Uncle Bear’s Brewery in Ahwatukee may be coming soon to a hydrant-shaped tap handle near you. The two-year-old brewery has reached an agreement with Young’s Market to distribute its craft beers throughout Arizona.
Uncle Bear’s lineup of dog-themed ales includes Mandarin’s Best Friend orange wheat beer, Fence Jumper golden ale, and Barktoberfest, its current Oktoberfest seasonal.
Young’s, a California-based distributor, was founded in 1888, but didn’t enter the Arizona market until 2005. Its current Arizona portfolio lists 38 breweries, 20 of which are U.S. craft breweries.
Uncle Bear’s is one of only two Arizona breweries represented by Young’s. The other is Beast Brewing in Bisbee.
‘‘I’m always looking for brands that fit well with our portfolio,’’  says Wayne Wriston, portfolio manager for Young’s Market of Arizona. ‘‘I’m not a brand collector. Uncle Bear’s is a good fit for us.’’
Wriston said Young’s will market all of Uncle Bear’s beers, which will be available on draft. The brewery currently does not can or bottle any of its beers.
