Celebrating Three Decades of Craft Beer with Four Peaks Brewing's Kilt Lifter

Four Peaks Brewing Celebrates 30 Years of Craft Beer

Four Peaks Brewing, a staple of Arizona's craft beer scene, is jubilantly marking a remarkable milestone: 30 successful years of brewing. Known for its flagship beer, Kilt Lifter, the brewery has become synonymous with craft beer culture in the Southwest. The celebration pays homage to not only the brand but also the loyal community that has grown alongside it.

Founded in 1996 by Andy Ingram, Jim Scussel, and Randy Schultz, Four Peaks Brewing started in a historic creamery in Tempe, Arizona. Since then, it has flourished from a budding operation in a state with only seven breweries to an influential craft beer provider in a state now boasting over 120 breweries. Kilt Lifter, a beer that emerged from some of the earliest brewing attempts at Four Peaks, has ascended to legendary status; it has been an integral part of many drinkers' introduction to craft beer.

Over the past three decades, Kilt Lifter has transitioned from a small-batch experiment to one of the most sold beers in the region, with over 800,000 barrels distributed, roughly translating to more than 200 million pints enjoyed across bars and festivals. This amber ale, known for its smooth malt profile with hints of caramel and toast, perfectly captures the essence of Four Peaks Brewing's dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

The success of Kilt Lifter is not just measured in sales; it has also earned numerous awards at both domestic and international competitions, solidifying its reputation as one of the top amber ales in the nation. Despite the current dominance of IPAs in the craft beer market, Kilt Lifter has remained the flagship ale at Four Peaks, showcasing its enduring appeal.

As Four Peaks Brewing looks back on its rich history, they also express gratitude to their loyal customers.