The Beer Bloke: Recapping a very busy week for Valley’s craft beer lovers

I don’t know about you, but I am in recovery mode. A very busy slate of activites for the craft beer scene last week has worn me out.

The Thirsty Lion

Tempe Marketplace’s newest venue opened its doors to a line of thirsty beer drinkers, and I popped in to see what all the hullabaloo was about. It reminded me of the Yard House: Nice decor, 50 or so beers on tap and an interesting gastropub/British-ish food menu. Scotch eggs? I’ll try those, for sure. Standout beers included Stone IPA, Oskar Blues Ten Fidy, Rogue Shakespeare Stout and at least 10 local brews.

International Stout Day

International Stout Day was a smashing success in the East Valley. According to Untappd.com, more than 18,000 people checked in nationwide with craft stouts and porters. I am proud to say Chandler ranked No. 1 among U.S. cities, with the Watering Hole Bar at Whole Foods Chandler and Trophy’s in Queen Creek placing Nos. 3 and 5, respectively, among all U.S. bars. Jake Leinenkugel from Leinenkugel Brewing and local Sonoran Brewing were both on hand at Whole Foods.

Flanny’s 1-year anniversary

If you have never been to Flanny’s, this is a great little craft beer bar on the southeast corner of Elliot and McClintock in Tempe. Twenty-two rotating beers on tap, good Rueben sandwiches and a posh atmosphere make for a great experience. Exceptional beers on tap that night included Hell Hound Ale from Dogfish Head, New Belgium’s Kick and Stone’s 15th Anniversary Escondian Black IPA. I have soft spot in my heart for this family-owned and -run place, and I’m sure you will as well.

The Rare Affair

Held at Talking Stick Resort, this evening of rare and hard-to-find craft beers, spirits and wines, paired with epicurean delicacies, was a fundraiser for the non-profit Beer for Brains. A who’s who of the Arizona craft beer scene attended. A few of the standout beers were a Mango Habanero IPA firkin from Odell, Dissident Wild Ale from Deschutes, Sirius Black Barrel Aged Imperial Stout from Four Peaks and The Pink Killer, a true Belgian Saison brewed with pink grapefruit juice and candy sugar.

Believe it or not, just writing this is making me thirsty. I wish every week could be filled with so much activity. Beer, anyone?

You can send comments or column ideas to England native James Swann, the beer buyer at Chandler’s Whole Foods, at kingjamesswann@gmail.com.