Bottoms up! Enjoy a cold one for International Beer Day

PHOENIX — It’s almost the weekend.

With the work week winding down, why not celebrate International Beer Day in style?

No matter if you prefer lagers, IPAs, stouts or any of the other numerous varieties, the choices are endless.

Keeping that in mind, here’s a look at some of the top spots in the Valley to grab a brew.

Four Peaks Brewing Co. is one of the go-to breweries in the state, according to Yelp.

With 2,342 reviews since 2006, Four Peaks has a 4.5-star rating. The well-known brewery is liked by most, receiving 1,245 five-star ratings, with an additional 743 four-star ratings.

“This was on the top of my list to check out while in Arizona, and it definitely lived up to expectations!” Yelp reviewer Tracy R. said.

“It’s huge inside, we didn’t order any food but I had their peach ale and my husband had a flight. They were all absolutely delicious and refreshing.”

Four Peaks has a number of beers, with Kilt Lifter, Hop Knot, Pitchfork and Grapefruit Radler being some of their best-sellers.

Sitting down the road in Phoenix is Wren House Brewing.

Earning 4.5 stars, the brewery has not been given a one-star rating since Yelp began tracking the location’s feedback in 2015. It has, however, received 187 five-star ratings out of its 263 reviews from customers.

“The reputation speaks for itself,” Yelper Max H. said. “Best brewery in all of the greater Phoenix area, and best in the state for my money.

“Their hazy IPAs are the best, but you can’t really go wrong with anything, just up to your preference.”

The brewery currently has six IPAs on tap, as well as two stouts.

Right on the heels of Wren House is Mother Bunch Brewing.

Boasting a 4.0-star rating, the brewery has received 704 reviews since 2014.

It’s not just the beer that’s getting rave reviews, either.

“Mother Bunch Brewing is the best place to come if you are starving and thirsty since they have huge portions of food and copious amounts of beer,” Yelp reviewer Maddie F. said. “NO ONE at my table finished their meal, which was amazing considering we all were hungry and had healthy appetites.

“The food and drink was great, service was pretty good and the atmosphere was casual and fun.”

The brewery has multiple beers on tap, including The Mother IPA, Single Blonde and Golden Ticket.

Next up is Helio Basin Brewing.

Receiving a 4.5-star rating from Yelp reviewers, the brewery saw a jump in five-star ratings in the month of July.

Of its 306 reviews since 2016, 217 were five-star.

“I always like coming here,” Yelper Travis B. said. “They have great [happy hour] prices on their core beer selections.

“They tend to veer more to IPA and hoppy beers. I like the Amber and BlackBerry beer the most.”

Two of its mainstay beers, 602 Brew and Fayuca Rizing Xtra Pale Ale, were ranked 156th and 56th in the world, respectively, by Beer Connoisseur.

The Phoenix Ale Brewery has also seen rave reviews.

Sitting at a consistent 4.5-star rating for 2019, the brewery has received 96 five-star and 58 four-star ratings since 2011.

“Top-notch brewery!” Yelp reviewer Ced L. said. “Several beers on tap brewed in house as well as other beers.

“The other highlight is local art! This brewery is like an art museum mix.”

Some of the featured beers include the Biltmore Blonde, Watermelon Ale, Camelback IPA and Orange Peel.

Last, but not least is Grand Avenue Brewing Company.

Though it just opened in May, the brewery sits at a 4.5-star rating. It has not received anything less than three stars from customers, with 12 five-star ratings.

“I give Grand Ave Brewing Co. five stars because it is exactly what a Brew Pub should be: Excellent craft beers designed to be drinkable [with a] beautifully repurposed building in the Grand Ave Arts District,” Yelper Ric B. said.

“There is an open patio feel, comfortable seating, a friendly knowledgeable staff (dogs on leashes allowed) [and] just the perfect place for a good after work or anytime beer!”

Some of the beers on tap featured by the brewery include the Throwback IPA, The Raven (stout) and Happy Jack Cream Ale.

Follow @Tdrake4sports