Favorite Stops on the Arizona Brew Trail

Thanks to cool canyons, the Broadbilled hummingbird is a frequent visitor to Sierra Vista, along with 14 other species. Image by Tony Battiste.

SIERRA VISTA

Sierra Vista is a surprising respite from the heat of the Arizona desert that lies just 30 miles north. From I-10, take exit 302 and head south on Arizona 90. You’ll gain 1,000 feet in elevation by the time you reach Sierra Vista; the rolling hills along the highway disguise the elevation gain, but the cooler temperatures certainly don’t.

Sierra Vista has been dubbed “The Hummingbird Capital of the United States,” and for good reason. The soaring, tree-covered mountains that define its southern border provide shady canyons for wildlife—especially hummingbird species normally found in tropical locales—and world-class trails for hikers and mountain bikers.

Exploring this extraordinary corner of Arizona is thirsty work. Luckily, Sierra Vista is home to Bone Dry Tap House, a rustic, chill spot with 31 regional microbrews, all perfectly pulled. Just a few blocks away, the Sierra Vista location of Tombstone Brewing Company is set to open in fall 2021, with a full range of brews from lite to imperial stout, and plenty of hoppy goodness in between.

And if Arizona wine nudges your curiosity, take a day trip west to Sonoita (and Copper Brothel Brewery) or east to Willcox.

Cochise

The high desert of Cochise County, Arizona is an outdoor lover’s paradise with vast mountain ranges, expansive blue skies, and Sky Islands. In between sips, sneak in outdoor adventure, like hiking, bicycling, or rock climbing. 

Beer enthusiasts should try Copper City Ale made from an 1881 recipe at Old Bisbee Brewing Company. Swing by Bisbee’s newbie—Electric Brewing— and sample shocking flavors like Surge Protector IPA or Halogen Hibiscus. Rapidly growing Tombstone Brewing Company began in 2016 and crafts world-class traditional and evolutionary brews. Located in Tombstone and Phoenix, there’s a new location planned for Sierra Vista this fall, a delightful complement to Bone Dry Tap House—featuring 30-plus microbrews on tap.  

Cochise County has an amazing collection of wineries—about 20 tasting rooms in Willcox and a few in Bisbee. Wine aficionados will enjoy robust reds, delicate blush and white varietals, and dessert wines. Many have won prestigious awards and been featured in Wine  Spectator, Arizona Highways, and Wall Street Journal, and more. Hoppin’ Grapes Tasting Shop in Sierra Vista serves various highly rated wines.  

Cochise County—Kick up your heels with a cool brew or glass of wine under star-studded skies. You’ll be captivated at every sip! 

FLAGSTAFF

Flagstaff is Arizona’s leading Craft Beer City with award-winning brews receiving recognition and honors from the World Beer Championships and Great American Beer Festival. The beer tenders and brew masters in this mountain town offer flavor in a variety of delicious brews from stouts and porters to lagers and pale ales. Discover the Flagstaff Brewery Trail for a self-guided beer tasting adventure in an established craft beer culture with awesome local brews.

There are several favorite stops along the Flagstaff Brewery Trail to enjoy a pint. Order Mother Road’s Tower Station IPA, Conserve and Protect Golden Ale or Kölsch. Then hop over to Historic Brewing for a Piehole Porter Cherry Vanilla that’s full of flavor with a roasted chocolate and vanilla plus a slight cherry finish for an easy drinking porter with delicate sweetness. Be sure to stop at Lumberyard Brewing for the Railhead Red—this award-winning amber ale is crafted by balancing a selection of crystal and caramel malts moderately hopped resulting in a rich, full-bodied satisfying brew.

Download the Flagstaff Brewery Trail passport at craftbeerflg.com or visit the Flagstaff Visitor Center (1 E. Rt. 66) and find your favorite at Beaver Street, Lumberyard, Flagstaff Brew, Historic Brewing, Wanderlust, Dark Sky Brewing, Mother Road Brewing and Grand Canyon Brewing and Distillery. Bring the completed passport to the Flagstaff Visitor Center and be rewarded with a Flagstaff special-edition commemorative craft beer city pint glass.

Discover your favorite stop on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail at discoverflagstaff.com. Cheers!