E-Malt.com News article: USA, AZ: Helton Brewing Company to launch in Central Phoenix in early December

Brain Helton, a 19-year veteran of the brewing industry and a cicerone-certified brewer, plans to open Helton Brewing Company in Phoenix later this year. And when it comes to craft brewing and education, Helton's interested in celebrating it all, Phoenix New Times reported on September 11.

Helton Brewery is expected to open in early December at 2144 East Indian School Road, a location strategically nestled between Arcadia and uptown Phoenix. What was once a radial tire warehouse will eventually house a grain room, a tank room, and a tasting room, as well as an indoor bar with additional table seating. The giant building sits at just over 10,000 square feet - a number that doesn't even include the space for an outdoor beer garden.

The brewery will open with four traditional beers: A Scottish ale, an IPA, a milk stout and a lager. There will be sixty barrels on-site, all used for barrel-aged beers. Halton's also a fan of cask-conditioned beers and plans to have fresh firkins every Friday.

Helton's interested in building a community, not only on a map, but person-to-person and brewer-to-brewer. To achieve that, he plans to hold classes, which he refers to as “labs,” during which home brewers and those interested in the craft can try their hand at brewing. Helton mentioned plans of giving away a Home Brewing Kit at each class and in hopes of inspiring the art of brewing.

Those travelling by bike or foot will get additional incentives such as discounted beer and food prices; it’s a way to connect with the neighbourhood, as well as curb some issues that could arise from having limited parking. The space is large and Helton says, “We will be growing into it.” Down the line, he hopes to support both bottle and can distributions.

“There are a lot of good brewers in Phoenix and a lot more coming," Helton says. "They are opening the market for people to come in and see what Phoenix has to offer."


16 September, 2015