USA, AZ: Copper Brothel Brewery quietly launched on March 6

Sonoita brewery and restaurant Copper Brothel Brewery quietly opened on March 6 after a few months of delays. Although they don’t have their own beers on tap for another few weeks, diners can come in and enjoy guest taps, mostly from Arizona breweries, and eat from the restaurant, the Tucson Foodie reported on March 16.

“We are really excited to open and support our community here,” said Samantha Jesser, head brewer and co-owner of CBB. “Not a lot of places available, but we’re excited to have an option for people to come in and have some fun.”

The 5,000-square-foot space with 140 seats was built from the ground up. Ceiling lamps and windmill-inspired ceiling fans hang from the 27-foot high ceiling alongside five televisions playing sports games. Handmade wooden tables, mostly high-tops, are branded with the brewery’s logo. Behind the copper-accented bar, tall hand-hewn solid wood beams frame the liquor selection and 20 beer taps. Outside, the patio offers a sweeping view of the Santa Rita, Mustang, and Whetstone mountain ranges — a mezzanine will be completed in a few weeks.

Samantha moved with her parents Robert and Cheryl Jesser to the Sonoita area from Colorado in 2013. Samantha co-owns the brewery with Cheryl, while Robert works as the business manager and pitmaster.

While Samantha has seven years of homebrewing experience, this will be her first position as head brewer. She thanks Dragoon Brewing Co. lead brewer Shawn Cochran and Barrio Brewing Co. founder and brewmaster Dennis Arnold for their advice along the opening process. Although she personally gravitates towards porters and stouts, she wants to make sure her brews are accessible.

“I really am into drinkability,” Samantha said. “Drinkability for people who don’t necessarily like beer. We have a little bit of anything for anyone here around here. Beer-wise and food-wise, we tried to make everything diverse.”

A lime hefeweizen, pale ale, red kölsch, and oatmeal stout are among the first beers scheduled for release. Patrons can also choose from wine or liquor at the full bar.

The menu features pub fare with southwestern influence. Options include soups, salads, fried appetizers, sandwiches, and more.

Copper Brothel Brewery is located at 3112 Highway 83, Sonoita, AZ 85637. Operating hours are 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday – Saturday.

15 March, 2018