Four Peaks’ Andy Ingram explains why Tempe brewery closed its Wilson taproom

Four Peaks‘ decision to close its two-year-old Wilson Street taproom last week came as a shock to Valley craft beer fans, and the Tempe brewery has been uncharacteristically quiet about the move.

More than a few people have wondered if the closure had something to do with the microbrewery capacity bill to be lobbied at the Arizona Legislature next month.

Not so, says Four Peaks co-founder and brewmaster Andy Ingram. Four Peaks simply wanted to use the bar space, which is attached to its production brewery, for big parties and special events.

“We usually have to turn those events down,” Ingram says. “But, with transitioning Wilson from a bar to a useable events space, we think we can accommodate a segment that we’ve been under-serving for a long time.

“On top of that, we’ve had this idea of an educational, hands-on space where people can learn more about craft brewing in general and Four Peaks specifically.”

Private rooms are a growing trend at restaurants and bars. SanTan, for example, launched its own private-events space, known as the Brewers Reserve Room, at its downtown Chandler brewpub earlier this year.

Besides renting out the rooms, breweries can use them for beer tastings, food pairings, and seminars.

“We’re still sort of forming the specifics but we’re excited about the possibilities,” Ingram says.

For those disappointed in no longer being able to hoist a pint of Hop Knot at Wilson Street, there’s a ray of hope.

“I’m not promising, but there still might be the option of opening (to the public) one or two nights a week,” Ingram says. “But we’ll have to wait and see.”