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.

“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.

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. 

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