Nestled at a 90 degree angle just two blocks from Historic 4th Ave in Tucson, lies a brewery with pint glasses full of Sonoran-inspired ales. Crooked Tooth Brewing Co., decked out with garage door windows and a shady patio, is a shining example of the best the Tucson beer scene has to offer. Their staff is exemplary, from the rotating cast of stellar humans behind the bar that sling brews with grace, to the brew crew, to the beloved leadership. At this Tucson hot spot, there is a wealth of positivity and community flowing, unsurprisingly, like beer.
Crooked Tooth has brews to satisfy a wide array of tastes and pallets. Brewery founder Ben Vernon tells us, “We try to push the envelope and use some regional ingredients and flavors that people are familiar with here. It kind of takes down that barrier to entry that can be a little intimidating.” That barrier came crashing down in 2021 as overall U.S. beer volume sales were up 1% in 2021, while craft brewer volume sales grew 8%, raising small and independent brewers’ share of the U.S. beer market, according to The US Brewers Association.
Crooked Tooth may be most known for their epic sours. With a pension for fruiting their beers, sweet and tart works of art span the tap list. Some of Crooked Tooth’s most delicious creations are part of the Sonoran Sour series. These beers are inspired by regional delicacies like jamaica, raspados (Mexican snow cones), and much more. Much of the influence behind this series is that Ben Vernon grew up in Tucson. He tells us, “I spent a lot of time in this area on a skateboard, skating past this building. I went to Tucson High down the street.”
Despite a reputation for tantalizing tart beers, Crooked Tooth has plenty more typical styles available as well. From the beloved Crooked Light, a crisp Mexican lager, to bold stouts, there isn’t much this brew team hasn’t tried. 18th Hour is a terrific hazy IPA brewed with Cascade, Mosaic, and Chinook hops for a fruity and floral bouquet of flavor.
With the unique blend of tasty brews on tap, both brewed in-house, and guest taps, and wholesome and welcoming community, it’s no mystery why Crooked Tooth has established themselves as a staple of the Arizona craft beer community. No one would argue that this must-visit Tucson tavern fits right into the smattering of breweries and bars in town. Crooked Tooth’s warm and quirky taproom is a perfect place to enjoy a flight, served on a custom-made skateboard flight holder. When the weather is nice, bring your beer out to their lovely patio. Directly across the alley is a local pizzeria, Arnello’s, which scores a ringing endorsement from Ben. “Pizza is my main food group. I think I had pizza for four meals over the weekend.”
Crooked Tooth is one of the top spots to visit on your way around the downtown Tucson beer crawl. Or, post up at one of the tables and enjoy a spectacular sour and participate in a trivia night. Crooked Tooth also has their 6th anniversary in the beginning of November 2022 and has some exciting collaborations coming up. Stay tuned to their social media for updates!
Written by Isaac Stockton
Photography by Isaac Stockton