This new north Phoenix brewery combines a passion for barbecue with an unrelenting furious love of craft beer. PHOENIX‘s Johann Warnholz sat down with the owners for a look at what went into the creation of Fire + Fury.
*note: we shot this video on Metal Monday at the brewery. Check them out if you’re looking for more heavy metal music in your schedule.
MEET THE TEAM
Mike Mathis, head brewer & co-owner
Beard growth: last shaved it in June 2021
Steve Goodman, pit master & co-owner
Beard growth: 5-6 years, trims regularly
Lindsey Goodman, executive chef & owner
Founded: December 2021
Story Behind the Name: Fire + Fury was the second name the owners went with. The original name was Furious Beer & BBQ and the brewery was going to be Furious Brewing Company. However, Minnesota-based Surly Brewing sent Goodman and Mathis a cease-and-desist because at least one of the Surly line of beers was named Furious already. Goodman and Mathis were forced to rebrand everything before opening (marquee, merchandise, website, etc.). The name now tells the story of where they came from. Prior to merging forces, the Goodman’s were running a live fire barbecue pit while Mathis was working to open his own brew shop called Raged Fury.
Must Try Beer: We’re looking forward to the Double West Coast IPA they’re pouring at Strong Beer Fest.
Must Try Food: Fire + Fury is not trying to be Texas or Memphis style, rather it says its creating its own idea of what BBQ is and dubs its ‘cue as Arizona-style. Expect more southwest spices and flavors in the barbecue – chipotle pepper instead of cayenne, for example.
Pouring at Strong Beer Fest:
- 9.5% ABV Belgian Tripel
- Double West Coast IPA, 8.5% ABV
Fire + Fury is making its official festival debut at Strong Beer Fest on Saturday, Feb. 19 in Mesa. Their tent is slotted to be next to Tombstone Brewing Co.
AZ Beer Week releases:
- expect a collaboration with Simple Machine Brewing
- a traditional style saison collaboration with Casual Pint in Phoenix
