Breweries team up to host Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest

Two local breweries are combining their efforts to throw one hell of a beer festival. SanTan Brewing Co. and Pedal Haus Brewery host the Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest on Saturday October 1st at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park from 3 – 11 p.m. Both are familiar with downtown Chandler as SanTan has its brewpub their and Pedal Haus has a taproom nearby.

“Oktoberfest is always one of the most festive and fun times of the year,” said Alejandro Fontes, sales director with SanTan Brewing Company. “We’re excited to partner with our friends and neighbors at Pedal Haus Brewery and look forward to serving our award-winning brews and spirits to patrons of the 2022 event in Chandler.”

Both breweries will be pour beers including German styled Oktoberfest and seriving foods including pretzels, brats and more. Put down the beer and have fun with Oktoberfest games including Stein holding, a wiener toss and sausage eating contests. A Desert Polka party and live music from Hit Rewind and The Dirt will entertain the crowds.

“We are stoked to be joining forces with our friends at SanTan to throw one of the best Oktoberfest events in the Valley this year,” said Julian Wright, founder and CEO of Pedal Haus Brewery. “I’ll be emceeing the stein holding and sausage eating competitions, so grab your friends and lederhosen, this is going to be a fun event!”

Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door.

Don’t forget to check out my podcast Pulling Corks & Forks: The Podcast with Sandy Wasserman to hear from those in our community. Please subscribe, like & comment.

 

 

Earthly Labs helps SanTan Brewing Co. reduce carbon dioxide emissions

Chandler’s SanTan Brewing Co. is doing its part to have less of an impact on our environment and plans to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) output by half every year. In order to accomplish this they’ve partnered with Earthly Labs to capture and re-use the CO2 they use. They’ve also installed a nitrogen generator to purify the air and eliminate the CO2 when producing aluminum cans, kegs and tanks at its production facility. These 2 machines will the brewery reduce 500 metric tons of CO2 it produces.

“I’m really proud to be able to take this step towards creating a more hopeful future by doing our part to reduce carbon emissions and create a cleaner environment. Earthly Labs is changing the game for our industry by giving us control over key ingredients that are good for the planet, said Anthony Canecchia, Founder + Brewmaster, SanTan Brewing Company.

Brewing over 50,000 barrels of beer annually, SanTan is the first Arizona brewery to use the carbon capture and re-use technology. Visitors touring their production facility can view the machines at work when visiting the brewery. SanTan will continue to work with Earthly Labs to see how it reduces its carbon footprint in other ways.

Pioneering climate technology only works if leaders invest in it. We are thrilled to partner with SanTan Brewing, a clear industry leader, to recycle their waste CO2 into a quality ingredient,” said Amy George, CEO, Earthly Labs. For more information visit their website.

SanTan Spirits releases Butcher Jones Straight Rye Whiskey

Chandler’s SanTan Spirits has released its newest spirit, the award-winning Butcher Jones Straight Arizona Rye Whiskey Cask Strength. The whiskey has been honored with a GOLD MEDAL at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a DOUBLE GOLD at the 2019 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.

Butcher Jones is unique to American Rye Whiskeys because of its high barley grain bill. This helps to balance out the spirit profile as it barrel ages in the harsh Arizona climate, said Anthony Canecchia, founder + brewmaster, SanTan Spirits and SanTan Brewing Company.

The whiskey is distilled with North American Rye, 2- row barley and a hint of corn. Distilled in artisan made pot stills Butcher Jones is then aged for at least 2 years in American oak barrels. Flavors of cola, baking spices and maple caramel were noticed during sampling throughout the maturing process.

At SanTan Spirits, our whiskey is curated over a period of 2-4 years to achieve the flavor profile we are looking for. Our method of E’Levage involves rotating our barrels to different climates during their aging process. We have an amazing advantage here in Arizona with the dry climate and heat, it allows each batch to breath deep into the wood,” continued Canecchia.

SanTan Spirits is the distilling side of SanTan Brewing Co. Limited bottles of Butcher Jones can be tasted and purchased at Spirit House 8 S. San Marcos Pl. Suite 106 Chandler, AZ 85225. For more information or to schedule a tour at the distillery visit their website.

Arizona Beer Week sees new collaboration beer at SanTan Brewing Co.

Celebrating 10th years of friendship and the craft beer scene Arizona Beer Week returns February 6th, 2020. Through the 15th SanTan Brewing Co. has scheduled a week’s worth of events for beer fans. The highlight is the Brewer’s Round Table that features a new collaborative beer from SanTan and other downtown Chandler brewers. The Wee Heavy Scottish Ale “Wee Heavy, Get In My Belly” was brewed on January 16th at nearby Flix Brewhouse.

Beer fans will be able to get a first taste of Wee Heavy at the Strong Beer Festival February 8th before getting tapped at SanTan on February 13th. Tim Caggiano of SanTan Brewing, Derek “Doc” Osborne of the soon to open Pedal Haus Brewery, Marissa Bernal of Flix Brewhouse and Jake Hredzak of The Perch Pub & Brewery all collaborated on the beer.

“We chose to create a Wee Heavy Scottish Ale for this collaboration. This style plays to a strength of our host brewer, Marisa; who has made award winning Scottish Ales at Flix Brewhouse, “said Tim Caggiano, Brewer, SanTan Brewing Company, “Collaboration brews are super fun because everyone brings their own technique and I always learn something new.”Arizona Beer Week

Arizona Beer Week Brewers Round Table dinner

Wee Heavy will be on tap at each brewer’s taprooms for Arizona Beer Week and will be featured at the annual Brewers Round Table dinner on the 13th. The four- course dinner will pair beers from the downtown Chandler brewers while guests ask questions and hear from the brewers while enjoying the menu below.

Asparagus + Goat Cheese Ravioli– Spent Grain Pasta, Charred Asparagus, Chevre, Lemon Cream, Pecanwood Bacon, Chive + Garlic Micros

Venison Mini Chimi– Venison Sirlon, Hatch Chile, Oxoaca, Cilantro Rice, Chile Con Queso, Pickled Red Onion, Avocado

Lamb Chop – Herb Crusted Smoked Lamb, Mushroom + Brie Polenta, Beernaise, Charred Leek

Wee Bit Of Bread Pudding– Wee Heavy Bread Pudding, Whiskey Fudge, Bing Cherry Compote, Vanilla Meringue, Burnt Orange

“Hanging out with other brewers is always a great time. Being able to collaborate with them is even better. Doc, Tim, and Jake all brought new knowledge for me to learn and incorporate in my future brew days,” Marisa Bernal, Head Brewer, Flix Brewhouse.

Tickets for the dinner are required and are $65 per person +tax. Gratuity is included and tickets can be purchased here. SanTan Brewing Co. will have other events during Arizona Beer Week and a full list is available on at https://santanbrewing.com/events. SanTan Brewing Co. is at 8 San Marcos Pl. Chandler 85225.

 

 

SanTan Brewing Co. to open new brewing facility in Chandler

UPDATE: The facility is not new but the tours are.

Arizona’s largest independent brewer and distillery will be opening its new brewing facility in early October. Once the 35,000 square foot the SanTan Brewing Co. production facility is open they will offer behind the scenes tours and exclusive tastings to the public.

Beer and spirits enthusiasts will learn about the history and future of the brewery, visit the craft beer & spirits lab, hear about the similarities to brewing beer and distilling spirits. And of course sample new and small batch beers and spirits. After the tour guests will be able to purchase packaged goods of their favorite beers and spirits to take home.

“We’re excited to open our doors and share what we have built here at the production facility. Our goal with these tours is to educate the public about the craft of creating artisan beer and spirits including what it takes to produce consistent, high quality and honest products,” said Anthony Canecchia, Founder + Brewmaster, SanTan Brewing Company.

The brewery is taking reservations for tours which will be three times a day on Saturdays and Sundays. Tours will be $15 per person with part of the proceeds going to the Chandler Compadres. The local non-profit raises money for east valley families in need.

The new brewing facility is at 495 E. Warner Rd. Chandler 85225.

 

Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival returns to Chandler

Good times return to downtown Chandler on Saturday March 24th as the 9th annual Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival opens its gates at noon.  The festival will be serving up slow cooked foods, cold adult beverages, live entertainment and more til 10 p.m.

Barbecue, Beer and more.

Over 20 BBQ aficionados will be smoking and cooking up finger licking ribs, chicken, pulled pork and many more not BBQ dishes. Local craft beer brewers including SanTan Brewing Company along with national beers and spirits will be poured to cool you and your palate down as a lot of the foods will be bringing the heat. Below is a list of a few of those slow cooking your favorites.

Farmboy Smokehaus – brisket, pulled pork, who hog spit, andoullie sausage, baby back ribs, chicken, chili and Johnny cakes

Harris’ Smokehouse – BBQ pork, beef, chicken, ribs, hot dogs, beans, coleslaw, & corn

Jamburritos – pulled pork, brisket, hot links, jambalaya

JJ’s Louisiana BBQ – ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket, rib tips, hot links, turkey legs, beans & potato salad

Mr. Wonderful’s Chicken & Waffles – waffle and chicken wings, po boys, chicken dirty fries, banana pudding, & cheesecake

Pearson’s Catering – catfish, bayou chicken, gator bites, frog legs, jambalaya & po boys

Sally’s BBQ – loaded ribbon fries with pulled pork, sausage, & corn

SanTan Brewing – chopped brisket or pulled pork sandwich & mac & cheese

BBQ festival
All photos courtesy of Jen Pruett of HDE Agency

Live music, tickets and more.

Country music superstar Rodney Atkins headlines the music for the festival  along with food cooking demos, a mechanical bull riding competition. There’s plenty of fun for the whole family with a kids zone.

Tickets and more information can be found at https://www.chandlerbbq.com/

General Admission

$20 Online Presale                                                                      $25 Day of Walk Up Pricing                                                         $10 Veterans & Military Discount Online Presale & Walk Up Pricing $10 Presale at any valley Bashas’ Locations                            *Kids 12 and under receive free general admission                          *General admission includes entry into the festival, access to all entertainment, zones, vendors, interactive experience and activities. Food and beverages are not included with admission.

VIP Pass (21+ over only)

$175 Online Presale Only – now through 3/23/18 OR when tickets are sold out                                                                                        Includes: six beers, unlimited soft drinks and water, catered food throughout the day, front stage access/view, private air-conditioned restrooms, private seating, shaded area, entry into the festival and access to all entertainment, zones, vendors, interactive experience and activities.

 Corral Pass (21+ over only)

 $75 Online Presale Only – SOLD OUT

 

The 7th annual AmeriCAN Canned Craft Beer Festival moves to a bigger location

With 6 successful years under its belt HDE Agency and SanTan Brewing Company realized that their AmeriCAN Canned Craft Beer Festival was ready for expansion to the bigger and centrally located Margaret T. Hance Park in central Phoenix. Saturday May 13th is when over 100 local and national craft beer brewers will be pouring over 250 beers to beer enthusiasts from across the Phoenix area.

All photos courtesy of Landon Evans & Jen Pruett

The 6 hour event (12pm -6pm) will not only include canned beer tastings but live music, beer seminars, food, a beer science garden, beer Olympics and a rare beer garden. Included in 250 plus beers being poured will be beers previously not available in Arizona.

A week prior to the festival more than 40 certified beer judges will gather to taste and cast their vote for their favorite beers in 9 categories including IPA, American Pale Ale, English Pale Ale, Wheat Beers, Stouts and Porters, Ambers and Browns, Golds, Blondes, Pilsners and Light Lagers, Fruit, and Specialty Beer. Winners of gold, silver and bronze will be announced during a live streaming event on May 6th at  http://www.cannedcraftbeerfest.com/

This is a 21 and over festival and tickets can be purchased in advance for $35 General Admission(1pm entry, 4oz tasting can & 20 beer samples), $45 day of and VIP tickets(12 noon entry, 4 oz. tasting can, 20 beer samples, access to VIP beer garden, private restrooms and a meet and greet with brewers) are only available on-line while supplies last for $100 at the link above. Designated driver tickets are $20 online & day of with entry at 12 noon and include soft drinks, no beer.

Part of the proceeds AmeriCAN Canned Craft Beer Festival will be contributed the Arizona Society of Homebrewers (ASH) which works to promote and preserve the tradition of homebrewing through education, information and dedicated practices. For more information or to become a member go to http://www.azhomebrewers.org/

Margaret T.  Hance Park is at 67 W. Culver St. Phoenix 85003.

 

 

 

SanTan Brewing Company new 24 oz. cans are out of this world.

“Go big or go home” is what they say and SanTan Brewing Company is going big with 2 of its popular beers in single serve 24 oz. cans. SanTan Brewing started canning its MoonJuice Galactic IPA & MoonJuice Galactic Grapefruit IPA recently in an effort to make the beers available year round across Arizona.

SanTan Brewing new 24 oz. can

Putting beers in larger cans has taken huge planning around SanTan’s brewery in Chandler as founder & brewmaster Anthony Canecchia and plant engineer Fred Marshall have had to re-engineer and reprogram the operating system with new parts. “Tinkering with machines is something we love to do at SanTan.  We are never content with what we are given and are always looking to improve our game. I am extremely proud and excited to be the first Arizona craft brewer to package in a 24 oz can,” said Canecchia.

The Moonjuice Galactic IPA is made with tons of Galaxy and Nelson- Sauvin hops and has the aromas of peach, apricot and tropical fruit. The Grapefruit IPA is made with a splash locally grown grapefruit from Sun Orchard in Tempe.

The 2 IPAs were chosen because of their out of this world success and growth in of them in 12 oz. cans. Pricing for the 24 oz. cans will stay consistent with 6 packs cans selling for $2.99- $3.99 per can and will be available at Circle K, Bev Mo, Total Wine & Spirits and Sprouts Market with select independent retailers and sports venues. To see where you can find the 24 oz. IPAs go to http://www.santanbeerfinder.com/

 

 

 

 

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers and Reel Big Fish to play at SanTan Brewing’s Oktoberfest

Beer and music go hand in hand and SanTan Brewing Company is well a where of that. It is for that reason SanTan is celebrating their 9th anniversary and Oktoberfest with bands Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers and Reel Big Fish on Saturday October 1st in downtown Chandler.

Reel Big Fish photo courtesy of Jonathan Thorpe & Jen Pruett
Reel Big Fish photo courtesy of Jonathan Thorpe & Jen Pruett

music, games and more

When the gates open at 3pm festival goers will be treated to Ken Levine’s Funkhaus Brass Band followed by games that include beer pong, a pretzel toss, tricycle races, Brat eating contest and a wiener dog race. SanTan will be pouring their core beers along with their Bavarian style Oktoberfest lager and food will be available from Gorilla Cheese Truck, Honey Bear’s BBQ, Beignet Babes and more.

photo courtesy of  Jen Pruett
photo courtesy of Jen Pruett

roger clyne and the peacemakers and reel big fish

When the sun goes down is when Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers hit the stage at 7:10 pm followed by Reel Big Fish at 9:30 to close out the festival.

Tickets

Pre-sale tickets are available for $12 at http://www.santanoktoberfest.com/ with day of tickets available for $15. Part of the proceeds will go to non-profit, St. Joseph the Worker which helps the homeless, low income and others become self-sufficient through quality employment. http://www.sjwjobs.org/ 

SanTan’s Oktoberfest will be at Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 178 E Commonwealth, Chandler, AZ 85225

Saturday is Jerry Day at SanTan Brewing Company

Jerry Day at SanTan 2016-01The lazy hazy days of summer return when Grateful Dead fans come out to celebrate the birthday of the bands late singer, guitarist, songwriter Jerry Garcias’s birthday at SanTan Brewing Company in downtown Chandler.

With the bands music playing and tie die shirts brightening up the day, SanTan will be tapping “Standing on the Moon” Nitrogenated Moonjuice IPA and Grateful Dead cover band, Monkey & The Engineer will be jamming from 2- 5pm.

There is no cost to celebrate the big day so invite your friends through SanTan’s Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1108684355863145. SanTan Brewing Company is located in Downtown Chandler at 8 S. San Marcos Place.