If you’ve driven down Indian School Road toward 22nd Street, then you’ve probably noticed the recent installment of a large, black sign with a yellow "H" on it. Well, wonder no more: The sign represents Phoenix’s newest brewery, Helton Brewing Company.
“Doors are officially opening Tuesday,” says Brian Helton, the brewery's owner. Beer lovers can expect seven guest beers on tap, three local, and two canned varieties. Helton will debut with just one house beer on tap, a decision made with yeast, quality, and properly functioning equipment in mind, Helton says.
The brewery will also serve an array of artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and accompaniments ranging from local wildflower honey to sour cherry mostarda with locally baked Noble Eatery breads. Helton aims to create a culinary experience to pair with his love for brewing great beer by letting drinkers create their own boards of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments with suggested Helton brews to compliment as they become available. And with opportunities to provide tasting notes on take-home menus and start conversations with the staff, Helton hopes the experience will be educational as well.
Aside from the meat and cheese boards served in house, patrons will be able to order quantities of cheese and charcuterie by the ounce or pound — future plans even include growler and cheese pairings to go.
“Never get caught empty handed at a party, holiday, or backyard barbecue again,” Helton says.
He's also in the process of setting up the brewery as a Community Supported Agriculture pickup point for Blue Sky Organic Farms.
As for Tuesday, guests can expect to try Helton’s flagship brew, Scottish Ale, made with Scotland’s native Golden Promise barley. Other pours will include: Street Cred, a black IPA, by Mesa’s Beer Research Institute; Anderson Valley’s Briney Melon Gose; and Dortmunder, an award-winning German export lager by Pedal Haus in Tempe. And that's just to name a few. There will also be a variety of old and new world wines from Italy, California, and Oregon.
Helton Brewing Company will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m., Friday from 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 12 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 7 p.m.
For more information, visit the Helton Brewing Company website.