5 Arizona Beers for August

With the Summer season in full swing, flavorful and icy cold beverage offerings are an essential staple for any poolside hangouts or backyard grill outs. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of incredible selections on draft and in cans or growlers to go directly in the Phoenix area. With several award-winning outfits and an incredible variety of diverse options, dive headfirst into some of our top picks (even for when you’re inside soaking up A/C).

Dino DNA (DDH IPA, 6.5% ABV) – Wren House Brewing

A uniquely fruity “thicc boi” of a beer, in addition to Galaxy, Citra, and Amarillo hops, this offering features the inclusion of Phantasm powder. Currently one of the most exclusive ingredients in craft brewing and only sold to select breweries, the powder is an extraction made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes from one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed wine regions. Extremely rich in organic compounds called thiols (which help create deeper and stronger, tropical flavors and aromas) that allow elements of juicy nectarine, grapefruit and mango to truly shine and conclude with a tart yet sweet passion fruit finish. 2125 N. 24th St., Phoenix AZ; wrenhousebrewing.com // @wrenhousebrewing

Popcycle Blonde (Fruit Beer, 4.5%) – O.H.S.O. Brewery

Akin to a grown-up, liquid variation on the iconic frozen treat from your favorite local ice cream truck, raspberries and lemons come together to make this beer a fruity, refreshing and delicious summertime thirst quencher. As unique as any offering from the Outrageous Homebrewer’s Social Outpost (which includes such entries as “Gabagool” Italian Pilsner, “Jazz Cigarette” Smoked Helles Lager and “Hits From The Bung” Barleywine), as described by the brewery itself, it’s “light, sweet, and thirst quenching, made for hot days.” 335 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 102, Gilbert, AZ; ohsobrewery.com // @ohsobrewery

Hatch Chile Gatos (Golden Ale, 4.8%) – Fate Brewing

Not only a Bronze Medal winner at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival, but a Gold Medal winner of the 2018 World Beer Cup, this traditional cream ale takes a sharp turn into an eclectic tour of the Southwest. Brewed with Hatch chiles, a smoky and peppery aroma gives away its true softer nature. While it leaves a subtle hint of heat on a clean finish, it gives you all of the flavor but none of the punishing heat. Unlike many Arizona Summer days. Be sure to try it with many other offerings at their upcoming Sour & Sweet Beer Festival in August. 1312 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ; fatebrewing.com // @fatebrewingaz

Pale Guy (Pale Ale, 5.3%) – Goldwater Brewing

Finally, a namesake offering for those pigmentally impaired. Regardless of the amount of sunscreen you may have to slather on to not burn to a crisp in direct sunlight, this dank and piney elixir will have your core cooled down regardless of the temperature outside. Cascaded and Cyro Columbus hops mash up against Lemongrass, tangerine and just enough citrus pith to balance out the more bitter notes. An excellent offering in its own right, but be sure to look out for their Desert Rose Cactus Kolsch as the perfect bookend to this delicious delivery from the Goldwater family. 3608 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ; goldwaterbrewing.com // @goldwaterbrewingco

Zona Pilsner (Czech Style Pils, 4.6%) – 12 West Brewing Co.

A tribute to the Grand Canyon State, this lighter offering features floral aromas blended with spicy noble-hop notes and a slightly heavy sweet malt background. Light apple and pear flavors on the nose and a touch of honey malt creates the foundation for a rich, complex body reminiscent of more potent pre-Prohibition American light lagers. Hints of corn sweetness, pleasant character and just a slight bit of bitterness to balance, crisp, clean and refreshing for any sweltering day or cool Summer night. 12 West Main, Mesa, AZ; 12westbrewing.com // @12westbrewing

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