Welcome to the gold medal platform, Vulture Peak Brewing!
The two-year-old brewery out of Wickenburg put itself into an elite group of gold medal winners last month when its What The Hefe? Kristallweizen captured the top prize in the Specialty category at the 2026 Arizona Craft Beer Awards.
We caught up with owner & brewer Bryce Webster to learn more about the style and what makes Vulture Peak a destination for craft beer.
Fast Facts
- Opened in May 2024
- Owner & head brewer: Bryce Webster
- 120 N. Washington St., Wickenburg
- Flagship beer is Lost Scotsman Scottish Export Ale
- Other staples include Brasa Irish Cream Stout, What the Hefe? Kristallweizen and Simon Says IPA
- Vulture Peak also features a line of fresh fruit hard seltzers
- Named after the iconic Vulture Peak Mountain in Wickenburg
- Food trucks regularly or local restaurant delivery for food in the taproom
Congrats on the gold medal for What the Hefe? in the Specialty category! Tell us about the beer and how it came to be the gold standard.
“What the Hefe?” started with a beer request from Susan, the owner/brewer’s wife, who loves German beer styles and is especially fond of wheat beers.
Unlike the traditional Hefeweizen most people know and love, What the Hefe? is a clear, crisp take on the classic. It’s a Kristallweizen, meaning it’s filtered to remove the yeast and haze while retaining the refreshing character and flavors that make wheat beers so enjoyable.
And the name? Well, when you take that first sip, you might just find yourself asking, “What the Hefe?!”
Apparently, the judges agreed it was something special, awarding it GOLD in the Specialty category at the Arizona Craft Beer Awards. We couldn’t be prouder of this beer—or the fun little story behind it!
What is the beer or brewing philosophy at Vulture Peak, and how has it developed over time?
In December 2025, Bryce took over as head brewer and dove headfirst into making Vulture Peak’s beers his own. Though the transition wasn’t entirely planned, he embraced the opportunity, spending countless hours reviewing and refining the existing recipes he wanted to continue brewing, while also researching, experimenting, and developing new ideas.
Our philosophy at VPBC is simple: create smooth, distinctive beers and build our family one customer at a time.
Over the past two and a half years, we’ve built something special. Our family includes regulars, seasonal visitors, travelers, Harvest Hosts guests, and friends who have become familiar faces. Every person who walks through our doors helps make Vulture Peak what it is today.
If you’ve visited us, consider yourself part of the family. And if you haven’t yet, there’s a place for you here, too!
What will Halloween be like at Vulture Peak this year, and what other events do you have coming up?
Halloween is going to be spook-tacular at Vulture Peak! While we’re pouring tastes at the AZ Craft Beer Fest, the brewery will also be open from noon to 9 PM with spooky specials for guests in costume, live music, and sports on the big screens indoors. And, of course, trick-or-treaters are welcome! We’ll have plenty of candy to pass out to our little ghosts and goblins. 👻🎃
Looking ahead, November 6th marks the opening of our winter patio season! We have lots of fun planned for the cooler months, including outdoor live music, food trucks, crafting events, tattoos, dog adoptions, fundraisers, and so much more.
At our core, we believe in supporting local. Throughout the year, we host events that bring our community together while raising money for local nonprofits, including Project SALT and K9 Konnection. We love creating a space where people can enjoy great beer, connect with their neighbors, support local businesses, and give back to the community we call home. That’s what being part of the Vulture Peak family is all about!
Sample Vulture Peak Brewing beers at the Arizona Craft Beer Fest this Saturday, October 31.
