Flagstaff’s Lumberyard Brewing Co. recently earned a prestigious silver medal at the 2025 World Beer Cup in Indianapolis, underscoring the city’s rising stature in the national craft beer landscape. Lumberyard’s Railhead Red, an Extra Special Bitter characterized by its rich red hue, moderate hops, and full-bodied flavor, secured the honor in a competition featuring 8,375 entries from 49 countries and awarding 349 medals. The beer’s name honors Flagstaff’s historic railroad heritage.
Gene Almquist, Lumberyard’s director of brewing, expressed pride in the recognition and the brewery’s role representing both Flagstaff and Arizona on a global stage.
This accolade adds to the momentum behind Flagstaff’s self-styled reputation as Arizona’s leading craft beer city, a distinction gaining traction nationally despite challenges facing the broader industry. According to the Brewers Association, U.S. craft beer volume sales declined 3.9% last year amid a crowded field of nearly 9,700 breweries.
Local experts note shifting consumer preferences as a factor. Adam Harrington, former lead brewer at Mother Road Brewing and current operator of High Altitude Home Brew Supply and Harrington’s Tap House, observes younger drinkers gravitating toward alternatives such as hard cider, hard seltzers, mead, and non-alcoholic or fruit-flavored beers. This trend aligns with Bart Watson, CEO of the Brewers Association, who identifies sour, fruity, tart, and juicy beer styles as key to engaging the next generation of consumers.
Flagstaff brewers have responded by embracing innovation and enhancing the customer experience. Kevin Wilson, Lumberyard’s sales director and Arizona Craft Brewers Guild board member, highlights the collaborative and dynamic local beer scene, citing establishments like Historic Brewing, Mother Road, and Flag Brew as part of a vibrant community with diverse offerings.
While the industry faces potential headwinds—including rising costs for raw materials and uncertainties about international tourism—local breweries remain optimistic. Dylan Prater, Mother Road’s director of hospitality, reported slower business during winter months but anticipates strong summer performance, driven in part by regional visitors escaping the desert heat.
Flagstaff’s craft breweries continue to attract attention beyond state lines. In February, San Diego Beer News featured the city’s eight breweries, emphasizing their close proximity along Flagstaff’s popular Brewery Trail and celebrating the city’s “established beer culture” as a draw for tourists. Additionally, a Chicago-based study ranked Flagstaff 20th nationally for craft breweries per capita, alongside prominent beer cities such as Portland, Maine, and Asheville, North Carolina.
Flagstaff’s brewery roster includes long-standing pioneers Beaver Street and Flagstaff Brewing, both founding the city’s craft beer scene in 1994, as well as newer players like Mother Road, Lumberyard, Dark Sky, Historic, Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery, and Wanderlust Brewing Co. Over the past five years, these eight breweries collectively produced nearly five million gallons of beer, signaling a strong post-pandemic recovery.
Mother Road leads local production with 2.73 million gallons brewed between 2020 and 2024, marking a 12.7% increase in 2024. Its flagship Tower Station brand accounts for 75% of output. The brewery generates roughly 70% of its revenue from production and 30% from its taproom operations. It ranks as Arizona’s third-largest independent craft brewer, following Phoenix-area leaders San Tan Brewing and Huss Brewing.
Other notable production gains include Lumberyard’s 7.36% increase to 144,446 gallons and Historic Brewing’s 3.5% rise to 74,517 gallons in 2024. Sister brewery Beaver Street maintained steady output.
In response to evolving market demands, Mother Road recently introduced Double 6 American Beer, a golden ale aimed at mainstream beer drinkers in sports bars and dive bars. The brand nods to the iconic Route 66 without infringing on trademark conflicts that affected a similarly named New Mexico brewery.
Further innovation includes a partnership with Noble Herb LLC to brew a non-alcoholic pale ale infused with THC, set to be sold in Arizona dispensaries.
Looking ahead, Mother Road is preparing for the 2026 centennial celebration of Route 66, planning to release a special “Centenni-Ale” early next year.
Flagstaff’s craft beer community continues to navigate industry challenges while building a reputation as a dynamic hub for innovative brews and a growing tourist destination.
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