SEDONA — A new brew named in honor of one of the most popular state parks in Arizona is being launched with a craft beer tasting event in April.
Historic Brewing Company, based in Flagstaff, created Slide Rock Blonde Coffee Stout, a limited-edition specialty brew. Slide Rock State Park will host the tasting event April 11 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
It’s a continuation of a business partnership between Arizona State Parks & Trails and the brewery. Last year, HBC created Kannally Ranch House Mexican Lager, which is said to have been inspired by the ranch house at Oracle State Park. Ten percent of sales of the special brews are donated to Arizona State Parks & Trails.
“Slide Rock is iconic in the summer, but the park’s winter charm is sometimes overlooked. Through this partnership, we’re excited to invite people to experience recreation here outside of the popular summer season,” Michelle Thompson, deputy assistant director, stated in a news release last week. “Winter, spring and fall are all great opportunities to escape the crowds and enjoy nature photography, hiking, birding, exploring homestead history, and wildlife watching at this scenic park.”
There is an earlier tasting planned for April 10 from noon to 4 p.m. at Indian Gardens marketplace, 3951 N. SR 89A, Sedona.
Slide Rock Blonde Coffee Stout uses roasted coffee from Freeform Coffee in Sedona, according to John Kennelly, co-founder of Kennelly Family Concepts Inc., which owns HBC.
“Slide Rock is not just a spectacular swimming spot, it’s a piece of Arizona history. We’re thrilled to help shine a light on its preservation,” he said in the news release.
The event itself raises money for Slide Rock.
Tickets to the event are $30 and include two beer tastings, wood-fired pizza by Pizzicletta of Flagstaff, live music, a guided interpretive program on the park’s homestead history, a variety of other Historic Brewing Company beers available for purchase, and a raffle drawing for a Flagstaff staycation including guided tours of the brewery and of Riordan Mansion State Historic Park.
Event proceeds benefit the Friends of Slide Rock State Park, a volunteer group that does fundraising, special projects, and events for the park.
