Podcast Episode 345: Arizona Wilderness Explores Terroir Through Mobile Coolships, Regenerative Local Grain, and More

Head brewer Brad Miles and wood cellar manager Nick Pauley discuss the ways this Gilbert, Arizona, brewpub builds a regional approach to flavor in everything from saison and spontaneous beer to lager, while providing crucial support for the agricultural side of beer.

Jamie Bogner Feb 16, 2024 - 6 min read

Podcast Episode 345: Arizona Wilderness Explores Terroir Through Mobile Coolships, Regenerative Local Grain, and More Primary Image

Brad Miles and Nick Pauley. Photo: Jamie Bogner

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Last year, Arizona Wilderness’ beet-centered saison Jitterbug Perfume scored a perfect 100 with our blind-review judges and went on to nab a spot in our Best 20 Beers in 2023. In this episode, head brewer Brad Miles and wood-cellar manager Nick Pauley dissect that particular beer, from the blend of wood-aged saisons that form the base to how they roast and process the beets and the particular fruit-juice and spice additions that round it out. They also discuss the Arizona Wilderness approach to spontaneous brewing, using a mobile coolship and wort that they drive out to cooler, higher elevations in the wintertime to capture wild microflora.

Along the way, they touch on:

  • building a spontaneous process that works in a dry, desert environment
  • using aged American hops such as Crystal, Chinook, and Cascade in spontaneous beer
  • adding funk character to saison with aged hops
  • using regenerative certified organic grains in saison
  • building a base with five or six different wood-aged saisons to stand up to strong flavored ingredients
  • balancing acidity in spontaneous and saison beer
  • brewing with Kernza grain
  • partnering with local growers and a local maltster to support a new grain economy

And more.

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You might have heard of Old Orchard, but have you heard of their newest flavors? Berry Blend, Blood Orange, Lemonade, and Tart Cherry are the latest additions to their lineup of flavored craft juice concentrate blends. Old Orchard’s R&D team can also formulate custom blends unique to your needs. To learn more and request your free samples, head over to oldorchard.com/brewer.


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Jamie Bogner is the Cofounder and Editorial Director of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®. Email him at [email protected].

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