Wren House Brewing Co. is pouring new energy into Phoenix's craft beer scene with the opening of its third Valley brewpub, this time in the revitalized space once home to Paradise Valley Mall. On Thursday, patrons thirsty for a pint were invited to experience cask ales—a UK craft sensation—right in the desert at Wren House Paradise Valley, detailed by Phoenix New Times. Located at 12650 N. Tatum Blvd., this latest addition to the Wren House portfolio intends to break preconceived notions about cask beers being "warm, flat beer," co-owner Drew Pool declared in an interview with the publication.
Furthering the locality's commitment to niche brews, the new spot does not just offer its award-winning staples but also dives deeper into English beer styles with an on-site nano-brewery specifically for creating and conditioning cask ales. They'll be hand-pumped through beer engines, delivering a unique taste and mouthfeel—a stark contrast to the kegged beers most American drinkers are accustomed to. This cask-serving method was a sensation when Pool visited Deschutes Brewery's Public House in Portland, he recounted, offering up variations like a dry-hopped cask-conditioned pale ale.
The aesthetic of Wren House Paradise Valley is a blend of British pub culture with an Arizonian twist. Expect snug-like booths reminiscent of Irish pubs and a decor that brings Southwestern warmth into the mix, all crafted by House of Form, according to Phoenix New Times. Lauren Thoeny, the talent behind the brewery's iconic can art and spouse to head brewer Preston Thoeny, contributed to the space's charm with desert-inspired graphics.
Amid the festivities of its opening day, Wren House Brewing Company celebrated not only its new cask ale focus but also marked the moment with a nod to its past. With the grand opening falling on the exact ten-year anniversary of its original location, special anniversary beers were on tap. In a statement published by PHOENIX magazine, Drew Pool expressed his personal connection to the area and Wren House Brewing's tradition of serving underserved communities.
If you're planning a visit to the new taproom for a cask ale or two, remember that while they don't serve food, you're more than welcome to bring your favorite local takeout inside. Just don't try to snag a parking spot directly in front of the taproom, as spaces are limited. Instead, take advantage of the shaded multi-level garage nearby, saving your car from the summer sun, and stroll over to savor Wren House Brewing's newest venture, as per PHOENIX magazine's practical advice.
