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Local Brewer Ayla Kapahi wins a ‘Directors Award’ from the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild

Ayla Kapahi of Borderlands Brewing (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Local Brewer Ayla Kapahi wins a ‘Directors Award’ from the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild

Oct 6, 20232 min read

On Friday, October 6, Ayla Kapahi, Head Brewer and Director of Operations at Borderlands Brewing Company, will be honored with the “Directors Award” from the Arizona Brewers Guild. The Guild is turning 25 this year and is hosting the annual Arizona Craft Beer Awards Ceremony is just one of the ways they’re celebrating.

Kapahi has been recognized by the Guild with the Directors Award for her invaluable work on the Las Hermanas collaboration and other collaborations in Tucson.

Ayla Kapahi of Borderlands Brewing (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

“The Directors Award sheds light on Ayla’s exceptional contribution to not only Borderlands Brewing but also to the Arizona brewing community as a whole,” said Es Teran, CEO of Borderlands Brewing. “Her work on the Las Hermanas collaboration showcases a seamless blend of innovative brewing and community upliftment, embodying the spirit of collaborative efforts that drive our industry forward.”

At tonight’s award ceremony, Kapahi is set to deliver an inspirational speech, advocating for sustained commitment towards passion and community projects within the industry.

Ayla Kapahi of Borderlands Brewing (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)
Celebrate with Ayla Kapahi

On October 21, the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild is hosting the Arizona Craft Beer Awards & Festival on the western lawn of the Cardinals Stadium in Glendale. The festival will be the celebration of these awards, “bringing the beer community together so we can all enjoy the best Arizona has to offer.”

“We invite everyone to join us as we raise a glass to celebrate the passion, creativity, and camaraderie that make our community so special,” said Rob Fullmer, Executive Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild.

For more information about the festival, visit azcraftbeer.com.

For a more in-depth look at Kapahi’s brewing history, check out Jessie Mance’s February 2023 article “Ayla Kapahi Pours Herself Into Every Pint.”

Borderlands Brewing Company is located at 119 E. Toole Ave. and 2500 E. Sixth St. For more information, visit borderlandsbrewing.com or follow Borderland Brewing on Facebook and 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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Where to eat & drink at the Mercado District in 2026✨

@Mercadodistricttucson sits at the westernmost stop of the Sun Link streetcar, about a mile from downtown. The district now spans four properties: the Spanish colonial-style Mercado San Agustín, the shipping container-based MSA Annex, The Monier, and The Bautista, a mixed-use development under construction at 165 S. Linda Ave. The Bautista will add a public plaza, underground parking, and additional commercial space along the Santa Cruz River.

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160 South Avenida del Convento

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See the guide on Tucsonfoodie.comWhere to eat & drink at the Mercado District in 2026✨ @Mercadodistricttucson sits at the westernmost stop of the Sun Link streetcar, about a mile from downtown. The district now spans four properties: the Spanish colonial-style Mercado San Agustín, the shipping container-based MSA Annex, The Monier, and The Bautista, a mixed-use development under construction at 165 S. Linda Ave. The Bautista will add a public plaza, underground parking, and additional commercial space along the Santa Cruz River. Both courtyards allow dogs on leash and operate as open-air spaces with shared seating throughout. A leisurely visit easily spans multiple stops. Mercado San Agustín 100 S. Avenida del Convento @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA Annex 267 S. Avenida del Convento @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @rolliestucson The Monier 160 South Avenida del Convento @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorites in the comments! See the guide on Tucsonfoodie.com
An overnight escape just 45 minutes from Tucson 🌞

Spend the evening at @tubacgolfresortandspa, enjoy dinner, wake up to breakfast, and be back in Tucson by late morning, or extend your stay and make a weekend of it. The Tucson Foodie team had such a great time during our stay. Dinner and breakfast at Stables Ranch Grille were impressive and vegan-friendly, and the entire staff was incredibly warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable. Thank you for showing us around, @civilwines!

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Must be 21+ and a U.S. resident. Stay must be booked and completed by December 31, 2026, subject to availability and blackout dates. Not transferable, no cash value, no purchase necessary. This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.An overnight escape just 45 minutes from Tucson 🌞 Spend the evening at @tubacgolfresortandspa, enjoy dinner, wake up to breakfast, and be back in Tucson by late morning, or extend your stay and make a weekend of it. The Tucson Foodie team had such a great time during our stay. Dinner and breakfast at Stables Ranch Grille were impressive and vegan-friendly, and the entire staff was incredibly warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable. Thank you for showing us around, @civilwines! Established as a Spanish presidio in 1752, Tubac was one of the earliest European settlements in what is now Arizona and served as an important military outpost during Spanish colonization. And now, you can experience it for yourself. GIVEAWAY 🎉 One winner receives a one-night stay at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa plus a $150 dining credit at Stables Ranch Grille. To enter: 1. Like this post (share to your story and tag us for a bonus entry) 2. Follow @tucsonfoodie and @tubacgolfresortandspa 3. Comment who you would bring Entries close [Monday, October 6] at 11:59 pm MST. Winner chosen at random and contacted only from this account. We will never ask you for payment or financial information. Must be 21+ and a U.S. resident. Stay must be booked and completed by December 31, 2026, subject to availability and blackout dates. Not transferable, no cash value, no purchase necessary. This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.
@Seiscantina has permanently closed its Joesler Village location at 1765 E. River Rd., the Muñoz family announced today.

Three Seis Kitchen locations remain open at Tanque Verde Road, Oro Valley, and Mercado San Agustín. The family says guests can still find their favorite dishes and familiar faces at the remaining locations. 

“It is with heavy hearts that we share some bittersweet news. After much reflection, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our Joesler Village newly rebranded Cantina Location. Saying goodbye to the regular guests who became faces we looked forward to seeing every week, we are truly sorry that we cannot continue serving you here. You turned a simple dining room into a vibrant community gathering place, and for that, we will be forever grateful.” 

Tucsonfoodie.com@Seiscantina has permanently closed its Joesler Village location at 1765 E. River Rd., the Muñoz family announced today. Three Seis Kitchen locations remain open at Tanque Verde Road, Oro Valley, and Mercado San Agustín. The family says guests can still find their favorite dishes and familiar faces at the remaining locations. “It is with heavy hearts that we share some bittersweet news. After much reflection, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our Joesler Village newly rebranded Cantina Location. Saying goodbye to the regular guests who became faces we looked forward to seeing every week, we are truly sorry that we cannot continue serving you here. You turned a simple dining room into a vibrant community gathering place, and for that, we will be forever grateful.” Tucsonfoodie.com
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If you haven’t stopped by yet, add it to your list and go check it out! If you have, tell us about your favorite dishes or grocery finds in the comments.💚

In this video: the Philly and the Elote Burger, this month’s burger special with fries

📍5071 E. 5th St., Tucson, Arizona@Midtownvegandeliandmarket is a 100% plant-based restaurant and specialty grocery store in Tucson. If you haven’t stopped by yet, add it to your list and go check it out! If you have, tell us about your favorite dishes or grocery finds in the comments.💚 In this video: the Philly and the Elote Burger, this month’s burger special with fries 📍5071 E. 5th St., Tucson, Arizona