New Local Brews
I am consistently impressed by the brew coming out of Dragoon Brewing Co., 1859 W. Grant Road, No. 111. But its newest brew is truly something else. Ojo Blanco has a tannish-gold color and contains hints of coriander, cumin and lime, imparting a complex flavor to the hazy, Belgian-style witbier. This microbrewery also has Russian stout, India pale ale and several other truly superb beers on tap. I suggest heading down there during tasting-room hours, when you'll find a food truck out front as well. For hours and more information, head over to www.dragoonbrewing.com.
Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave., also has a new brew worth checking out. Smoke and Irons is a Scottish ale made with mesquite-smoked grains. And $1 from every pint sold goes to the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation, which helps provide local firefighters with tools and training. You can taste just a hint of smoke in this unique brew, which brings up many possibilities for creative food pairings. There's more info at borderlandsbrewing.com.
Sausage-Related News
You may have noticed a heap of construction work going on next to Sausage Deli, 2334 N. First Ave. If you were worried that yet another Taco Bell was going in there, take heart: The new building will be the new home of the Sausage Deli, which has fed Tucson its glorious sandwiches for more than 30 years.
In other sausage-related news: Have you checked out all of the things they're wrapping in bacon at the Sausage Shop, 1015 W. Prince Road? Recently, we've found stuffed onions, various hamburger patties, chicken cordon bleu and other things wrapped in thick strips of homemade bacon, and that just scratches the surface. They also produce various flavors of bacon and have an enormous selection of sausages, steaks and overstuffed sandwiches; 888-1701.
Cocktails, Anyone?
The largest cocktail event to ever hit Southern Arizona is coming this November. The Tony Abou-Ganim Southwest Spirit Summit will feature three days of seminars, competitions, dinners and tastings. It takes place from Friday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 18, at Casino del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road. We'll be back with ticket information and more details when they're available.
