S3E111: Arizona Good Business - Thomas Barr & Local First

This week, Andrew was a guest on Arizona Good Business. It's our third podcollaboration (We did 2 with the Hoppy Craftsmen, S1E8 and S1E9.)

In the latest Arizona Good Business Radio episode, Thomas Barr explores Arizona’s craft beer scene with Cale Aylsworth with OHSO Brewery + Distillery, Andrew Bauman from the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, and Brad Miles from Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company.

Despite being 43rd nationally in breweries per capita, Arizona’s craft beer industry is booming. Six new breweries just opened in the last 3 months, and Arizona now represents 100+ local breweries. This episode highlights the challenges breweries face, and how the brewery community comes together and relies on each other for the industry’s success. The guests predict a mix of prediction for the future of the industry, and discuss the opportunity to learn from national trends.

Since being establish in the Valley in 2011 O.H.S.O. has taken on a life and community of its own. Not only deeply entrenched in its AZ community, they are huge advocates and supporters for new local breweries and small local businesses.

With nearly 10 valley wide locations O.H.S.O.’s success directly reflects its support in its communities. Weather it be Teachers, First Responders, Mental Health Awareness/Resources, Animal Shelters, ALS or MDA, or even the Neighborhood Community Garden, O.H.S.O. believes that libations brings people to gather, and when good people gather, good things can happen.

Born at St Joseph’s Hospital in 1985, a third generation Arizonan, Cale Aylsworth’s claim is “Arizona is a place like no other”. He entered the restaurant industry to pay for college, started out as a food runner, to head expo, to server, to bartender all before age 20.

Cale found his path intersecting with a brand new local brewery in 2011 by simply enjoying a locally crafted beer at the bar. Thirteen years later he holds the title of Director of Sales and Relations, manages a majority of O.H.S.O.’s community outreach and is the “not by choice” face of the company.

Combining his passion and love for this one of a kind state, his journey with O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery has be a harmonious fit as his personal views and the company’s views align with the goal to be grateful for the individual people that make this community and to make sure to give it back. 

The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild is the state-wide organization that represents Arizona Craft Breweries through legislative efforts, community partnerships, presenting beer festivals all over the state, and providing educational opportunities for the entire craft beer community.

Supporting local small businesses is our number one goal.

Andrew Bauman has been in the Arizona Craft Beer industry for over 12 years as a Head Brewer, Director of Brewery Operations, and currently as Deputy Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild.

Prior to entering the beer business, Andrew managed restaurant and catering businesses in the Phoenix metro area. Follow Arizona Craft Brewers Guild on Facebook and Instagram.

Arizona Wilderness is a Brewery and Restaurant specializing in Craft Beer, Burgers, and Sustainable business practices in Arizona.

Brad Miles is the Head of Production at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company. He has been at Arizona Wilderness for a little over a year. He has a decade of experience in Craft Beer ranging from small breweries to large regional craft breweries.

Brad started his journey in Craft Beer as a Homebrewer then started moonlighting at a small brewery in Southern California where he spent a year learning. He then moved onto Firestone Walker Brewing Co where he started as a Cellarman, moved into the brew house, lead the filtration operations, managed the yeast, and eventually spent the last two years in Research and Development and new product development.

After 8 years at Firestone Walker he took a leap and started as the Head of Production at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co, where he is responsible for all beer being produced, served, and distributed. Connect with Brad on X and follow AZ Wilderness on Instagram. 

Check out this podcast episode here: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/phoenixbusinessradio/good-beer-good-business-a-highlight-of-arizonas-craft-beer-industry-e48/

Find out more about Local First AZ here: https://localfirstaz.com/

Want to ask a question on the show? Record a question or comment for the show here: https://www.speakpipe.com/azbeerfrontier 

We asked the fun duo, wetigersukesongs if we could use their version of Minas de Cobres and they graciously agreed. We hope you like it as much as the original. wetigersukesongs can be found here! https://www.youtube.com/user/wetigersukesongs