Hoppy Craftsmen - Arizona Craft Beer Podcast · Hoppy Craftsmen - Arizona Craft Beer Podcast

HCPC Road Sodas 13 - 2023 Phoenix Magazine's Best of

·1 hr 5 min·5 clips

The hosts joke about professionalism after 97 takes, hinting at the Road Soda's quirky start during COVID.

This episode is a casual "Road Soda" format discussion by the hosts of Hoppy Craftsmen, reflecting on the show's history and the recent Phoenix Magazine "Best of" list for local beer. Hosts Ed and Zach are veteran commentators on Arizona's craft beer scene. They explain that the Road Soda segment was originally created during COVID for shorter, more concise conversations when in-person recording wasn't possible. The hosts note this is technically the 13th Road Soda but is being recorded to mark the upcoming 100th main episode. They recall that the first 11 Road Sodas were all conducted over Zoom due to pandemic restrictions. The conversation centers on Phoenix Magazine's 2023 "Best of the Valley" awards, specifically the categories related to craft beer. They mention the magazine's readers voted for their favorites across various beer-related establishments. Ed and Zach discuss the winners, including The Shop Beer Co. for "Best Local Brewery" and The Theodore for "Best Beer Bar." They express surprise that a specific brewery, 12 West Brewing Company, won the "Best Brewery for Sours" category. The hosts question the logic of some category placements, like "Best Place to Drink a Beer Outdoors" being separate from brewery patios. They note the list can feel repetitive, with the same established names often winning year after year. A memorable insight is their observation that these lists primarily reflect brand recognition rather than a deep critique of quality. They humorously suggest creating alternative, more specific categories like "Best Bathroom at a Brewery" to make the rankings more interesting. The tone is entirely conversational and relaxed, featuring inside jokes and self-deprecating humor about their own recording process. The style is informal, driven by the hosts' personal opinions and tangents about the local beer community. This episode is perfect for loyal Hoppy Craftsmen listeners who enjoy the hosts' unfiltered camaraderie and opinions on Arizona beer news. Listeners seeking a highly structured, informational podcast about brewing techniques might find the casual digressions less engaging.

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