Hello again lads, this week let’s stay on the Local Train and chat about Epicenter Amber from SanTan Brewing in Chandler Arizona. Opened in 2007, SanTan is owned by brew master Anthony Canecchia. Anthony spent seven years at Four Peaks Brewing in Tempe before opening SanTan where he brews mostly American style ales. Epicenter is a dry, light bodied amber with a slightly nutty character reminiscent of much bigger nut brown styles. It pours a bright caramel colour with an off white head and delivers very nice lacing as your glass begins to empty.

Epicenter is what Anthony refers to as a” Gateway Beer”, a beer for those stepping into the craft beer world for the first time. As a point of reference, think Fat Tire from New Belgium. Very much a session brew at 5.5% ABV. with very low bitterness, Epicenter is the beer to hand your best mate who drinks Coors Light and needs a Life Line! It Scores a low side 48 from 100 points on Ratebeer.com but remember this isn’t always the perfect indicator of a beers quality. Beer Geeks that “rate beers” tend to have moved beyond this particular style and therefore may not be considering this beers purpose in the larger picture.

Epicenter is a great first brew for new craft drinkers and being a session beer, doesn’t take you out of the game after only a couple. Great food pairings include lighter fare such as a California style chicken sandwich w/ avocado, sweet BBQ wings or a stacked Club Sandwich w/ extra Bacon!Booze pairings include a quality Anejo Tequila or a Hot Toddy. As I said last week, I’m going to spend the next few weeks Keeping It Local and you should as well. There’s no better way to show your love to our brothers and sisters in Beer here in AZ. Keep sending your comments and questions to Kingjamesswann@gmail.com and have a stellar week!