Barrio Brewing Company Inc

Barrio Brewing Company, established in 1991 by Dennis and Tauna Arnold, is Arizona's oldest craft brewery. Originally known as Gentle Ben's Brewing Company, it began near the University of Arizona campus.

In 2006, the brewery expanded to a 22,000-square-foot facility in downtown Tucson, adopting the name Barrio Brewing Company.

In 2020, Barrio Brewing Company became Arizona's first 100% employee-owned brewery, transitioning to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This recognized the dedication of its staff and aimed to ensure the brewery's future success.

The brewery offers a diverse range of beers, including the Tucson Blonde Ale, Barrio Rojo, and Nolan's Porter. These beers have received accolades such as a Bronze Medal at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival and a Gold Medal in 2008.

The flagship beer, the Tucson Blonde, is the longest continuously brewed beer in Arizona.

Locations

• Main Taproom: Located at 800 E. 16th Street in Tucson, this venue offers a variety of beers and a full-service restaurant with a dog-friendly patio.
• Tucson International Airport: Situated at 7250 South Tucson Boulevard, this location provides travelers with a local take on bar food and a selection of Barrio's beers.
• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport: Located in Mesa, Arizona, offering a taste of Barrio Brewing Company's offerings.
• Phoenix Deer Valley Airport: Situated in Phoenix, Arizona, providing a selection of Barrio Brewing Company's beers and food offerings.
• Additional Tucson, AZ locations:
• Latitude 32.2539787, Longitude -110.9741769
• Latitude 32.21442, Longitude -110.95953
• Latitude 32.22288131713867, Longitude -110.974853515625

In 2025, Barrio Brewing Company collaborated with the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum to craft the Presidio Pale Ale, celebrating Tucson's 250th anniversary. A portion of the sales proceeds from this limited-edition beer were donated to the museum.

Barrio Brewing Company continues to be a cornerstone of Arizona's craft beer scene. It offers a rich history, a diverse selection of award-winning beers, and a commitment to community engagement.