Cave Creek Chili Beer is made in Cave Creek, Arizona. This small town, located just north of Phoenix, is known for its unique and eclectic atmosphere. It's a place where you can find cowboys, bikers, and artists all coming together in a vibrant community.
The brewery itself, founded by Crazy Ed Chilleen in 1989, is tucked away in the heart of Cave Creek. It's a small, rustic building that exudes character and charm. When you step inside, you can immediately smell the aroma of brewing beer and the hint of chili peppers.
One of the things that sets Cave Creek Chili Beer apart is its use of real chili peppers in the brewing process. Many breweries use chili powder or extracts to add heat to their beers, but Crazy Ed wanted to create a truly authentic experience. So, he decided to use whole chili peppers in his recipe.
I had the opportunity to visit the Cave Creek Chili Beer brewery this summer, and it was an experience I'll never forget. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly staff who were more than happy to share their knowledge and passion for their craft.
The brewing process itself was fascinating to watch. The chili peppers were carefully added to the mash, infusing the beer with their unique flavor and heat. The smell of the peppers filled the air, and I could already taste the spiciness in my mouth.
After the brewing process was complete, the beer was left to ferment and age, allowing the flavors to meld together. The result was a beer that had a subtle smokiness and a pleasant, lingering heat.
Cave Creek Chili Beer is truly a labor of love. It's not just a beer with chili peppers thrown in for novelty; it's a beer that is carefully crafted to bring out the best flavors of the peppers. The dedication and attention to detail that goes into each batch is evident in every sip.
So, if you're ever in Cave Creek, Arizona, I highly recommend stopping by the Cave Creek Chili Beer brewery. It's a unique and memorable experience that will give you a newfound appreciation for chili beer. And who knows, you might just find yourself becoming as fascinated with it as I am.