I took the BCJP examine with some fellow homebrewers here in Flagstaff this weekend. The whole process from learning the styles to the test was valuable in furthering my education about beer and so I value that part of the experience.

Their rating system is a different issue. I think the vocabulary they use is good, but the concept no beer can be a 50 (perfect score) ring false in my mind. California Common beer is defined by Anchor Steam so if I have one in the Brewery how can it miss, likewise with say a Pilsner Urquell in the Czech republic. There have been many times in my life in which I have had a perfect beer.

About five years ago a hot, humid DC afternoon my friends and I went for beers at the Georgetown riverside. It was probably over 100 degrees and my German friend came back from the bar with Coronas for us all. I scoffed at the idea, but against my better judgement I tried it. It was the perfect beer for the hot humid day.

My first taste of a German Dunkles Hefeweizen in Tuebingen is equally valued. I have many similar experiences.

I doubt I passed the examine but I feel at peace with it because the knowledge I walk away with even if I don't pursue the BJCP further. They may not have had a perfect beer, but I have and feel all the richer for those experiences.

Arizona Republic has a bit of a simplistic article on the Arizona beer scene. For a beer novice I suppose it would be informative, but it wasn't really anything new to those who already drink good beer or have lived and traveled in the the state. I think it would have better served the paper during tourism season for Phoenix when people from out of town might get some useful information. That said the article does point out a few breweries so I thought I would give my take on them.

First Four Peaks brewing, I first met them about 10 years ago when they came up to Flagstaff for a beer festival. Ever since I have enjoyed their beer, though I don't think it's available to people outside of the state. The Kiltlifter is a nice hoppy amber scottish ale. Their 8th Street Ale is great as well.

Prescott Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in the state. No one in Arizona, besides Oak Creek Brewing, has gotten as much national recognition about their beer and it's well deserved. I'll be posting a full review of brewery in a couple of weeks as the local homebrew club will be making the trek over for a tour and tasting session.

Gentle Ben's Brewing is always on my list of places I want to visit when I make it down to Tucson. They make one of the best Hefeweizens in the state. It's right off the campus for University of Arizona, but despite the student environment it doesn't stop them from brewing great beer.

Barley Brothers Brewery & Grill didn't make it up to Flagstaff for Made in the Shade and I haven't been to Lake Havasu since the late 80s so I can't really comment on their beer. I keep meaning to make a side trip down there during a trip to Laughlin, but since it's well over 100 still down there don't expect a review until at least October.

Beaver Street Brewery & Whistle Stop Cafe is familiar to every beergeek in Flagstaff and most have the same opinion, great restaurant and their beers are well crafted, but too light. There is nothing wrong with light beers, but the brewery bores locals. During our tour last year a number of us asked the brewer to brew a porter or other darker styles but we haven't seen any, I have heard through friends this policy is based on the owner's point of view that darker beers won't sell. This is really a shame because it's probably the best quality brewery in Flagstaff. I don't go there often because of them brewing primarily light beers.

In the article when talking about Oak Creek Brewing Company they get confused on the two locations, the brewery, or taproom as they call it, and the Grill. First off if you are looking for food don't expect any at the brewery, contrary to what they write in this article they have not made sandwiches there in over a year. The Grill is where you go if you want food and their beer. Now for the dirty little locals only secret, don't go to the Grill. As a former regular at the brewery it is the place to be. If you are hungry order in a pizza and kick back on the brewery's patio with the locals, listen to the guy who believes in UFOs, chat with the next table over that might feature a construction worker, a shaman, and a psychic. The local cast of characters is probably far more interesting than you have at your pub I would be willing to wager. Sedona is a weird town and these fun folks bring it to life. Oh yes this was supposed to be about the beer, they have won national awards for their Nut Brown, the Hefeweizen, the Pale ale and I probably forgetting a couple more. Pick any tap you won't be disappointed.

More Arizona beer updates in the future.

Postscript: Ignore their beer styles on the side of the article it was written by someone not knowledgable about beer with phrases like "This is a beer's beer" or that wheat beer "is ordered by the same type of people who enjoy wine coolers." They obviously don't know much on the subject.

A bit late but time for my Made in the Shade wrap up. It was definately big success for Sun Sounds with perhaps the largest attendance I have seen in the past 10 plus years I have been going. So much so they actually ran out of cups and were forced to use plastic disposable ones.

In retrospect is was a different event being a brewer instead of just being there to taste. One advantage pouring is the other brewers take care of each other so you don't have to wait when the lines get long. The downside is a quick drink and you are back to pouring, though at our booth we had enough people that we could take shifts of pouring and get to see the festival. Best part of the festival was the compliments for our club's beers. The ones from the general public were nice, but it meant more coming from a fellow homebrewer.

While the festival claimed 50 breweries when 10 or so breweries are off a Miller truck and only one beer from each brewery it seems a dubious claim. I have no problem with distribution deals but is the brewery really present if the people pouring the beer is some distributor representative who has never been to the brewery and know nothing really about the beer. Stone had sent people who could accurately represent the brewery and it showed. For example I asked a question about Stone's anniversary party the representative knew the details. It's the little details that matter.

My impression is that the festival has gotten to the size they may need to break it up into multiple sessions or days so that the vendors don't get overloaded. That for it to remain a diverse festival they may need to reach out to small regional breweries in the bordering states to encourage their attendance. I think New Mexico for example lacked the representation of past years. Success is a wonderful thing I just hope they properly manage it.