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      Tucson is filled with history and long standing traditions. It goes without saying that Gentle Ben's brewing company does not lack a history of its own. Gentle Ben's first opened its doors as a bar in 1971 and was located in a home where the University Marriot currently stands. During this time Gentle Ben's did not brew any signature beers and was considered a true hole in the wall. In 1991 Gentle Ben’s introduced the brewery with 4 beers, giving Tucsonans a refreshing taste of some pretty diverse brews. In 1996 Ben's relocated to its current residence on University Blvd. You might think to yourself, this isn't history and the story is over, but in 1999, Dennis Arnold, Owner of Gentle Ben's, had the dream of opening a 2nd pub in the historic downtown area which would house the brewery as well. Barrio Brewing Company was the end result of that dream; this neighborhood brewery opened its doors in August 2007, and has brought the infamous Gentle Ben's brew and flavor to the heart of the city. After the brewing operation had been limited at Gentle Ben’s, Arnold decided to relocate the brewery, from its university home into the new Barrio warehouse. Arnold says moving the brewery to the warehouse gave them the opportunity to grow. Barrio Delivers Barrels of beer to Gentle Ben’s daily, while dishing up the same treats and Signature Ales. Located in a massive warehouse at 800 E. 16th Street, on the corner of 16th St. and Toole Ave., Barrio is crawling with a mix of downtown workers, university students and everything in between.

Barrio offers patrons a laid back atmosphere that delivers quality service, good food and excellent beers. The staff is very knowledgeable of all the brews on tap and can even help in pairing the perfect beer with that perfect entree. Today, Barrio offers up to 12 different beers on tap (depending on the season) The most notable beers include, 'Tucson Blonde’, a light-crisp refreshing taste of sunshine, creates a bitter-sweet balance with a great finish. The 'Nut Brown' is a dark beer lover’s heaven; this brew is malty with chocolate and toffee notes that end with a creamy bitter and semi sweet finish. Barrio also offers Bud, Bud light, Michelob Ultra, Ace Pair and Apple Jack Cider on top of its vast selection of one and only beers.

Celebrating its 2 year anniversary, Barrio continues the longstanding tradition of a Tucson favorite, Gentle Ben’s. Barrio has come along creating a great relaxing spot to unwind and carry a conversation with friends in addition to being a great place to catch your favorite sport on TV. “The brewery's design is organic”, says Arnold, “it was hard at first to design around what is simply a tin skin building” with its copper top tables, metal sided walls and a view of the large brewing silos; Barrio is also “Green”. Arnold states, “The restaurant is 90% recycled material”. Arnold is pleased with the response from the community after 2 years of Barrio’s official opening. When asked if he planned to open another location, Arnold replies that he has “no plans to open another, but I never say never”. The future of Barrio seems everlasting as the brewing company is planning to package and distribute their brews (in cans instead of bottles utilizing recycled materials). Currently Barrio offers take home jugs “growlers” or kegs of any signature brew. Get acquainted with this locally owned and operated brewery in the ‘barrio’ or reacquainted with an old Gentle friend.

For more information about Barrio Brewing visit:
Barriobrewing.com
Or call (520) 791-BREW (2739)