Exploring Phoenix’s craft beer scene might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip, but if you enjoy good beer and lively local spots, the Scottsdale Original Brew Tour offers an engaging way to experience it firsthand. This 3.5-hour guided journey takes you behind the scenes of three top breweries, where you’ll sample up to 12 craft beers and enjoy some tasty snacks along the way.
What we love about this tour is how it combines educational insights about the brewing process with friendly local atmospheres—a great way to meet people and deepen your appreciation for Arizona’s brewing culture. Plus, the tour’s focus on small-group experiences makes it more personal and relaxed. The only consideration? With only two reviews so far, the overall vibe can vary depending on the group and guide, but most seem to find it worthwhile. It’s ideal for beer enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone wanting to explore the local scene with a guided expert.
Key Points
- Up to 12 beer tastings across three of Phoenix’s best breweries
- Behind-the-scenes access that reveals brewing secrets
- Tasty snack included to complement the beers
- Small group size for a more personalized experience
- Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Ideal for 21+ travelers seeking a fun, authentic beer tour
Why Choose the Scottsdale Original Brew Tour?
This tour offers an authentic taste of Phoenix’s thriving craft beer scene, led by a knowledgeable guide familiar with local breweries and their stories. It’s a balanced experience—informative enough for those keen to learn about brewing, yet relaxed and social enough for casual travelers. The fact that only limited to 12 participants keeps the group intimate, encouraging lively conversations and a more personalized experience.
The tour begins at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town, where you meet your guide and hop into a wrapped van. The transportation is efficient, with short 15-minute drives between brewery stops, helping maximize your tasting time without long waits or bus rides. The itinerary features visits to three local spots, each with a different character, adding variety and depth to your tasting journey.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tempe.
What to Expect from the Itinerary
Starting Point and First Brewery Visit
Your adventure kicks off at 3131 N Scottsdale Rd, where your guide—a friendly beer expert—welcomes you and provides a brief overview of the day. The first stop is a local brewery where you’ll enjoy a guided tour lasting around 50 minutes. Here, you’re likely to go behind the scenes, seeing how beer is made and learning about the ingredients that shape each brew.
Second Brewery at Tempe Town Lake
After a short van ride, you’ll pass by Tempe Town Lake, a scenic backdrop that enhances the relaxed vibe of the day. The second stop is a lively local bar where the group gets to sample several beers, participate in a guided tasting, and enjoy a food tasting that pairs well with the beers. This segment lasts around 55 minutes and offers a chance to chat with locals and other travelers.
More Great Tours NearbyFinal Brewery and Wrap-up
The last brewery visit is a smaller, 45-minute experience, possibly focusing on a different style or specialty brew. This provides a well-rounded overview of Phoenix’s craft offerings. Afterward, your guide will return you to the starting point, making for a smooth ending to the tour.
What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind
The tour features up to 12 beer samples, giving you a generous taste of Phoenix’s craft brews. A tasty snack is also included, designed to complement the beers and help prevent overindulgence. Remember, a full meal is not provided, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry afterward.
A few practical notes:
- Closed-toe shoes are required for safety during brewery visits.
- You’ll need a valid ID or passport, as the tour is restricted to adults 21 and over.
- Bringing cash might be handy for tips or additional purchases.
- The tour does not permit pregnancy, large bags, baby strollers, or open-toed shoes.
- Consuming alcohol prior to the tour is discouraged and may result in being denied entry without a refund.
What Real Travelers Say
While the current reviews are limited, they paint a mixed picture worth considering. One traveler from Canada rated it a 3 out of 5, noting that “most of the fun is meeting people,” and found the experience less lively with a small group of four. Conversely, a traveler from the UK described it as an “excellent” day, praising the guide Luke for being courteous, knowledgeable, and flexible with tastings, highlighting how well the tour can cater to different preferences and create a fun atmosphere.
This highlights an important aspect: the guide and group size significantly influence your experience. If you’re looking for a lively, social outing with a knowledgeable host, this tour can be a real highlight. If you prefer a more lively or larger group experience, it’s worth considering how your particular tour might differ.
Deep Dive into the Brew Stops
Each brewery offers a unique flavor of Phoenix’s craft beer culture. One might be a newer spot with innovative brews, while another could be a longstanding local favorite with traditional styles. The behind-the-scenes access means you’ll see fermentation tanks up close and learn about the ingredients used, which adds educational value for the curious.
The tasting sessions are carefully curated to give you a sense of the local brewing scene’s diversity—possibly including IPAs, stouts, or lagers. The guide’s ability to tailor tastings makes a noticeable difference, particularly if you have preferences or a particular interest in certain styles.
How Good Is the Value?
The price includes up to 12 tastings, snacks, transportation, and expert guidance—all within 3.5 hours. Compared to the cost of sampling beers independently or hiring a private guide, this offers good value, especially considering the behind-the-scenes access and local insights. For beer lovers, it’s a chance to explore multiple breweries without the hassle of planning or driving, which is an added bonus.
If you enjoy discovering local breweries and want to learn more about how craft beer is made, this tour packs a lot of experience into a manageable afternoon.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for adults over 21 who enjoy beers—whether seasoned connoisseurs or casual drinkers—and are interested in seeing behind the scenes of Arizona’s brewing industry. It’s also a fantastic activity for small groups of friends or couples, especially those wanting a relaxed, social outing. Travelers who appreciate a local, authentic atmosphere will find it particularly rewarding.
However, if you’re pregnant, have mobility issues, or don’t drink alcohol, this experience won’t be suitable. Also, if your idea of a tour involves more sightseeing or outdoor adventure, you might want to look elsewhere.
The Scottsdale Original Brew Tour offers a solid introduction to Phoenix’s craft beer scene. With knowledgeable guides, personalized service, and a chance to sample some of the best local brews, it gives you a taste of the area’s brewing culture without the hassle of planning. The inclusion of behind-the-scenes insights and food pairing elevates it beyond a simple tasting experience.
This tour is best suited for beer lovers, curious travelers, or groups wanting a fun, social activity. Its small-group format ensures intimacy and flexibility, though the experience can vary depending on the guide and group dynamics. If you’re after a relaxed, informative, and tasty afternoon in Arizona, this tour delivers good value and memorable moments.
FAQs
Is the tour suitable for people under 21?
No, the tour is strictly for those 21 and over due to alcohol consumption regulations.
Do I need to bring my ID?
Yes, a valid passport or US ID/driver’s license is required to participate.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are a must for safety during brewery visits. No high heels or open-toed shoes.
Will I get to see how beer is made?
Yes, the tour includes behind-the-scenes access at breweries to learn about the brewing process.
How many breweries are visited?
Three breweries are included, each offering a different atmosphere and selection.
What is included in the price?
Up to 12 beer tastings and a snack are included, along with transportation and guiding.
Is food available during the tour?
A snack is provided, but no full meal. Plan accordingly if you’re hungry afterward.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
What is the group size?
Typically between 4-10 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Would this tour be good for a local?
Absolutely. Locals can discover new breweries and learn more about Phoenix’s craft beer scene in a fun setting.
