The upcoming 3-day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, especially for those of us with kids now out of school and home all day until early August. Whether you’re by the pool or starting vacation – or hanging out at home watching the Phoenix Suns in the playoffs – you’re going to need more beer! Luckily, these great local craft breweries have you covered with new releases to take you into the holiday weekend. Cheers and enjoy responsibly!
Summer Fruit Salad from Cider Corps (Mesa)
Summer Fruit Salad gets its name from the picnic-like mix of summer fruits used in the brew and its a play on words to reference the military nickname for the ribbons and medals displayed on uniforms. This is a collab with Bottleshop 48 in Tempe and releases on Friday, May 28 at 3 p.m.
Check out our interviews with Cider Corps owners Jason and Josh Duren on the PHOENIX magazine Desert Digest podcast as well as our tour of the Downtown Mesa cidery on IGTV on our Instagram page.
DDH Forager from Kitsune Brewing (Phoenix)
Forager was already danky and flavorful as a hazy IPA, but Kitsune head brewer Tyler Smith decided it needed more hops. We’re all the better for it because the result is a smooth and creamy sipper with tons of hops on the nose. Look for it in four-pack cans at finer craft beer stores around the Valley this week.
Tortoise and the Haze from Simple Machine Brewing (Phoenix)
This collaboration between Simple Machine Brewing and The Wandering Tortoise (bar and bottle shop in Phoenix) kicks off the third annual Haze Fest starting Friday, May 28. Coming in at 7.5% ABV, make sure to enjoy this one at a slow and steady pace.
Black Caddis Porter at Wren House Brewing (Phoenix)
The new patio is installed at Wren House, which could be the perfect evening setting for this smooth, dark new offering. Online reservations are no longer needed for those who want to belly up to the bar, but you can still get your Wren House beer to go with four-packs available for $15.
The Wilderness Act from Arizona Wilderness Brewing (Gilbert and Phoenix)
A hazy double IPA created to celebrate the Wilderness Act of 1964, this beer aims to please the palate and share the message to take care of our lands in the wild. Remember to pack out what you pack in, and pack up on this new beer in four-packs when it releases on Thursday at 11 a.m.
Pineapple Frontside from 12 West Brewing (Gilbert and Mesa)
12 West’s signature west coast IPA gets a tropical upgrade with fresh pineapple. This new release would go great with a plate full of street tacos and is available in four-pack cans to go or on draft, along with some new apparel and glassware merchandise.
Tropic Short Hop from Four Peaks Brewing (Tempe)
As the weather gets hotter here in Phoenix, you’ll need an easier drinking beer to hang by the pool. This session IPA goes the trick with tropical hints of pineapple and mango. Look for this new release rolling out to beer stores across the Valley this week.
