Old Bisbee Brewing Company — Restaurant in Bisbee

I'm a local who is very familiar with this brewery as well as the three or four others in the immediate area (not including Tucson). I unfortunately had to leave a lukewarm review a year ago on Tripadvisor about Old Bisbee brewing company because we have been a customer for many years and have seen a change for the worse on the quality of brewing, starting roughly a year ago.

I'm disappointed to say that things have not gotten better, its been getting worse. As I mentioned in my Tripadvisor review, there are issues with contamination (the kind that happens in brewing - not the kind that makes you sick), likely due to temperature control issues at some point in the process. I won't pretend I have the expertise or know how to run a brewery, but I have been an amatuer brewer for over a decade and understand the process. There has been a change in how they are brewing that, I suspect, has to do with temperature control either during the fermentation process, leftover oxygen contaminating the flavors, or perhaps cyclic warming and recooling of the beer after its been finished. While I am not for sure without testing, what I can say is that we have been getting served beer that has undesirable flavors that we know are not part of the normal taste of their brews.

My wife's Salut! beer yesterday smelled and tasted of a bacterial contamination of likely lactic acid, perhaps acetaldehyde. The IPA I had clearly lost the normal amount of its normal hoppiness, which is another sign of contamination. Their stout is always on point, which is why I know that this is not an issue with all their beers.

We really like this place. We enjoy spending time in Bisbee and want to enjoy this brewery again. Someone needs to pay attention to the process and quality. Tourists might be fine paying $6-8 for a beer that's off, but as locals, we know the brewmaster here has done better in the past. I am not sure what's happened, maybe a loss of passion, but when we first starting visiting here many years ago, they were our favorite in the area. Now, I'm not sure we will bother with their beers anymore, they are dead last now for breweries in the area. Copper Brothel and Tombstone Brewing will provide you with consistency and very good beers that are brewed with attention to detail.

I will admit being a bit harsher because of my brewing experience, but I still think it's a great place with great people, as long as you can stand (or not notice) the off flavors in their selection of beers. To the brewery I would say, please revisit your quality control and keep a better eye on your temperatures and flavors. I want to be able to come back and delete or change this review soon. I care about your success and hope things improve soon.

EDIT: We came back a few months later. All issues have been resolved....updating stars appropriately. OBBC is back in tip top form..good job addressing your...

I'm into craft beer so this brewery was, for the most part, our reason for driving to Bisbee. My wife had heard it was a fun place to shop so there was that too. Turns out it's really not that fun to shop. It's store after store after store of the same pretentious, gaudy, over-priced . . . uh . . . "art."

But the brewery was nice. It was a friendly vibe. We were there on St. Patrick's Day, (for whatever that's worth). Yes, they had a keg of green Pilsner and No, I didn't drink any, (as I said - I'm into craft beer).

I had the Fancy Bear Russian Imperial Stout, (eh!). The double Hopped IPA was average, and the Old Man Winter was pretty good. We had just eaten before we got there so we didn't try the food.

It was a fun place. I'm glad we checked it out. It's only a 1/2 hour from Tombstone. I don't think I'd ever make a special trip just to go to Old Bisbee Brewing Co, but who knows? The next time I'm in Tombstone I might shoot down there for a...

Had a delightful experience here. Welcomed by Amy on Christmas Day afternoon who served us lunch & beverages (beer, rootbeer & brawts) on the sunny patio. Can’t say enough about Amy!!! She is wonderful and made us and our dogs feel instantly most comfortable & welcome! The clientele inside the bar were super friendly & the atmosphere was perfect! Loved it here. Didn’t get to meet Brandy but dealt with her online as we needed to spend an extra (un-planned night) in Bisbee due to a flat tire. “The penthouse” worked amazingly for our needs for an overnight stay on Christmas night 2023! Can’t thank The old Bisbee Brewing Company and their accommodating staff enough for their amazing hospitality, and friendliness, along with Amy’s recommendations for drinks after the brewery closed & other places of interest in town. This business & place and their exemplary employees are a definite credit to Bisbee! Thank You! Old Bisbee...