As the beverage director for the ever-growing Fox Restaurant Concepts group, it’s Mat Snapp’s job to know a thing or two about drinking—it’s work, people! So we decided to pick his brain about brews and why Culinary Dropout in Phoenix and Scottsdale (and soon to be Tempe!) is a great place for cold one.
What makes craft beer so special?
With wine you need land, you need grapes and you need serious equipment. With home brewing (which can eventually lead to microbrewing and more) you just need a passion for creativity and exploration. The homebrewer is an unbelievably important part of the craft beer world. While I haven’t had the chance to get into it, I’ve always wanted to.
What are your personal beer preferences?
I was a big fan of the big bold IPAs when they first came out—all that green grass and grapefruit. Then the White IPA got me because my palate could handle two or three without getting fatigued. I’m transitioning into Pilsners from varying regions and breweries—Lammsbrau makes an organic Pils that is so damn refreshing. I love them right now.
Why is Culinary Dropout such a great place to enjoy craft beer?
The selection and the knowledge are already in the building. I wouldn’t say that we’re beer geeks by any stretch of the imagination, but I’d say everyone in there knows the menu inside and out. We also have an ambassador program where we celebrate the entire portfolio from a specific brewery. As a result, week-to-week we will feature a new seasonal or limited release from any of our eight favorite breweries.
