By Hunter Kossodo
Who knew that the quality of a beer is tied directly to the health of the forests in northern Arizona? SanTan Brewing Company does, which is why they have partnered with Crescent Crown Distributing and the National Forest Foundation (NFF) to make sure they keep the quality of their award-winning ales.
The From Tap to the Top campaign (or Tap to Top for short), which will launch during the upcoming Arizona Beer Week, will help support the Northern Arizona Forest Fund – which restores the National Forests in that part of the state – to provide clean water to valley residents and businesses.
This program is something SanTan Brewing founder and brewmaster Anthony Canecchia is very passionate about.
“The time to act to improve Arizona forests is now,” Canecchia said. “It is simple: Healthy forests equal clean water, which SanTan Brewing uses to make the highest quality, freshest, local beer.”
High quality beer is something Canecchia is familiar with. SanTan Brewing has won several statewide and national awards in addition to being named Best Brewery in Arizona by the Phoenix New Times and the Arizona Republic in 2013 and 2011, respectively.
The NFF’s Northern Arizona Forest Fund is a partnership with the Salt River Project (SRP) and the U.S. Forest Service that works with local governments, nonprofits, businesses and Arizona residents to invest in, protect and improve the lands and waters.
This year the Northern Arizona Forest Fund has been focused on reducing the risk of high-severity fires with controlled burning, but it has also received support to help protect water sources that are vital to local communities and its businesses.
According to Marcus Selig, Interim President of the NFF, protecting the forests is important for many reasons, including one you might not expect.
“Our National Forests provide us with unbelievable benefits, including clean air, wood products, recreation opportunities, a natural escape, and so much more,” Selig said. “Through this campaign, we hope that Arizona residents learn about another important service our National Forests provide – clean water that makes great beer!”
NFF, SanTan, and Crescent Crown Distributing are encouraging beer lovers and the Arizona craft brewing industry to drink local beer and support the Northern Arizona Forest Fund. “Tap to Top” educational materials, including a short online video, are available at TapToTop.org.
Check out SanTan Brewing Company online at SanTanBrewing.com and on social media.
Photo by Spencer Plumb.
