Background
Dark Sky Brewing Company opened its doors in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona in 2015. By the time the small brewery was one year old, it had amassed a portfolio of 100 unique beers, all brewed on a tiny three-barrel system.
This story starts like so many other brewery start ups, an All-In-One Homebrew kit. Nick Irvine started brewing with this kit and was soon joined by Ryan Sandlin. The pair rapidly got hooked and started brewing weekly. The next idea was of course: we should start our own brewery. Other friends got involved, Larami Sandlin, Jeff Littrell, and Amanda Manville and with no other investors, Dark Sky was born.
The brewery’s name comes from Flagstaff’s status as the world’s first “International Dark Sky City,” a recognition awarded to communities who show “exceptional commitment” to preserving the night sky.
Experience
We first visited Dark Sky shortly after they opened and were not overwhelmed. All the beers we tried were, we thought, mediocre. We decided we would wait to review.
On this visit we arrived on a Saturday afternoon to a pretty packed house. We were able to get one of the few tables left and enjoyed the live music. They requested a bit of a cover charge for a benefit to re-open the Orpheum Theatre in Flagstaff. It is a large tasting room with many tables surrounding three sides of the brewing equipment. They have a small bar in the back where you can order a beer or grab some beer or merch to go. They also have a small dog friendly patio in the back.
What a difference a few years make. Available were at least 12 Dark Sky beers and a few other Arizona brews. Considering our current craving for hazy IPAs our favorites were S.E.T. #1 and Rainy Daze. We even got cans to go! The service was excellent. Dark Sky has partnered with Pizzicletta and we enjoyed a delicious funghi pizza and a side of marinated olives .
Just down the street is Hops On Birch, another great place to grab a pint or craft beer to go. Next door to it is Vino Loco if one is ready for a glass of wine. Both have adjoining patios to enjoy a pleasant day in Flagstaff.
Hotel Monte Vista and the Residence Inn Marriott are nearby. When in the Flagstaff area, check out Historic Brewing and Wanderlust Brewing !
