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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
BEERTENDERS Bartenders who really know their beer Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!
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“
esident beer geek” is a job? If your name is Nick Nitz, then the answer is a resounding yes. Nitz, general manager and resident beer geek at The Handlebar, is adept and enthusiastic in all things craft beer. As resident beer geek, Nitz keeps the Handlebar draft list balanced with a rotating list of 24 draft beers in addition to 50-plus bottle, can, and bomber options. Handlebar focuses on creating a fun, out of the box atmosphere and a comfortable, inviting place for beer lovers (or those novices to the scene) to enjoy a variety of beers while eating one of their grass-fed burgers on the patio. Nitz is passionate about guest experience and educating his staff and consumers on all things beer. He thrives in the indescribable culture that makes up the craft beer biz.
The Handlebar Tempe
680 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 85281, 480.474.4888, handlebaraz.com
What do you think makes craft beer special? Honestly, it’s the people, the community, the camaraderie of craft beer lovers and brewers that makes it fascinating. We have a “us versus them” mentality but in the same aspect we want everyone to love the “craft
of craft” as we do. I often compare the craft beer culture to punk rock, loved by many, yet always rebelling again the norm.
the craft beer movement and beer sales in the Valley, including Leah Huss from Papago Brewing Company.
How did you get interested in craft beer? All the cool kids at my previous job, Bison Witches in Tempe, were drinking it. Growing up in the Midwest, I was used to drinking the “good stuff,” Milwaukee’s Best and Busch Light. I remember my first experience after work one night, it was Moose Drool from Big Sky Brewing in Montana. Immediately I thought, “This is how beer can taste?!” I was hooked.
Why is The Handlebar the perfect place for craft beer? We are a bike-friendly neighborhood bar that focuses on providing elevated food and drinks with a downhome feel. We’re unpretentious. We rotate our craft beers, on average, every other keg. There is always something new, but we are careful to keep everyone’s favorites on hand at all times. In total, we have a rotating selection of 24 draft beers plus at least 50 cans, bombers and bottled beer options from all over the world. There is something for everyone, even beer cocktails.
What is your favorite part about the beer culture in the Valley? The collaboration and sense of camaraderie are hard to beat. We are partnering with Cartel Brewery just down the street on a custom brew together. We’ve also worked with Fate Brewing Company in Scottsdale on a barrel aging project and that’s just off the top of my head. Everyone involved in the local beer culture is focused on working together to put Arizona on the craft beer map. We are a diverse community, meaning we are not all mid-20- to mid-30-year old guys with beards, as is sometimes the stereotype. In fact, there are many women leading
What is your favorite part of the beer culture? Everyone loves being part of it as much as I do—the passion is contagious. What is your favorite beer at the moment? Whatever is in my hand! But seriously, this answer depends on the time and day. If I am by the pool, nothing beats a Tecate Tallboy. If I am looking to share something new with friends, I might opt for an 805 Blonde Ale from Firestone Walker or a 10% barrel-aged beer of some sort.
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