POUR Spotlight: Helio Basin Brewing Co.

The story of Helio Basin Brewing takes us back to Meadville, Pennsylvania at Allegheny College where Mike Conley and Dustin Hazer met at their fraternity. Sharing a passion for craft beer, Mike and Dustin quickly became great friends, growing from frat pack to brew crew, dreaming of the day that they could start their own brewery. But before they could pursue that endeavor, they knew that other work had to be done post-graduation prior to reconnecting on their brewery vision. So after those graduation caps were thrown into the crisp Pennsylvania air, the two set off in different directions, knowing that they would reconnect down the road to team up for their hoppy venture.

After college, Mike went on to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a Marine Corps Officer which would eventually station him in Okinawa, Japan. After an 11-month service of duty in Afghanistan and rising to the rank of First Lieutenant, he headed back to Arizona to continue his education at ASU, learning more about the business side of starting a brewery. Eventually finishing a business internship at Draught Works Brewery in Missoula, MT, Mike returned to Phoenix ready as ever to kickoff the groundwork for Helio Basin Brewing. 

Meanwhile in Chicago, Dustin finished his studies at a brewing academy and scored his first brewing gig in Western New York. After two years at Ellicottville Brewing Company, he moved to Tempe for an opportunity to work with Four Peaks Brewing. After three years in Tempe, another opportunity arose for Dustin that would be an excellent chance to expand his brewing skill set even further, this time landing him back in Western New York. After serving as the Brewmaster at Southern Tier Brewing for four years, Dustin circled back to Phoenix with an unmatched artistry for the craft.

Fast forward to August 2016, Mike and Dustin were finally ready to start laying out the groundwork together for the brewery they had been working towards since their college days in Pennsylvania.

 With the beer side of the brewery ready to go, all they needed now was a chef! Enter the magician who’s bitchin’ in the kitchen, Tamara Stanger (I know, I should pursue a rap career but my passion has landed me here). On a serious note, she chops it like it’s hot and will have you ignoring your full stomach, drooling for a second tasty dish and another delicious brew to go with it. Today, Mike, Dustin, and Tamara make up one of the most well rounded breweries pursuing the craft. Helio Basin Brewing is here to make their mark in the craft beer world and we get to taste the legacy they’re building, one delectable dish and brew at a time.

This Thursday, April 19th, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, you can taste some of that mouthwatering brew at Helton Brewing Company for AZ Food & Beer Pour – Acoustics & Ales. Come enjoy beers by Helton, Helio Basin, and Goldwater. Food will be served from Nelson Fish Market, Noble Bread, and Helton.

For your entertainment, Kim Capria will be strumming acoustics and Katia Kral will be doing a live painting throughout the event. You can get your tickets here. Tickets are $30 per person and includes two 10-oz beers from each brewery along with food tastings.

There’s no better way to power yourself through the work week than by hanging out with some awesome people (i.e. me) drinking some badass beer and stellar food this Thursday at the AZ Food & Beer Pour – Acoustic & Ales.

AZ Food & Beer Pour – Acoustic & Ales

When: Thursday, April 19, 2018
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Where: Helton Brewing Company, 2144 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Cost: $30/person – purchase tickets here

Keaton Arnlund

Keaton has had a passion for beer ever since he can remember. From dark stouts to light and crisp lagers, Keaton's palate can appreciate a beer of any style. In early 2017, Brewz Traveler was born and has become his passion project dedicated to helping lift up small independent breweries by showcasing their delectable hoppy concoctions. In late 2018, Keaton and his fiancé will be hitting the open road in a motorhome with their puppy Lily to explore North America, checking out all of the awesome breweries along the way.