Sara Crocker
Audio By Carbonatix
If there’s one brewery, “hands down,” worth a visit in Arizona, it’s a spot pouring in north Scottsdale, a national food publication has declared.
Pinnacle Brewing Co. — which has been in business for less than two years — is Arizona’s the top craft beer maker, a national roundup in Mashed found. The news site on Jan. 16 released a list naming its favorite brewery in every state.
Pinnacle won over Mashed with its European-inspired brews and recent awards.
“Pinnacle Brewing Company has won many awards over the years, including Brewery of the Year at the (2025) Arizona Craft Beer Awards,” per the Mashed entry. “Located in Scottsdale, it offers highly acclaimed beers such as the Novo 11° Czech Dark Lager, which was named USA Beer of the Year at the USA Beer Ratings Competition.”
History and local traditions played a factor, per Mashed, as did “national and international awards, such as the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival, as well as local and international publications and organizations, including Untappd, USA Today, CraftBeer, and more.”
Brewers Association
The Wilson family launched the 10-barrel brewery in a former gas station in May 2024. Co-owner and brewmaster Wyatt Wilson has described himself as “a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to beer.” That ethos has produced true-to-style lagers, Kölsch and IPAs, which are served in a stylish, comfortable taproom that regularly airs live sports.
In addition to Pinnacle’s Czech Dark Lager, Mashed recommends sipping a Scottsdale Staycation Hazy IPA, Pantera Mexican Dark Lager or Colonia Kölsch.
Though still a relatively new brewery, Pinnacle has found its footing quickly, and Phoenix New Times has been vocal about the quality. Pinnacle is New Times’ Best New Brewery and among its top 10 breweries in Phoenix and top 100 bars.
“Twenty months into this, and here we are,” the brewery shared in a post celebrating the ranking on Instagram. “Thank you to all of you for supporting us and sharing this with us.”
Pinnacle Brewing Co.
15111 Hayden Road, #100, Scottsdale
