If you’re a fan of Sleepy Dog‘s new seasonal Monje Azul, you’re in luck. The Tempe brewery’s Belgian-style blue agave ale will be the new year-round house beer at Il Vinaio in downtown Mesa.
“We were approached by (beer distributor) Hensley, who knew we have had good success with local beers,” says Il Vinaio owner Cameron Selogie. “When the seasonal is no longer available in September or October, Sleepy Dog will continue to brew it for us under private label.”
Selogie is soliciting suggested names for the beer from customers, and hopes to announce the new name in the next few days.
“It’s a really nice beer,” Selogie says. “It’s relatively light, and the agave syrup is added after dry-hopping so the beer has just a touch of sweetness.”
The beer already is on tap at Il Vinaio, but will be officially introduced as an amuse bouche at the restaurant’s Beer & Donuts event July 28.
Speaking of which, there’s been a change to the beer lineup for Beer & Donuts, which pairs four craft beers with four different housemade doughnuts.
Il Vinaio couldn’t get its hands on Firestone Walker’s new Double DBA so instead will pair its Jack Daniel’s pecan pie doughnut with FW’s Parabola.
