phantom fox beer company

In this episode, we sit down with Trent Smith, Eric Cady, Val Adee, and Colt Cook from Phantom Fox Beer Company to talk about the journey from opening Chupacabra Taproom to building one of Arizona's most exciting independent breweries. We dive into the challenges of launching a production brewery, the unexpected hurdles that come with manufacturing beer, and how a shared passion for craft beer helped turn a downtown Mesa dream into reality. We also discuss Phantom Fox's brewing philosophy, the importance of community, what goes into creating award-winning lagers and West Coast IPAs, and how the team balances creativity with consistency. Along the way, we hear stories about everything from naming the brewery and surviving equipment failures to opening a new location in downtown Tempe and continuing to grow while staying true to what made them successful in the first place. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast, a brewery owner, or someone interested in what it takes to build a successful local business, this episode offers an inside look at the passion, persistence, and problem-solving required to grow a brand from the ground up. Tune in to hear how community, friendship, and a commitment to quality continue to drive Phantom Fox forward as they expand their footprint across Arizona.