NYPD Pizza Partners With Phoenix Ale Brewery for Exclusive Brew

What happens when a locally owned and operated New York pizza chain gets thirsty for more local? It partners with one of Arizona's newest craft breweries. See also: Best Beer Bar 2012 - The Hungry Monk 8 Beer Cocktails in Metro Phoenix In December, New York Pizza Department (NYPD Pizza),...

By Laura Hahnefeld

December 31, 2012

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What happens when a locally owned and operated New York pizza chain gets thirsty for more local? It partners with one of Arizona's newest craft breweries.

In December, New York Pizza Department (NYPD Pizza), the Arizona pizza chain with 11 locations throughout the metro-Phoenix area, hooked up with The Phoenix Ale Brewery in East Phoenix to unveil its own private-label beer.

Called Uptown Amber Ale, the proprietary beer is now available at all NYPD Pizza locations.

So, how'd that new brew recipe get developed?

According to QSR magazine, Uptown Amber Ale's recipe developed from focus-group sessions where around 15 people sampled and discussed the beer's compatibility with NYPD Pizza's menu. The result, QSR reports, is "a crisp, full-bodied malty beer that finishes smooth."

On the origins of the name Uptown Amber Ale, NYPD Pizza CEO Rich Stark tells QSR, "'Uptown' is rooted in our New York identity, and the amber ale variety was determined to best complement our pies, particularly our most popular pies, the Brooklyn and the traditional pepperoni."

To find a NYPD Pizza location, visit the local pizza chain's website.

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