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5 Local holiday beers (and a cider) you’ve gotta try before they’re gone

5 Local holiday beers (and a cider) you’ve gotta try before they’re gone

Dec 23, 20223 min read

For some, 2022 seemed to fly by faster than a toupee in a hurricane.

The holidays are in full swing here in Tucson with dinner reservations filling up fast, holiday cocktails warming bellies, and some local businesses gearin’ up to open their doors on Christmas day. Plus, a lot of things are limited around this time of year and that includes holiday brews.

Photo by KoolShooters
Photo by KoolShooters

Here’s a list of a few festive beers you oughta try before they’re gone. We also included a holiday cider to keep you warm this winter.

Also, pay attention to each spot’s holiday hours as that is likely limited, too.

Warm Mulling Pear Cider – Bawker Bawker Cider House

400 N. Fourth Ave.

The Warm Mulling Pear Cider is served warm and if they’ve already sold out of the delicious beverage, take several sips of their other ciders like the Orange Spice Cider Slushie.

For more information, follow Bawker Bawer on Instagram

Elf Tears Stout – Blackrock Brewers

1664 S. Research Loop #200

This holiday stout has hints of chocolate, peppermint, and marshmallow. Make sure you toss a candy cane in it to get the full effect.

For more information, follow BlackRock Brewers on Instagram

Imperial Churro Cream Ale – Borderlands Brewing Company

119 E. Toole Ave.

This incredible brew just came out this week and comes in at 8.2% ABV. Head over soon to try the bready, toasted, and cinnamon flavors of the holidays.

For more information, follow Borderlands Brewing Company on Instagram

Ponderosa Pale Ale – Catalina Brewing Company

6918 N. Camino Martin

This jolly beer is on tap now and comes in at 5.9% ABV. It’s infused with juniper terpenes so it’ll for sure take you on a trip to a winter wonderland. Oh, and it “smells and tastes like the forest.”

For more information, follow Catalina Brewing on Instagram

The IJBC Bock – Iron John’s Brewing Company

555 E. 18th St. • 222 E. Congress St.

Nothin’ says Christmas like some nuts roastin’ over an open fire. Iron John’s new Bock is a dark, malty lager with hints of toasted nuts. According to the brewery, it’s the “perfect beer to enjoy during chilly Sonoran nights.”

For more information, follow Iron John’s Brewing on Instagram

Cranberry Apple Phantasie Double IPA (infusion) – Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

115 E. Broadway Blvd.

The downtown taproom is currently serving up this infusion. Also, they’ve only got one keg so stop by sooner than later. They’re offering it in a 32-ounce crowler, too.

For more information, follow Pueblo Vida Brewing on Instagram

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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Weekend brunch at @losmilicsvineyards🌞

Los Milics Vineyards Tucson is now serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm at its downtown Tucson tasting room, with dinner continuing from 4-9pm. 

The brunch menu is built to pair with Los Milics’ estate-grown Sonoita wines, plus curated flights, cocktails, and local beer. Expect house-made focaccia, charcuterie, fried halloumi, salads, eggs in purgatory, breakfast burritos, a K4 Ranch burger, a Bourdain sandwich, a confit BLT, and plenty of sweet options.

There are also vegan choices, including avocado toast and focaccia French toast, plus dairy-free oat milk gelato.

📍 98 E. Congress St.
🍳 Brunch: Sat. & Sun., 11am-4pm 
🍷 Dinner: 4-9pm

Weekend reservations are recommended!
More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Video clips by @addiewankenobi 
#tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonWeekend brunch at @losmilicsvineyards🌞 Los Milics Vineyards Tucson is now serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm at its downtown Tucson tasting room, with dinner continuing from 4-9pm. The brunch menu is built to pair with Los Milics’ estate-grown Sonoita wines, plus curated flights, cocktails, and local beer. Expect house-made focaccia, charcuterie, fried halloumi, salads, eggs in purgatory, breakfast burritos, a K4 Ranch burger, a Bourdain sandwich, a confit BLT, and plenty of sweet options. There are also vegan choices, including avocado toast and focaccia French toast, plus dairy-free oat milk gelato. 📍 98 E. Congress St. 🍳 Brunch: Sat. & Sun., 11am-4pm 🍷 Dinner: 4-9pm Weekend reservations are recommended! More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Video clips by @addiewankenobi #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson
JUST 2 DAYS AWAY!🎉

@hubdowntown and @pueblovida are bringing together four thoughtfully crafted courses and four perfectly paired beers for an evening in HUB’s Library Lounge.

The four-course dinner includes an 8 oz pour of Pueblo Vida with each dish:

→ Wildcat (Sonoran Amber Lager) + Beef Carpaccio
→ Watermelon Lime Shortcut (Fruited Kettle Sour) + Ahi Tuna Crisp
→ Hef (Wheat Ale) + Roasted Chicken Thigh
→ Cereus (Hazy IPA) + Baja Fish & Chips

• Wednesday, August 12
• 6 PM
• HUB’s Library Lounge
• $55++ per person

Seats are limited! Get your tickets through the link in @hubdowntown’s bio🍻

Photos courtesy of @hubdowntown @pueblovida 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsJUST 2 DAYS AWAY!🎉 @hubdowntown and @pueblovida are bringing together four thoughtfully crafted courses and four perfectly paired beers for an evening in HUB’s Library Lounge. The four-course dinner includes an 8 oz pour of Pueblo Vida with each dish: → Wildcat (Sonoran Amber Lager) + Beef Carpaccio → Watermelon Lime Shortcut (Fruited Kettle Sour) + Ahi Tuna Crisp → Hef (Wheat Ale) + Roasted Chicken Thigh → Cereus (Hazy IPA) + Baja Fish & Chips • Wednesday, August 12 • 6 PM • HUB’s Library Lounge • $55++ per person Seats are limited! Get your tickets through the link in @hubdowntown’s bio🍻 Photos courtesy of @hubdowntown @pueblovida #tucsonfoodie #tucsonevents
SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸

Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party.

Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. 

The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues.

The Treasury 1929
Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m.
$46 • 21+ with valid ID

Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last!

🎟️ LINK IN BIO 

Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space.

The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill.

Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com.

More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson