Stone did a collaboration with Brew Dog a couple of years ago that they termed a Belgian Black (Double?) IPA and I think Dock Street has one out now, and I am sure I have seen others.

And just a couple of weeks ago, the Ameri-CAN fest was held in Scottsdale. This featured beers from all over the country. It featured about 150 beers and about 4,000 people attended.

Carefree Station located in the Spanish Village area of Downtown Carefree is open, has a pretty decent wine, and beer, list; and will be serving their regular menu.

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Carefree Station
7212 E Ho Rd, Carefree, AZ 85377

Tough to find, but look for Stranahans Colorado Whiskey...its one of my favorites.

The best beer bar is Papago, but check out Spitfire Grill in Chandler as well as the Whole Foods on Ray Road...they just opened up another 20 taps and its always interesting stuff.

Nice article, but I think the folks in Philadelphia, Boston, San Diego, San Francisco, Colorado, Austin, Michigan, Wisconsin and the whole Pacific Northwest (at a minimum) would beg to differ with your premise.

Go with full bodies foods - Shepherds Pie, rich gravies, barbecued meats, also, sharp cheddar or blue cheeses are excellent. Oysters are an outstanding pairing with Oatmeal Stouts.

Sun Up has some of the best beer in town, Uwe is considered by most to be one of the top brewers in the state. Always something different on tap and always a cask conditioned beer.

Another place to check out, close to the JW is Mellow Mushroom at Happy Valley and I17. Should be less than 20 minutes from where you are. 40 taps, all goog, good bottle and can selection and a nice menu which they do well. Also check out Blu Burger Grille at Hayden and Thompson Peak, 12 taps all craft and high end import, good burger selection. Those two will both hit your 20 minute requirement.

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Blu Burger
20511 N Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254

I agree with the Marzen and Dopplebock suggestions. You are going to want something malty that will contrast with the acidity of the sauce.

Abita Amber has not been sold in Arizona for a couple of years, it has only been available in the Party Pack variety twelve pack. That will change shortly, as it will now be sold in the state again. Somebody mentioned the Strawberry and Pecan. Strawberry is a spring seasonal and the Pecan is in the fall, so it will be here shortly.

Piero's is excellent, I have never had a bad meal there. And, as you correctly point out, there is something about the old school feel of the place.

Make the trip to the G&D on Central...much better and more authentic feel than the Hampton Inn location

You may know this by now, but I believe Pizzeria Bianco is closed on Mondays.

I am big fan of Enotria in the Scottsdale 101 complex. Not much in the way of food, but a good selection of wine and beer, as well as a knowledgeable and fun staff.

Great Divide Wild Raspberry is excellent, as is Lost Coast Raspberry Brown.

Sadly, for a sports bar, they have a pretty pedestrian beer selection. If I'm going to spend time and money watching a game at a bar, I want a good selection of beer, not just the same thing I can get in every other bar in town. With the Yardhouse in the Desert Ridge center, not much reason to go to the Office to watch a game and have a couple of beers.

Most of the ones mentioned are the best selection. I would also add AJ's at 67th avenue and Beardsley has the best beer selection of all AJ's. Jonpol is very knowledgeable and has an incredible selection of difficult to find and rare beers. Papago has about 500 different bottles, all stored in a cooler and a great staff. 30 taps gives you something to do while you are picking out your beers. Magnums and Crossroads as mentioned are excellent as well. Sun Devil and Tops have the best selections. AZ Wines in Scottsdale has a pretty good selection as well.