New Beer Releases are Nearly Unlimited on this First Weekend in May

Anniversary releases, beers for a cause and craft brews just because highlight a very busy weekend for breweries across the Valley and around Arizona. Here are 16 we’d imbibe if the weekend was about two or three or eight days longer. Cheers and enjoy responsibly.

Anniversary Releases at Goldwater Brewing (Scottsdale & Mesa)

Happy 6-year anniversary to the local legends behind Goldwater Brewing. To celebrate, the brewery is launching three new bangers including a mango version of the flagship hazy IPA Hop Chowda, Rabbit’s Foot hoppy lager and Megazord – the super fruited sour that combines one fruit from each of the six GoGo Sour Ranger series of beers released since November. All three release in cans and on draft on Friday, April 30.

Haka Shakalaka from Flying Basset Brewing (Gilbert)

This session hazy IPA is brewed with all New Zealand hops and draws its name inspiration from the Haka, a ceremonial dance of the Maori culture. The beer is a collaboration with Tap That AZ Podcast and proceeds benefit the food-based non-profit Smokin’ Hope. It releases on draft and in cans on Friday, April 30 and PHOENIX magazine will be there Friday night for an Instagram Live chat with Tap That AZ Podcast host Eric Walters to discuss all things beer and maybe get him to do the Haka for us.

Two new beers from Arizona Wilderness Brewing (Gilbert and Phoenix)

There may not be a better way to show love for your city than brewing a beer with it. Arizona Wilderness partnered with the Town of Gilbert to brew up the Gilbert Town Lager. It should taste great after the morning community bike ride being organized by the town and the brewery.

Wilderness also has a charitable beer available in cans called Schnauzerbock Maibock to benefit the Lost Our Home Pet Rescue animal shelter. Adoptable dogs will be on site at the Gilbert brewpub, so good luck going home without at least a few four-packs and a new best friend.

Das Gut Kolsch from Helluva Brewing (Chandler)

New beers are good for the gut, right? My midsection might disagree but it won’t hold me back from sampling this fresh beer back on tap. Go with your gut and get to Helluva before 6 p.m. for happy hour.

Mile 257 DIPA from Wren House Brewing (Phoenix)

Wren House was arguably the first place to close its doors to the public in March 2020 for the pandemic and it’s one of the last places to reopen fully – until this weekend! The small taproom location off 24th Street (north of McDowell Road) is only letting customers back inside via an online reservation system starting on Friday, April 30. Customers will have the new double IPA to sip on in the form of Mile 257, an ode to the Interstate 17 mile marker where the highest elevation Saguaro cactus can be found. The new beer can be had in four-packs for $18. Having Wren House back open for in-person pours is priceless.

DDH Spring Showers from Kitsune Brewing (Phoenix)

A well-timed name for a beer since we had some spring showers soak parts of the Valley earlier this week. This New England-style double IPA is a big, fruity bomb of flavor and available in cans at Simple Machine Brewery as well as some finer craft beer stores and bottle shops Valleywide. Grab some at Trevor’s in Scottsdale, a place that’s become our favorite spot for new beers.

Anniversary releases from Dark Sky Brewing (Flagstaff)

Dark Sky celebrates its 6-year anniversary this weekend with a lineup that would rival the 1927 New York Yankees. Leading off is Rye’d Open Spaces, a New England-style IPA that is sure to open a few eyes. The flagship Rainy Daze hazy IPA hits second with its return to the tap lines and the canning line. In the three-hole is Westie West Coast IPA and batting cleanup is the home run hitter Endless Night, a barrel-aged stout that has rested for months inside cherry mead barrels from Superstition Meadery. It’s a Murderer’s Row of great new releases in the high country.

Oshun Pink Moon Sour from Crooked Tooth Brewing (Tucson)

The latest in the Full Moon series is a bright red concoction of raspberry, cranberry and mint, a perfectly refreshing blend for a hot late spring afternoon like we’re due for this weekend. Available on tap and in bottles to go if you’re in the Tucson area this weekend.