phoenix

Helio Basin Brewing Company, Phoenix, AZ

/ istopforhops / Leave a comment

I stopped in at Helio Basin Brewing Company in Phoenix, Arizona.  Taco Tuesday.  Two tacos and a core beer for $10. Yes! I love Taco Tuesday!  Blackberry Blonde is a delicious blonde ale with enough blackberry flavor to distinguish it but its not fruity.  The tacos were OUTSTANDING!  I went on to sample a few more of their beers – all wonderful.  And also enjoyed nachos.  The beers and food here are wonderful and if I could pick one place in Phoenix to have a beer and a meal this would be the place.  Also is very comfortable.  Has a great vibe.  And the bartenders were very attentive and helpful.  Great experience.  I look forward to returning the next time I’m in Phoenix.

My only regret is I didn’t get one of their cool t-shirts.

2019-04-09 19.04.57

Helton Brewing Company, Phoenix, AZ

/ istopforhops / Leave a comment

I stopped in at Helton Brewing Company in Phoenix, Arizona.  After scanning the tap list I decided to go with the Scotch Style.  I’d call it Scotch Ale.  With all of the attention on sours these days and the countless IPAs out there I often like to go with another style to enjoy.  This beer did not disappoint!  Ths has got to be one of the best Scotch Ales I’ve had.  And, after visiting over 600 breweries I’ve had quite a few.  I wouldn’t have thought Phoenix would be the place I’d be having such a great Scotch Ale.  I think of Phoenix with lighter beers geared toward the hot weather.  I love being surprised.  And I fully enjoyed this beer!

2019-04-07 20.39.23

Huss Brewing Company, Phoenix, AZ

/ istopforhops / Leave a comment

I stopped in at Huss Brewing Company in Phoenix, Arizona to try their beers.  I enjoyed a flight. That’ll Do IPA is just fine.  Koffee Kolsch is a crisp, lighter beer with a delightful coffee taste.  My least favorite was Sour Hussy, but I may not have been in the mood for it. The Barrel Aged Rise of Rio was very nice and the Husstler Milk Stout was creamy – on nitro – smooth and tasty.  I love the mason jars they serve their beer in – bought one for my wife.

2016-04-28 17.01.03

The Perch Pub and Brewery, Chandler, AZ

/ istopforhops / Leave a comment

I had heard that The Perch Pub and Brewery in Chandler, Arizona was different.  Well, that’s an understatement.  I’m not sure where to begin.  The rescued wild birds are fabulous to watch!  That alone in itself is worth the trip.  It’s like an exotic bird zoo.  Then there’s the food.  The fish tacos were the best I’ve ever had.  Then there’s the bartender.  E is the best bartender ever.  He’s awesome.  And the whole reason I stopped is the beer.  I had a flight: Paleyeah! is a solid pale ale / Desert Blossom Saison is very tasty – one of the best saisons I’ve had and possibly my favorite / Rosemary IPA – if you like rosemary – YES – if not – NO / Belgian Peach – delicious – sweet – peachy goodness / Velocirazter Gose – tart, salty, raspberry refreshing goodness / Stirabout Oatmeal Stout – a happy ending.  Very few flights are all good – this one was.  Excellent.

2016-04-28 14.25.21

The Shop Beer Company (formerly Cartel Brewery) Phoenix, AZ

/ istopforhops / Leave a comment

I tried to stop in at Cartel Brewing but was informed that it is now The Shop Beer Company in Phoenix, Arizona.  I tried all four beers plus their imperial IPA.  Very nice!  I especially liked the Tangerine Radler 480 and Grapefruit DPA.  I love the fruity, fresh, tart flavor in the beer.  The imperial IPA was solid.  The Biere De Garde was very well done but not my style.  And the Coffee Brown Ale was simply delicious.  Very well done and well worth the stop. Making the stop even better, the bartender/brewer was great to talk to and shared info on two other breweries that were not on my list, Blasted Barley and Pedal Haus.  So, that increased my stops for the evening.