Na Zdravi! Phoenix-area brewery named best in Arizona for 2016
May 11, 2016, 5:52 AM | Updated: 2:04 pm
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — Here’s something to raise a glass to: A Phoenix-area brewery has been named the best in the state for 2016.
Jared Dubina, owner of Dubina Brewing Company, said the New York International Beer Competition not only named the brewer the best in the state, but also awarded it two bronze medals for its Milk Stout and Grandpa’s Pils a Czech Pilsner.
Dubina said the thought process behind his brewery is very different from others in the state
“I think what makes us stands out from other breweries in Arizona is the fact that we’re focusing on historical beers,” he said.
Dubina said it is not uncommon to see him working on beers inside the brewery near 67th Avenue and Bell Road that were created hundreds of years ago, such as a Finnish beer from the 1400s that was made by peasants.
“We were the first Arizona brewery to bring that beer back to life,” he said.
Beer runs in Dubina’s family. A third-generation American, he said his great-grandfather emigrated from the Czech Republic and entered the beer business.
“He opened up five bars in the Chicago area and then my grandfather opened up a bar here locally,” Dubina said.
Dubina said his brewery is 100 percent family owned and operated. While it belongs to him and his parents, he said other family members often lend a hand.
“It wouldn’t be shocking to see aunt, uncles, cousins here helping,” he said.
KTAR’s Martha Maurer contributed to this report.
