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The Brass Tap: The ultimate beer bar experience

Posted at 7:30 AM, Dec 04, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-04 12:13:22-05

The Brass Tap is a paid sponsor of Sonoran Living

"The Ultimate Beer Bar Experience"
In 2014, the Rowe family (Jessie III, Jessie IV, and Jason) opened their first Brass Tap franchise (it definitely feels more like a family run business) in Mesa Riverview.  The Brass Tap concept originated in Tampa, FL. in 2007.  When the Rowe's opened their store it was the first totally Craft Beer Bar in Mesa and the only Brass Tap west of Texas.  The Mesa Brass Tap is off the beaten path, in a hard to find spot within Mesa Riverview.  It's hidden behind Chili's on Bass Pro Drive.  This small craft beer bar quickly made a name for itself as the place for an outstanding selection of craft beer and its extremely knowledgeable staff.  When you walk in the front doors for the first time, you can't help but be in awe of the 60 beer handles that run down what seems like the entire west side of this small yet comfortable bar.  It is long and thin, much like a typical old English style pub and is decorated with cool tin plaques advertising many different craft beer companies from around the US.  They have a small but tasty food menu that features personal sized pretzel pizzas and other pub delights.  

But what makes The Brass Tap special is its staff which is headed up by Ian Mulvaney, the guy with the big red beard.  All Bartenders and Servers are required to be level 1 Cicerone (the beer worlds certification program equivalent to the wine world's Sommelier certification program) certified as a minimum.  This way the customer can be assured that they are getting the right information when wanting to learn about the different beers that are available.

In 2015 the Rowe's met Don Byus to start the partnership to open a second Brass Tap.  After almost two years of searching they ended up in the neighboring Town of Gilbert's Heritage District.  Unlike the Rowe's smaller Mesa location, Gilbert has plenty of space with an awesome covered patio that showcases picnic tables and sectional sofas to relax on.  On the inside you'll find a full bar sporting 72 total handles.  The decor is modern and upbeat.  There are games like shuffle board and man size Jenga as well as thirteen 70" TVs and a 124" screen for all the sports you want.  The food menu at Gilbert is top notch and features great pub food such a Pub Burger, fish and chips, wings, and prime rib nachos.  A must try are the smoked whole wings (while they last) on the weekends.

So, if you're looking for the premier craft beer experience in a small relaxing venue check out the Mesa location and have one with Ian.  If more modern and upbeat is your thing then swing into the Gilbert location and if you're a Cubs fan ask for Don, he would love to chat with you.  Either way, your sure to have one of, if not the best craft beer experience you'll ever have.  Cheers!

The Brass Tap in Gilbert and Mesa
Gilbert Location:
313 N Gilbert Rd Ste 100 (Heritage District)
(480) 268-9557
Brasstapbeerbar.com/Gilbert  

Brasstapbeerbar.com/Gilbert  
Mesa Location:
1033 N Dobson Rd Ste 104 (Mesa Riverview)
(480) 610-Beer(2337)    
Brasstapbeerbar.com/Mesa