Flagstaff Ale Trail

Flagstaff. The craft beer hub of the Southwest. Over the weekend writer and author Roger Naylor had his superb made in Arizona feature story published on AZCentral.com and in the Arizona Republic. The title of the print version was, appropriately, Artisanal ales. There were many things we like about this piece including that some of our photos were published to illustrate it (see below). Also, we've excerpted some of our favorite passages. (in italics).

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Dehydration is always a danger when exploring Arizona trails, so it's important to stop often to drink. Once you've had enough water, you will be ready to tackle the Flagstaff Ale Trail... "Beer tasting is becoming enormously popular for both serious connoisseurs and casual lovers of good brews," said Geoff Barnard of the Flagstaff Ale Trail...

"There is more of a boutique approach to craft beer. It's become cool to buy local, to support the local brewery," [Thomas Smith co-owner of Hops on Birch, a craft beer bar and nightclub in Flagstaff] said. Hops on Birch has 28 rotating tap handles, with more than half dispensing Arizona beers at any given time.

"One of the things we really focus on is balancing our beers," [Michael Marquess, owner and chief beer officer of Mother Road Brewing Co.] said. "Our Lost Highway Black IPA is a strong brew with 8 percent alcohol. This style tends to be very hoppy, but we worked hard to balance it." Mother Road also makes Roadside American Ale and Twin Arrows Brown Ale. The Gold Road Kolsch-Style Ale serves as a gateway brew, a clean, crisp beer with subtle fruit notes -- ...

Jeff Dicus is another Flagstaff home brewer who moved into the big leagues when he and his wife, Susanne, launched Cosmic Distributing and Cosmic beer. "I'm a true craftsman, Dicus said. "I spend way too much time experimenting with grain and hop profiles. The mineral-rich water in Flagstaff is perfect for my style of beer making... We have three flagship brews, Dirty Blonde, Irish Red and Full Moon Porter, and rotate seasonals."

Anyway, this fine article (see full article here) has many good parts. A couple of quick additions, things that didn't get mentioned is that Mogollon beer is available on the Flagstaff Ale Trail at the Green Room. McGaughs Smoke and Bottle is also a starting point on the new and improved craft beer tasting adventure in Flagstaff. Check out our seven wonderful breweries and craft beer partners soon... you'll be happy you did and you'll take home our souvenirs and memories from this craft brew hub of the American Southwest. Oh, check out Roger Naylor in AZ on Facebook ... you gotta like this guy!

Update for Monday, August 27, 2012: This feature story on Arizona craft beer and breweries was also re-published in USA Today and on the Brewing Report.com.

Two great reports just in for visitors to Flagstaff, Arizona: The Arizona Office of Tourism is online with a report this week from Vancouver, Canada: Arizona Tourism Showcases Statewide Destinations in Vancouver. (HelloWestTravel.com). Thanks to Kara and AOT for describing us and other attractions in Flagstaff! Flagstaff truly is the craft beer hub of the Southwest, and the Flagstaff Ale Trail is thrilled to be a part of it.

Also this week the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce began selling our package, the Flagstaff Ale Trail Silipint and Passport. With their great downtown location and super friendly and helpful staff, we are happy to partner with the Flagstaff Chamber to help spread craft beer joy and promote downtown Flagstaff business. Note that with your purchase of the Flagstaff Ale Trail package, our great souvenir Silipint Beer Pint is free. Take advantage of the cool weather here in northern Arizona and the many great and generous discounts to stroll the Flagstaff Ale Trail with family and friends!

Oh, we are also recommending you take two days to complete the Flagstaff Ale Trail since it now includes all of these memorable, fun and tasty-sudsy stops: Beaver Street Brewery, Lumberyard Brewing, Flagstaff Brewing, Hops on Birch, The Green Room, Mother Road Brewery. Also, check out McGaughs Smoke and Bottle since they are also a starting place for craft beer nirvana along with Beaver Street, the Flagstaff Chamber, Lumberyard, Flagstaff Brewing, and our website! Reminder: plan ahead for getting where you are going safely after your craft beer tasting adventure. See our website or mobile website for transportation options.

 

We are delighted and much appreciate this writeup in an online German travel blog ! Yes, there are -- as of this summer -- six (actually, seven) stops on the Flagstaff Ale Trail. Experience great times and solid discounts on craft beer on our Ale Trail. Visit McGaughs Flagstaff, Beaver Street Brewery, Lumberyard Brewing Company, Mother Road Brewing Company, Flagstaff Brewing Company and our new Flagstaff Ale Trail stops: Hops on Birch and The Green Room!

A big thanks to Sharon and Service Driven for this nice feature blog post on the Flagstaff Ale Trail. Certainly, she's exactly on the mark about how Flagstaff is fast becoming a craft beer mecca. We are so fortunate to have such partnerships on the tasting tour and adventure as we do with Beaver Street Brewery, Flagstaff Brewing Company, Lumberyard Brewing Company, Mogollon Brewing Company and Mother Road Brewing Company. There are many more great developments, like you can start your own tasting adventure and self-guided tour at McGaughs Flagstaff, then there's the new Hops on Birch and the upcoming Made in the Shade Beer Tasting Festival (20th anniversary!) -- these all truly add to the awesome hand-crafted beer richness and fine scene in our northern Arizona town.

For the Service Driven article, do visit here.