The Seventh Street watering hole, Corbett Brewing Company, is back and its bartenders are eager to serve up the suds to thirsty Tucsonans.
After a lengthy pandemic-induced hiatus, the brewery reopened its taproom and patio to the public on Friday, July 15. Now, the brew crew has big plans to be better than ever as we roll into the sweet spot of fall here in the Old Pueblo.
Corbett Brewing, which shares ownership with Fourth Avenue mainstays The Hut and O’Malleys Bar & Grill and the Sixth Street bar Bob Dobbs, has been in its existing location since originally opening its doors in 2018.
Closing up shop during the pandemic, says general manager Patrick Scupin, gave the owners time to dream about the future of the brewery and to strategize massive upgrades to better serve the community. These enhancements and changes will be gradually introduced in synchrony with an expansion of business hours, too.
When it all comes into fruition, “It’s going to be huge,” said Scupin.
Step One: Great Beer
At present, Corbett Brewing pours six beers brewed in-house: an IPA, a pale ale, a lager, a wheat beer with vanilla and mandarin orange, a porter, and a hazy cream ale. Additionally, they’re boasting a full bar for those patrons who prefer something other than beer to wet their whistles.
In early October, the brewery will be welcoming Kingman, Arizona-born and Minnesota transplant, Josh Estensen, as their new head brewer.
With six years of commercial brewing experience, including time with BRU Handbuilt Ales (Boulder, Colorado), Mother Road Brewing Company (Flagstaff, Arizona), Big Axe Brewing Company (Nisswa, Minnesota), and Snarky Loon Brewing Company (Jenkins, Minnesota), Estensen now finds himself returning to his roots here in the desert.
When it comes to his favorite types of beer, he’s partial to brewing classic German ales and lagers. Although, he’s got some other crafty recipes in mind once he gets things going here in Tucson.
“I always love a good American IPA”, said Estensen. “I’m hoping to bring my midwest twist to the southwest and continue to create great beer.”
Step Two: A space and a slice for everyone
Corbett Brewing currently serves and seats patrons in its entryway lounge area, main taproom, and sizable outdoor courtyard patio.
The patio is also the present location for the brewery’s live music offerings, which will energize the scene every Friday and Saturday night.
Looking ahead, the brewery has major enhancements planned.
These include the creation of a spacious indoor music hall with a full-sized stage for bands, a secondary indoor bar area, and windows giving patrons a behind-the-scenes look into the brewery.
Additionally, not one but two food service concepts (one will be pizza, the other to be determined) will be built into the space, allowing guests to grab dinner with their beers.
These additions will increase Corbett Brewing’s footprint by multitudes, and will likely put them on the map as a prime venue for live music, craft beer, and dining. Plans for these impressive upgrades are currently underway and are expected to be completed by early 2023.
Step Three: More Time to Hang
While Corbett Brewing’s business hours are currently limited to Friday and Saturday nights, Scupin tells me these hours are on a growth trajectory. If mid-week beers are your thing (and I know they are), you can expect to be able to get a pour in the taproom by the time fall rolls around.
With its prime Fourth Avenue adjacent location and focus on quality craft beer, the brewery just might be your new favorite place to enjoy a brew.
Once construction is complete, this Tucson brewery is poised to be the destination for music lovers looking for a night out on the town. Reopened and reimagined, the future looks bright for Corbett Brewing and for Tucson beer lovers alike.
The current hours of operation are from 4 – 10 p.m. on Friday and from 5 -10 p.m. on Saturday.
Corbett Brewing Company is located at 309 E. Seventh St. For more information, visit corbettbrewingcompanyaz.com.
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