Top 5 Breweries To Grab a Craft Beer In Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix averages over 300 sunny days per year. Daytime temperatures average 65°F in January and peak at over 104.2°F in July. What could be better than a cold, frosty craft beer on one of those sunny days?

Breweries and beer festivals have become increasingly common in Arizona. In fact, there are more than 100 breweries in the state. With so many choices, it can be difficult to decide where you should go for your next beer. Fortunately, we have put together a list of the five best breweries in Phoenix where you can grab a cold one.

5. Grand Avenue Brewing Company

Grand Avenue Brewing Company is nestled in Phoenix’s downtown Grand Avenue Arts and Historic district. It currently offers nine distinct beers that are crafted in an on-site brewhouse. These beers include a variety of IPAs, cream ales, dark ales, pale ales and barley wine. Grand Avenue’s brewmaster is also working on strong Belgian golden ale for its lineup.

This brewery also has its taproom in a 1940s warehouse with original exposed wooden beams. This setting provides a unique ambience and environment to enjoy one of their craft beers. They also offer bratwurst, tacos, jumbo pretzels and signature smoked baked potatoes in case interested also hungry.

4. Simple Machine Brewing Company

The founders of Simple Machine Brewing Company took their inspiration from the lever, pulley, wheel and other simple tools that are used in the brewing process as the name for their brewery. However, they really believe that quality yeast, barley and other basic ingredients are the true heart of a unique craft beer.

This establishment has an eclectic blend of 14 different beers that they brew on-site. They serve everything from a blond ale to a pumpkin-spiced herbed beer, red ale and a nitro cream ale on tap. They even feature a beer known as the Fest Bestie, which is an homage to the traditional German beer served at Oktoberfest.

Another unique and popular drink is the Coffee Crusher, which is a Blondell with hints of coffee roast. Simple Machines developed this beer with ROC2, a local craft coffee roastery in Cave Creek. It also features IPAs from New England and canned beers from Throne Brewing Company in Glendale, AZ.

3. Helton Brewing Company

Brian Helton, the founder of Helton Brewing Company, has won numerous World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival awards. Helton’s beers include India pale ales, IPAs, pilsners, and scotch ales. The company has also partnered with Raged Fury Brewing to create a full-bodied Imperial Stout with deep roasted malt flavors.

The Boysenberry Sour beer is Helton’s flagship stout ale, which they brew using four different species of lactobacillus. The team adds fresh boysenberries to balance out the sour with hints of sweetness. If you prefer more of a crisp and dry mouthfeel, then Helton’s 4.6% ABV Pilsner might be the right choice for you.

They also offer classic beer-themed food including soft pretzels with beer cheese, taproom nachos and other munchies. Helton Brewing Company’s taproom features reclaimed wood from Indiana barns. The wood’s warm tones create a cozy atmosphere to sip a beer or nitro-brewed coffee.

2. Huss Brewing Co. Taproom and Kitchen

Jeff and Leah Huss, a husband-and-wife duo, founded Huss Brewing Co. in 2013. With over 30 years of experience in the brewing industry combined, Jeff and Leah believed that they could craft internationally inspired beers with a local desert flair. They opened the original location in Tempe, AZ but have since opened a taproom and a brewpub in Phoenix. Hoss is one of the largest independent brewers in all of Arizona.

The company offers more than 20 different craft beers at each of its three locations across the Grand Canyon state. These options include not only the Huss family brand but also Papago and Arizona Light beers. Their Husstler Milk sweet stout won a bronze at the Great American Beer Fest. Similarly, there Oktoberfest American-style amber lager earned a silver medal at that same festival in 2018.

The uptown taproom also serves a variety of food including flatbreads, salads, pork sliders and other goodies. Huss is also offering a variety of family night packs with not only beer but also hotdogs, beer cheese and other food to enjoy with your craft beverage.

1. Wren House Brewing Company

Wren House, one of the best breweries in Phoenix, is located in the Green Gables neighborhood. The owners carefully turned the neglected guesthouse, garage and backyard of a 1930s bungalow into their brewhouse. The old house became a comfortable taproom.

All that love and attention has paid off. Two of its beers, the Big Spill Pils and the Valley Beer, won gold and silver medals respectively in the 2020 Craft Beer Awards. In addition to American-style pilsners, this brewery also offers India pale ales, a strawberries and cream IPA, and other distinct flavors.