This is just my first impression based on the beers I have tasted the last few weeks and not indepth looks at specific breweries but I'll get there in due time. The beer scene is pretty decent, while there aren't a large number of breweries, as many as Flagstaff by my count, they are making some good quality beers.

Furthermore the local beer stores and grocery stores offer a good range of options and while Belgian and hop bombs seem to be in short supply otherwise there are plentiful options to sample. I have seen such names as Dogfish Head, Magic Hat, Saranac, Brooklyn, Bells, and even Laganitas on the shelves here. The Bells was of particular surprise and delight to me. No offerings from Stone as of yet, but as Asheville Beer blog mentioned they should be in the area in short order.

Last and should be noted there is a definite difference between the hop level of East Coast and West Coast beers. Pale ales aren't nearly as hoppy as their West Coast cousins, they are more malt based flavored ales. While I have seen some highly hopped ales the number of hop bombs lags behind the Western US. I don't think that there is anything wrong with that. Tastes vary to region and it gets reflected in the locally popular brewing styles.

More to come on the particular beers and breweries of the area.