Background – 8-Bit Aleworks
Background – 8-Bit Aleworks
Imagine you are a kid in your room in the early 1990s on your Nintendo playing Super Mario and flash forward you get to enjoy a fine craft beer. Ryan Whitten’s love of Nintendo back in the day gave them the idea for not only the 8-Bit name but the motif of the tasting room. Ryan and his wife Krystina created 8-Bit Aleworks. Whitten home brewed for some time then enrolled in a class in Bend Oregon on how to open a brewery. From contacts at that class he got the opportunity to work with the 1912 crew in Tucson where he learned it is possible to start with a smaller system and not break the bank. Two years later he and Krystina opened 8 bit, May 2015 .
8-Bit was the first brewery in Avondale and was welcomed by the city council. The facility started as a big empty room & required a complete buildout. There are plenty of vintage games to enjoy while tasting Ryan’s creations. About two years after opening, they were able to rent the spot next door and move to stainless steel to double their beer production. Ryan is the full time brewer and mad scientist. Krystina holds down a full time job besides working the tasting room five days a week. Patrons are welcome to bring outside food in to eat while drinking their beer, or take advantage of the occasional food trucks available on most Wednesday and Friday nights.
Experience
8-Bit is tucked away in a business complex in Avondale. We first visited in 2015 and really enjoyed the variety of beers. Ryan is very experimental which we love. I understand he has tried chamomille, peppers, garlic & curry in his beers. During our first we enjoyed Hopassassins Creed, a great session IPA which was highlighted by a nice floral nose and flavor. The Hefe is a Lie, was the hefeweizen with light banana notes, which Ryan ran through a randle stuffed with cocoa nibs. And Princess, a delicious peach IPA. We just visited again and discovered an improved White Mage (in my estimation), and delicious Figgy Pudding & The Mayan Chocolossus. There is no food in-house but patrons can bring their own food in.
No nearby lodging noted. Tasting room is handicap accessible. When visiting 8-Bit consider checking out the nearby Litchfield Taproom by Peoria Artisan.
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