“You can’t be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer.” -Frank Zappa
By Zappa’s estimation, Arizona is halfway to nationhood. We not only have a beer, but we have dozens from a spate of fantastic craft breweries all over the state, and the hour to celebrate them was February 15th through the 22nd, that marked Arizona Beer Week this year! Given the fact that Tucson is graced with tens of thousands of visitors descending upon the Old Pueblo for the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase rolls forth, it was an excellent chance for all of the exhibitors, vendors, show-goers and pebble rebels to become acquainted with the finest of thirst-quenching suds the Grand Canyon State has to offer. However, Tucson's Downtown beer quenches anytime.
Barrio Brewery, 800 16th Street, hosted their Brew Master’s Dinner on February 20th, featuring a five course meal, with each plate paired with one of their terrific Barrio Brews. Borderlands Brewing Company, at 119 E. Toole Avenue, were rocking some serious Arizona Beer Week events, not the least of which was the Arizona premiere of the film Beer on a Roll at their taproom on February 21st! Their week of events culminated with their participation in the Southern Arizona Brewers Festival on February 22nd at the Maker House.
This year’s Tucson’s Dragoon’s own IPA, served at Good Oak Bar was served. It’s got more hops than Michael Jordan. Good Oak Bar, at 316 E. Congress, was host to brewer 1055’s Happy Hour on February 21st, offering their excellent locally made beer!
Maker House, at 283 N. Stone, hosted the Southern Arizona Brewers Festival on February 22nd from 2-6pm. Participants were given a commemorative pint glass and exclusive access to local brewers’ fine beers. There was live music from The Bennu and a variety of local eats from Tucson food trucks. Proceeds from this event went to benefit the Easter Seals Blake Foundation, which provides services that assist children and adults with disabilities and/or special needs as well as support to their families.
Playground Bar and Lounge, at 278 E. Congress, hosted Arizona’s 102nd Beer and Brats Birthday Bash, on February 15th. They were grilling hot dogs, brats, and Arizona-made specialty sausage on their rooftop with all the fixin’s.
Tucson’s own Thunder Canyon Brewery also had their own Beer Dinner in the Canyon on February 18th, featuring six of their own brews. Thunder Canyon Brewery, at 220 E. Broadway Blvd, was host to Beer Dinner in the Canyon on February 18th. They had a six course meal, with each plate paired with a Thunder Canyon beer and a story. A beer and a story with each plate! Wonders never cease.
Tap & Bottle, at 403 N. 6th Ave, held Dragoon Casks and Special Taps + Chef’s Kitchen Food Truck Pairings on February 20th. Held to celebrate one of Tucson’s favorite breweries, Dragoon, there were be a variety of special Dragoon beers on tap, and special pairings served with the Chef’s Kitchen Food Truck!
World of Beer, at 350 E. Congress Street, had a different event planned for every single day of the week. It’s an ideal venue for it, since they already feature a gargantuan selection of Arizona craft brews all-year round!
This doesn’t even represent ALL of the events that took place last week. If you missed Beer Week, Downtown Tucson is brewing up one heck of a February for everyone looking for a good time! There are more events being added constantly.
article modified from Tucson Downtown Partnership - Beer Week February 15 - 22, 2014.