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| King James Swann |
If there were to be a Mount Rushmore for Arizona Beer, you could certainly make a case that James Swann (lovingly referred to locally as King James) would be on it. James's fingerprints are all over the beer community here in Arizona, especially the east Valley. Chances are, if you have enjoyed a beer in Chandler, be it a beer bar, or brewery, James probably had a hand it getting that place started and off the ground.
Well, for that last half of 2014, James has been laying a little low (well, by James' standards anyway) working as a sales rep for a distribution company. Well, as many of you know, he gave his 2 weeks notice just about 2 weeks ago, and now he is ready to announce the next phase of his journey.
James has taken on a few partners, and is helping to get a new Scottsdale beer bar "Craft 64" off the ground and up and running. Craft 64 is a beer and wine bar that will be in downtown Scottsdale, quite literally in the shadow of the Hotel Valley Ho.
Now, I know there are a lot of beer bars and tap rooms operating, or opening in the valley, but this one will be a little unique. Craft 64, will be serving exclusively fine Arizona craft beers!!! There will be 30 handles, all of which will be pouring beer made right here in our state. While they will have some of the local staples from the Arizona "big boys" (SanTan, Four Peaks etc) their will be a focus on the very small, lesser known breweries not in regular distribution. Of coarse they will also be serving those rare, limited release gems from the big boys as well. While talking to James about this a few weeks ago, he explained to me how he plans on visiting these smaller breweries, and grabbing kegs from them, and showcasing them in Craft 64.
While previously, you may have only been able to get those beers at their taprooms, pubs or tasting rooms, or maybe in very select places near them, Craft 64 will have a steady rotation of small breweries all the time. So you don't have to worry about stopping by and them having all the "same ol' stuff on tap. Each trip will be a unique experience for you to try beers you not only may have never had before, but there's a good chance you may even have a beer from a brewery you didn't even know existed, and THAT my friends, is awesome!
In addition to the 30 handles, they will have an extensive fine wine list (the wine will not be exclusive to Arizona, but will feature wine from the rapidly growing Arizona wine industry). There will also be a brick pizza oven, so there will be some amazing, artisanal, brick oven pizza's on the menu, as well as other appetizers and menu items.
Looking to be opened in just a month or so (no exact date yet, but rest assured, I will be keeping you all well informed of any and all information)
Craft 64 will be located at 6299 E Main St, Scottsdale AZ (major cross streets will be Goldwater and Indian School).
You can follow their progress here at The Beer Czar, or check out their
Facebook page here, or
website here.....
Again, check back here for more news and updates about James, and Craft 64. As soon as I get an opening date, I will be sure to pass it along, but it won't be long!!
Until next time
Bottoms up my friends
The Beer Czar
