desert Eagle, Grand Canyon, Fate, Freak’N, Nimbus and Dubina. Most of the brewers had one or more beers in each category.
Each week beers were matched up; and Phoenix Business Journal readers voted for their favorite in the pair. On October 24th the finalists were named (the only two with Scottsdale roots):
- Milk Stout – Fate Brewery, Scottsdale
- Hop Knot – Four Peaks Brewery, Tempe-based with North Scottsdale bar and restaurant
Drum role, please……the best micro-brew (beer) made in Arizona is…..Hop Knot by Four Peaks.
Four Peaks’ North Scottsdale location is on the Greenway-Hayden Loop, 1/8 mile south of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. The brews and the food always meet with great reviews.
Fate Brewery, on Shea 1/4 mile west of Scottsdale Road is a small brewery and wood-fired pizza restaurant. We haven’t tried them yet, but in looking at their menu we are confident the pizza will be as delectable as the stout!