Arizona’s best local beer of the year, according to Untappd

It’s that time of year again—time to take stock of all the best things 2023 had to offer, and that includes the finest craft beers in Arizona. The Grand Canyon State is home to more than 120 breweries (about one for every 54,000 Arizonans), so there’s plenty to sip and savor. But what makes an Arizona beer the best of the best?

The craft beer lovers and aficionados at Untappd have some thoughts on that. Beloved Arizona beers and breweries are prevalent on the site, along with descriptions and ratings from beer fans around the world. We’ve scoured the site’s recommendations and “best of” lists to find some of Arizona’s most spectacular beers of 2023. So whether you like IPAs, porters, or something more exotic, grab a glass and get to reading—just remember to enjoy responsibly. 

Jitterbug Perfume 

Beer Style: Farmhouse Ale

Brewer: Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. (Gilbert)

ABV: 5.8%

IBU: N/A

This “slightly tart and absolutely delicious” farmhouse ale, as described by Untappd user Angela Martin, is a newer arrival to Gilbert’s own Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. That tartness comes from the Meyer lemons and coriander that have been added to the brew to give it that tangy and distinctive flavor alongside its subtle notes of raspberry and damp earth. All this goes to show why Craft Beers and Brewing magazine named it one of 2023’s best beers.

Radial Spines

Beer Style: Lager

Brewer: 12 West Brewing Co. (Gilbert)

ABV: 5%

IBU: N/A

Another one of 2023’s top brews according to Craft Beers and Brewing, this  lager comes from another Gilbert-based brewery in 12 West Brewing Co. This is an American-style lager with “great tropical hopping,” according to Untappd user Garrick Williams. Kristin Overton also advises Arizonans that one of the best places to enjoy Radial Spines is at 12 West itself, saying it’s a “super fun brewery—if you’re considering it, go!” 

Double Pumpkin Porter

Beer Style: Pumpkin Beer/Porter

Brewer: Four Peaks Brewing Company (Tempe)

ABV: 8.5%

IBU: 9

For those who like a hearty beer that packs a punch, the Double Pumpkin Porter from Four Peaks Brewing Company is a beer with “downright bloodcurdling amounts of malt, spice, and pumpkin flavor”—a true pumpkin beer made with actual gourds for maximum flavor. This beer averages a 4 out of 5 rating on Untappd after 2,365 ratings. Just follow Four Peaks’ advice and “don’t drink it with the lights out.”

Devil’s Claw

Beer Style: Porter – Imperial/Double

Brewer: Wren House Brewing Company (Phoenix)

ABV: 11%

IBU: N/A

For a rich, deliciously complex porter with a unique backstory, Wren House Brewing Company’s Devil’s Claw is sure to impress. This “mash-up of barrel-aged beers,” including beer aged in “some very eccentric rum barrels which previously held whiskey,” has been blended to create a sweet, rich treat with notes of coconut and a mouthfeel like marshmallow. No wonder it’s earned reviews from Untappd users as far away as Scandinavia, like the simple “Still tasting great!” from Matt Hines.

Sonorasaurus

Beer Style: IPA

Brewer: Wren House Brewing Company (Phoenix)

ABV: 8%

IBU: N/A

A beloved IPA from Wren House has been brought back from extinction, and no wonder—Untappd’s Tim Martinez calls it “so, so good!!” Plenty of people agree, as more than 1,000 Untappd users have given it a 4.2-star rating. This beer is a true taste of Arizona, as it’s made with Sinagua Malt barley grown in the Verde Valley and raw bluebeard durum wheat from Grain R&D. You can see why Wren House calls this beer “summer vacation in Coronado,” with notes of raspberry and white grape tannins—delectable.

Blueberry Spaceship Box

Beer Style: Cider

Brewer: Superstition Meadery (Prescott)

ABV: 5.5%

IBU: N/A

Looking for something a little different? While not strictly a beer, Blueberry Spaceship Box proudly names itself “the top-rated hard cider in the world”—and it has not only earned an impressive 4.22 Untappd rating to prove it, but also scored a full 100 points on RateBeer.com. While this sweet and tart cider has been enjoyed from Copenhagen to Thailand, it’s made at Arizona’s own Superstition Meadery, so grab yourself a glass.

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