The number of breweries on the west side of Phoenix has grown to seven. The western most entity is Saddle Mountain Brewing in Goodyear. Jacob and Laura Hansen opened the doors in October 2014. Both Hansens grew up around rural far west Phoenix area, near Saddle Mountain. Jacob had been a home brewer for several years and when the couple sold their bar/restaurant in Wintersburg, the idea of opening a place closer to Phoenix with a focus on brewing beer was there. When the decision was made, it was the first attempted brewery in the town of Goodyear and involved working with the city planning and zoning group to develop new brewery rules for the town. Then they needed to get the city council to pass it. In the end, all was accomplished and they found Neal Huttenhow to be Head Brewer. In 2017, Neal won a gold medal at GABF for his Taildragger’s Clan-Destine Scottish Ale.
Saddle Mountain Brewing is a large facility with a bar overlooking the brewing equipment and many tables and booths able to accomodate any size group. The place definately has an aviation feel with WWI & WWII aviation photos and the female servers resembling Rosie the Rivoter. Jacob loves those planes and has worked around them and flown them his entire life. They also trademarked their beer as Taildragger Craft Beer, reflecting those vintage planes with a tail wheel on the back. We originally visited in December 2014 and noting they had 9 beers of their own on tap, thought that was an accomplishment for such a new brewery. Our most recent visit in 2017 found 8 signature SMBC beers on tap along with 4 seasonals. Our recent favorites are the Hop Snob, Ray’s Gold, The Clan Destine and the unique Night Raid, a dark lager. Their food menu is varietal and exceptional. The Reuben and Rachael sliders are must tries and the wedge salad is fantastic. We also enjoyed the crisp fried fish and chips.
No nearby lodging noted. Tasting room is handicap accessible. When visiting SMBC consider visiting nearby 8-Bit aleworks and The Litchfield Taproom by Peoria Artisan Brewery.
http://saddlemountainbrewing.com
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