Best Of Tucson®

Best-Tasting Local Brew

Nimbus Brewing Company

Feeling a bit devilish on our last trip to Nimbus--the local brewery with the monkey-head logo--we ordered red ale from among the seven delicious selections on tap. It was slightly bitter with an extremely smooth character and an intriguing amber tone. The drink perfectly fit the mood as the evening grew dark with monsoon clouds, the soulful tunes from a three-piece blues band filled the warehouse, and an eastbound Union Pacific freighter lumbered by. While patio seating was available, we chose an indoor table to better observe the décor--featuring monkey heads scattered all around the place, even a sinister looking one with glowing eyes and nostrils above the bar.

Runners up:

2. Gentle Ben's Brewing Company, 865 E. University Blvd., 624-4177, www.gentlebens.com

3. Thunder Canyon Brewery, 7401 N. La Cholla Blvd.797-2652, www.thundercanyonbrewery.com