Tap That Az

In this new series "Behind The Pint" we will hear the story of over 2 dozen iconic Arizona beers. These conversations were recorded in 2019 during the creation of The Arizona Beer Book for the purpose of research and were never intended to be released. This first one is arguably the favorite beer of Arizona Tower Station IPA from Mother Road Brewing Co. Listen in as founder Michael Marquess explains how the Mother Road customers played an integral part of making this beer. Enjoy the show!

In this episode host Eric Walters sits down with Helton Brewing Co. head brewer Rob Coate. The explosion of Helton beer in the state has been impressive given their short history. In their almost-5-years they have gone from the neighborhood spot with a great vibe and killer Pilsner to a top craft beer producer in Arizona filling the shelves of beer stores around that state. Rob tells us the story from the beginning as well as the future of Helton Brewing Co. Enjoy! 

In this episode host Eric Walters hangs out with  Cathy Wise and Steven Prager from National Audubon Society for Arizona and Carly Jones from Arizona Wilderness Brewing. This time we're at the Downtown Phoenix location for AZ Wilderness at their bird friendly beer garden to talk about.....well, the garden. Enjoy the show!

The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild has been behind most of your favorite Arizona beer festivals. Behind the scenes they work tirelessly to ensure all our favorite Arizona breweries are up to speed on all the legislative side of things. Its often a thankless job but during COVID-19 the guild showed its value in spades guiding its members through the continually changing food & beverage landscape. In this episode Kristan Drews from the guild joins to talk with host Eric Walters. Enjoy!

In this episode host Eric Walters sits down with Tyler Smith from Kitsune Brewing Company. With the help of the great folks at Simple Machine Brewing Company Kitsune has developed a great reputation in its short history. Not only does Tyler make great beer but the attitude he brings to the Arizona beer community is of equal value. Enjoy the show!

Rodg Little from Oak Park Brewing Co. in Sacramento recently reached out and basically said, “dude you gotta hear the story of Ted Mack and Peoples Beer”. I looked into it briefly and quickly said HELL YES! Along with Rodge and Geoff from Oak Park Ted Mack Jr. joins as well. Mr. Mack was one of the most captivating people I’ve ever been in the presence of and am very proud to share this episode. He tells the story of his father whose message transcends beer and encourages us to think for ourselves. Enjoy!

Ok, lets face it. Some animals are just cuter than others. Burrowing owls might take the cake on cuteness. About the size of a "potato with legs" these little fellas are in danger. Luckily Arizona has awesome people like Cathy Wise and Steven Prager (episode 178 also) from National Audubon Society for Arizona to spearhead efforts to save them. Add in Wren House Brewing to create a beer to bring awareness to this issue and you have U-9 Lager. Enjoy!

In this episode I am emphatic that this cheese I tasted was the best ever. After reflecting on that….it’s 100% true! So Arcadia Premium has been a huge supporter from day one and I’m embarrassed it took me so long to get them on the show! Owners Joel and Lara join to tell their story as well as share some amazing cheese. And we even have a special guest pop in. Enjoy!

Right in the heart of Downtown Phoenix sits a single story standalone building that has served as an anchor for the Arizona craft beer community since 2012. Angel's Trumpet Ale House began when the craft beer resurgence was just beginning in Arizona. To educate an entire community in something unfamiliar can be an uphill battle but owners Mat and Sharry Englehorn are game. In this episode host Eric Walters sits down with the Englehorns to hear the story behind their beloved ale house. Enjoy!

In February of 2017 Pedal Haus assistant brewer Ian Campbell-O'Neill tragically passed away. To honor Ian Pedal Haus makes a rye IPA called rICON every year. This year the beer will help to raised funds for the struggling Arizona Craft Brewers Guild. Tune in as host Eric Walters talks with those involved with making this wonderful beer!

For the past few years Mike Mathis and Steven Goodman have been pursuing their individual dreams of opening a spot that is all about great beer and BBQ. Leave it to Brian Helton of Helton Brewing Company to connect these two and encourage them to combine forces. This introduction led to the formation of Furious Beer and BBQ. On November 8th Helton Brewing will be hosting a brewers dinner including some of the collaboration beer with Furious. Kirby from "Beer Talks: The Kirbside Edition" joins in as well!

Since coming onto the Arizona beer scene as the owners of The Casual Pint Central Phoenix in 2017 Justin and Caia Curtis have already made a big splash. Their anniversary celebration (Oct 20-Oct 24) will highlight some of the many reasons: great collab beers, fun yet safe events and raffles for local charities. In this episode I sit down with Justin to talk about our beer-sheltered lives growing up in Ohio and how their business model has helped to streamline their contribution to our amazing Arizona beer community. Enjoy!

Growing up in a steel city myself I can appreciate the grit it takes to survive in that world. In fact my love for craft beer as a whole comes from its core foundation: hard work and creativity. Clarkdale, and now its newest business, Smelter Town Brewery, are build on that foundation as well. Becky and Craig Backus are the longtime Clarkdale residents who are behind the brewery and its accompanying hotel. A beautiful spot with beers that kick just as impressive from head brewer Tim Godin make this the spot to hit up ASAP!

The past several months have been strange/stressful/life-changing/etc. for all of us. But as we come out of this I am excited for what we have in store for you on the horizon. I want to give you all an update on everything I'm working on and the future of Tap That AZ. Hint: We're just getting started. Check out the episode to hear it all. Enjoy the show!

When Drekker Brewing Co. in Fargo, North Dakota in 2014 their mission was to make beer completely on their terms. Now, approaching their 6th anniversary these guys are making some major waves in the craft beer world still doing it completely on their terms. From the amazing liquid in the cans to the beautiful art on the outside Drekker is making fans quickly across the country. But if you think you're crazy about them based on their beer alone wait until you hear their story from co-founder Mark Bjornstad. Enjoy the show!

I'm gonna be honest: this episode is out of right field. I have some ideas I want to play around with and want see what you think. So lets start off with a story that involves a windowless room blasting rave music, riot police and zero craft beer. Enjoy!

Beer School by Blue Pint Society is always a great time. But we can’t all gather just yet so the folks at Blue Pint Society said f**k COVID just like they say f**k cancer and planned an online beer school for its 12th installment happening on September 19th. But this isn’t just any old Zoom call. It includes beer delivery! Enjoy the show and hope to see you at Beer School 12!

The Arizona Territory in the 1800's served as a beacon of hope for many who sought to take their place among the wealthy. Hans Von Biermann immigrated to AZ in the 1800’s to find his uncle (the famed Lost Dutchman?) who told him of riches in the Sonoran Desert. However, Hans found neither. His personal journals have been recovered by Bone Haus Brewing who now have the task of telling the stories and drinking the beers of this larger than life figure. Do your part and go check this place out. Enjoy the show!

Megan Greenwood has a machine over the past few years getting her beer out to the masses, and spreading the good word (in many ways). Its crazy to think I had her on the show 2 years ago (as you’ll hear….LITERALLY 2 years ago) and I'm so stoked she now has Greenwood Brewing Company open right downtown. And it couldn’t be any more perfect. Meagan is an amazing human, her beer is kick ass and she has one of the best spots in the state for sure. Enjoy the show!

When Steven Larson was a child a freak pizza oven accident turned what would be a normal desire for pizza into a lifelong obsession to eat all of it. Well, not actually. And that first part was made up. But Steven DOES love pizza so a couple of years ago Wizard of Za was born. Through this Steven takes his followers on a journey to the best pizza spots in Arizona. It only made sense to meet up at one of Arizona's newest pizza/Italian spots, Osteria Mia. Owner/Chef Mario Rana joins in as well. Enjoy!