Ale Blazers

Never hurry beer drinkers. There’s a certain joy in slowly working one’s way through a fine malted beverage, savoring the subtle nuances that develop as said ale warms to a room. That’s what makes the inaugural Urban Ale Trail such a fantastic idea — there’s plenty of great beer and no need to hurry along. This self-guided event is designed to link more than a dozen downtown Phoenix watering holes and restaurants pouring craft beers with area beer aficionados. Each establishment features a variety of brews — stouts, lagers, pilsners, ales, and even ciders — along with matching snacks. Drinkers/hikers can linger anywhere along the “trail,” setting their own joyous pace. Bonus: The first 300 people hiking the Urban Ale Trail receive a free commemorative growler.

Hit the ale trail through downtown Phoenix from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, September 20. There’s no participation fee; samples are $2 to $3. For details and trail map, visit www.downtownphoenix.com/aletrail.

Sat., Sept. 20, 1-6 p.m., 2014