Chandler, AZ Local Craft Beer Guide

Your Ultimate Brewery Itinerary

Chandler, Arizona, has become a notable destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Located southeast of Phoenix, this charming city provides a haven for beer lovers with its array of local breweries, each offering a unique experience. Chandler's craft breweries are recognized for their distinctive styles and personalities, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether one is drawn to bustling downtown tap houses or prefers the tranquility of a neighborhood pub, Chandler presents an eclectic mix that promises to satisfy the palate of even the most discerning aficionados.

With an emerging craft beer scene, Chandler boasts a selection of establishments known for their original pours. Family-friendly activities and an inviting downtown scene complement the brewery experience, creating an environment that extends beyond the enjoyment of beer. Establishments such as the SanTan Brewing Company have laid the foundation for what has become a thriving craft community.

As the craft beer landscape continues to evolve, patrons can find an ever-changing selection of handcrafted beers. From seasonal specialties to year-round favorites, Chandler's craft beer offerings encourage exploration and discovery. An evening out might include enjoying karaoke at a local brewery that boasts an impressive rotation of brews, or perhaps visiting a highly-rated beer bar that showcases a passion for serving up the best local and national craft beers. The craft beer adventure in Chandler, AZ, is one of diversity, quality, and continual innovation.

Discovering Chandler's Craft Beer Scene

Chandler, Arizona has become a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts, boasting an array of breweries that showcase the community's passion for quality and creativity in brewing.

Overview of Chandler Craft Breweries

Chandler plays host to a variety of craft breweries, each offering a unique tableau of flavors to cater to a vast spectrum of palates. The city's craft beer scene has something for everyone, from laid-back taprooms to innovate brewpubs. Noteworthy establishments like Pedal Haus Brewery, SanTan Brewing Company, and The Perch Brewery are just the tip of the iceberg in Chandler's diverse brewery landscape. Newer additions such as Craft 64 and HELLUVA Brewing Company have also become integral parts of the local brewery scene, providing citizens and visitors alike with a taste of Chandler's craft spirit.

The History of Craft Brewing in Chandler

The story of craft brewing in Chandler is a reflection of the larger craft beer movement in Arizona. The city's brewing history can be traced back to the early entrants who planted the initial seeds for a flourishing craft beer culture. Establishments like SanTan Brewing Company have played a pivotal role in shaping the local beer landscape, introducing craft brews that honor Chandler's heritage while embracing modern brewing techniques. The community's enduring support for these businesses has allowed the craft beer industry in Chandler to thrive and contribute significantly to the city's economic and cultural fabric.

Influential Chandler Breweries

Several breweries in Chandler have distinguished themselves as important contributors to Arizona's growing reputation as a craft beer destination. For instance, SanTan Brewing Company has garnered attention with its distinctive Southwestern-style ales. Pedal Haus Brewery's award-winning beers have added to the city's acclaim, further pushing Chandler into the limelight. The Perch Brewery has won the hearts of both beer aficionados and animal lovers with its blend of a bird sanctuary and a rooftop bar serving an elaborate selection of craft beers. Moreover, the energy and character of these breweries, along with newer entrants like Hop Central Brewery and Taproom, continue to elevate Chandler's status in the craft beer community.

The Craft Beer Experience

Chandler has become a vibrant hub for craft beer aficionados, offering a plethora of local brews that range from bold IPAs to smooth American Wheats. Visitors can indulge in a diverse beer landscape, often complemented by local cuisine that brings out the distinctive flavors of each brew.

Tasting the Best Local Brews

Chandler's craft beer scene showcases a vast selection of brews that ensure every palate finds its match. The city boasts local favorites like Craft 64, where one can savor wood-fired pizzas along with a pint of their signature beers. Specifically, look out for regional specialties like the Hazy IPA and Pale Ale which have garnered a loyal following.

For those with a taste for fruit-infused brews, Mr. Pineapple offers a tropical twist on the traditional wheat beer. Another noteworthy mention is Sunspot Gold, a balanced American Wheat beer that's both refreshing and flavorful. These local beers can be found at a variety of establishments, including dedicated tap houses and eclectic eateries that emphasize Chandler's commitment to craft beer culture.

Exclusive Craft Beer Tours

Adventures through Chandler's brewery landscape can be elevated by engaging in exclusive craft beer tours. These tours guide enthusiasts across various breweries, providing a curated experience that highlights the best of the local craft beer scene.

• Map Included: Participants receive a map marking each brewery location, ensuring an informative and efficient tour.

• Restaurant Visits: Select tours incorporate stops at top-rated restaurants where food pairings are specifically designed to complement the featured craft beers.

For those seeking an immersive experience, such tours often give a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, along with exclusive tastings not available to the general public. These tours are ideal for both newcomers to the craft beer world and seasoned connoisseurs looking for the next great sip.

Breweries and Locations

Chandler's craft beer scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself, featuring a collection of breweries that cater to every taste. Whether one seeks the lively atmosphere of downtown Chandler or prefers exploring the unique offerings sprinkled throughout the city, there's a pint and place for every beer enthusiast.

Downtown Chandler Hotspots

Downtown Chandler is the pulsating heart of the local craft beer movement, where patrons can visit an array of breweries and taprooms. A highlight of the area is the SanTan Brewing Company, which stands out with its range of distinctive beers and a welcoming patio perfect for Arizona's sunny days. Visitors can immerse themselves in the downtown vibe, with most locations conveniently clustered to create an informal beer trail.

Brewery/Taproom Features

SanTan Brewing Company - Craft beer selection
- Outdoor patio

Patent 139 Brewing - Highly-rated brewpub
- Artisanal brews

Beers and Bars Beyond the Downtown

Beyond the downtown limits, Chandler continues to impress with its craft beer offerings. Independent establishments featuring rooftop bars and expansive patios provide an idyllic setting for enjoying the Arizona weather alongside locally brewed ales and lagers.

Location Highlights

Buqui Bichi Chandler - Brewpub with eco-friendly approach
- Mexican-inspired beer pairings

These breweries and beer bars represent just a taste of what Chandler has to offer. They are an integral part of the community, each contributing its unique flavors and experiences to the city's craft beer culture.

Brewery Profiles and Specialties

Chandler's thriving craft beer scene boasts breweries that not only serve a diverse range of beers but also specialize in creating distinctive brews that have garnered both local and national accolades.

Santan Brewing's Signature Selection

Santan Brewing Company has established itself with a repertoire of beers that highlight the Southwestern flavor profile. Their array of craft beers includes a standout House IPA, celebrated for its balanced hop-forward taste. They consistently deliver a selection that reflects the regional palate and ingredients, making their beers a local favorite.

Pedal Haus and Their Award-Winners

Pedal Haus Brewery shines in the craft beer community, particularly at competitions like the Great American Beer Festival. They pride themselves on an innovative approach to brewing, resulting in award-winning beers across multiple categories. Partnerships and collaborations are part of their ethos, often leading to unique, limited-edition brews.

Innovation at Hop Central Brewery and Taproom

The Hop Central Brewery and Taproom is known for their inventive spirit and embrace of technology, which plays a vital role in their brewing process. This dedication to innovation ensures a fresh and diverse lineup of beers, including a popular House IPA. Their craft extends beyond tradition, focusing on quality and the customer's evolving tastes.

The Community and Culture of Craft Beer

Chandler’s craft beer scene champions a sense of community and local pride, showcasing the region's rich agricultural produce and close-knit partnerships among breweries and local farms.

Local Ingredients and Craft Partnerships

The local craft breweries in Chandler leverage an abundance of local ingredients to create distinctive flavors that reflect the area’s agrarian roots. They build strong partnerships with Arizona farms, sourcing everything from hops to grains, which helps to stimulate the local economy and support regional agriculture. These alliances ensure that the beer aficionados of Chandler are consistently treated to fresh and innovative brews, often made with locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients.

Craft Beer Events and Festivals

Chandler’s calendar is peppered with events and festivals that celebrate craft beer:

• Beer Tastings and Tap Takeovers: Craft beer enthusiasts congregate at events where breweries often rotate their selection, presenting unique and seasonal offerings.

• Karaoke Nights: Places like QuartHaus enrich their craft beer experience with weekly events, such as karaoke nights that draw in a vibrant crowd.

• Ale Trails and Pub Crawls: For the adventurous drinkers, Chandler offers curated maps to plan excursions that encompass multiple breweries, encouraging exploration of the wide variety of local brews.

These gatherings are not only platforms for showcasing regional products but also serve as the heartbeat of the community, where residents and visitors alike can bond over a shared passion for craft beer.

Dining and Pairing

In Chandler's local craft beer scene, enthusiasts savor the intersection of finely crafted ales and thoughtful cuisine. Restaurants cater to discerning palates by curating menus where the interplay of food and beer elevates the dining experience.

Food Menus with Craft Beer Pairings

Pedal Haus Brewery, a multiple award-winning establishment, offers 13 in-house brews and a variety of local collaborations. Patrons can indulge in food selections such as Nashville hot chicken, fish & chips, or a Thai peanut salmon salad, each paired exquisitely with house brews to complement flavors.

• Wood-Fired Pizza and IPA: The hops in an IPA cut through the richness of cheese and complement the char of a wood-fired crust.

• Fish & Chips with Pale Ale: The carbonation and slight bitterness of a pale ale work well with the dish's crispness and seasoning.

Restaurants with Notable Beer Selections

At The Sleepy Whale, guests find a captivating rotation of craft beers that pair harmoniously with the bar's offerings. Their talented staff assists diners in pairing the right beer with snacks from the menu, ensuring a well-rounded tasting experience.

• Menu Highlights:

  • Selection of artisan cheeses and cured meats (What wine goes well with cured meats?)

  • A range of bar snacks perfect for beer accompaniment

Bold flavor profiles from the selection of craft beers at restaurants across Chandler provide beer connoisseurs with a memorable dining experience. Whether it's a casual evening out or a quest for a new taste sensation, the harmonious pairings of craft beers and menu offerings define Chandler's approach to beer culture.

Enjoying Craft Beer at Home

When one decides to savor the rich tapestry of local craft beer from the comfort of their home, they must consider the best places to source these brews and the optimal ways to store and serve them.

Where to Buy Craft Beer

Local Bottle Shops: In Chandler, aficionados can delve into vast selections at dedicated bottle shops. Such establishments offer a plethora of craft beer options, often with an emphasis on local and regional brews. These shops often provide craft beer in various formats including cans and bottles, catering to diverse preferences.

• The Sugar Bar: Boasting 31 rotating taps and a selection of over 240 beers in the fridges, The Sugar Bar is a prime example of a one-stop-shop for craft beer connoisseurs.

• Additional Venues: While The Sugar Bar is a notable mention, Chandler's local markets and beverage stores frequently stock up on popular and new craft beer offerings for those looking to take a taste of the local brews home.

Tips for Storing and Serving

Proper Storage: To maintain the integrity of craft beer, proper storage is paramount. Beers should be kept in fridges at a steady, cool temperature, away from direct light. This prevents spoilage and flavor degradation. Ideally, one should store beer upright to minimize oxidation and contamination from the cap.

Serving Suggestions: When it's time to enjoy, serving craft beer at the right temperature is crucial. Lighter beers are best served cold, around 40-45°F, whereas stouts and porters can be enjoyed slightly warmer. Glassware also matters, as the shape can dramatically enhance the aroma and flavor profile. They should use a clean glass suited to the style to fully appreciate the nuances of their craft beer selection.

Craft Beer Resources

The craft beer enthusiast has several tools at their disposal for enhancing their appreciation of Chandler's local brews. From educational platforms to bustling online communities, these resources provide valuable insights and facilitate connections among beer aficionados.

Educational Content and Reviews

Educational Content: Beer lovers seeking to expand their knowledge can tap into a wealth of educational resources online. Websites like BreweryGuides.com offer comprehensive maps and guides for planning brewery visits and beer trails.

Reviews: For those interested in learning about the nuances of Chandler's craft beer offerings, visiting reputable review sites provides a detailed look at each beer's profile. High-quality reviews break down flavor profiles, brewing techniques, and overall drinking experiences to guide enthusiasts to their next favorite pint.

Social Media and Craft Beer Communities

Facebook Groups: Many craft beer communities thrive on Facebook, where members share their experiences, brewery recommendations, and coordinate meetups. Groups specific to Chandler's craft beer scene are valuable for staying current with local beer events and releases.

Instagram: Breweries and craft beer fans often use Instagram to showcase their latest creations and favorite pours. By following local Chandler breweries and using relevant hashtags like #ChandlerBeer, individuals can visually explore the area's craft beer culture and connect with fellow beer enthusiasts.