There are really hundreds of reasons we’re excited for Arizona Strong Beer Fest, but let’s narrow it down to the beers we’re seeking out.
This Saturday, February 14 marks the 25th year of Arizona Strong Beer, the largest single day craft beer festival in Arizona and the official kickoff event for Arizona Beer Week. More than 100 breweries and other beverage-makers will pour more than 500 different styles of ales, lagers, seltzers, spirits and wine—on the grassy event area at Salt River Fields. It’s the best opportunity for Arizona craft beer lovers to try all their favorite spots in one place. We are as big a fan as anyone, so here are the beers we’re racing to try first.
Saddle Mountain Brewing Co. Toasted Pecan Doppelbock
There aren’t many beers I remember specifically from Strong Beer festivals in the past (probably a good reason for that) but this one brings back vivid memories of who I was with when I first tried it. I’ll spend my first ticket on this and try to get it on the way back around if there’s any left.
Pinnacle Brewing Co. Quads of Cash
A Belgian Quad is hard to come by in the Phoenix area (only a handful of local breweries make it) so I’ll jump at the chance to try Pinnacle’s latest creation. The 2025 Brewery of the Year at the Arizona Craft Beer Awards won gold in the Belgians category for Seeing Dubbel, so we know this one comes from a good family.
Fate Brewing Co. King Size Candy Bar
My pancreas is prepared for the full indulgence of barrel-aged King Size Candy Bar Milk Stout, the boozy big brother of Fate’s popular Halloween offering. This was always a must-buy at the taproom, but we haven’t seen it offered in cans in years and I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve missed it.
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. Pale 48
Easily my favorite release during Beer Week 2025, there’s something about this pale ale that hits perfectly on an Arizona afternoon. Plus, it’s refreshing to see the style that every craft brewer first fell in love with make a comeback.
Collabs
Breweries don’t get together to brew all their beers, so when collaborations come around, jump on the opportunity because these one-offs won’t be around long. Here are a few collabs worth seeking out at Strong Beer:
- 12 West/SanTan west coast IPA
- Flag 8 Brewer’s Collaborative Beer, a dark lager/Schwarzbier made by the eight Flagstaff breweries: Lumberyard, Beaver Street, Dark Sky, Grand Canyon, Historic, Mother Road, Flagstaff and Wanderlust. Pouring in the Lumberyard booth.
- Dragoon/Pueblo Vida black IPA
The beers written about are from a public document made available by The Arizona Craft Brewer’s Guild.
PHOENIX magazine celebrates 60 years in 2026 and to honor our great city, we’ve launched the PHOENIX magazine Anniversary Club. Read more anniversary stories here.
