About Us

The Kraus family came to Sedona in 1993 with all their worldly goods and a dream, to brew great fresh beer the way Fred learned at the Gasthausbrauerei Hufeisen, or Horseshoe Brewery, in the picturesque village of Pottenstein, Germany. The dream became reality when they opened the doors of Oak Creek Brewing Co. in west Sedona.

Since February 1995 Sedona's only Microbrewery has been known to locals and tourists alike as the place to enjoy delicious handcrafted brews in a relaxed, unique setting.

Here are some recent photos showing the delivery of a new tank to the brewery.

Some more recent photos showing the bottling of 24 cases of King Crimson to be submitted to the 2011 Great American Beer Festival competitition. We expect this fine beer to appear in the list below after the judging.

Recent Awards

The success of Oak Creek beers is well known to beer enthusiasts across the nation.


In 2011 The Snake Charmer IPA won the 2011 Silver Medal at the Great American Beer Festival Competition, the largest national beer competition that recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the US today. Head Brewer, Jim Strelau was present to receive the award and taste some of the other winning beers. He represented owners Fred and Rita Kraus

In 2005 the Pale Ale won the Silver Medal at the Great American Beer Festival Competition, the largest national beer competition that recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the US today. Winners were announced October 1st at the 24th annual GABF awards ceremony held in Denver, Colorado. Head Brewer, Jim Strelau, and Brett Huggins, Assistant Brewer, were present to receive the award and taste some of the other winning beers. They represented owners Fred and Rita Kraus

In 2004 the Nut Brown Ale won the Gold Medal in the North American Brewers' Association competition. This northern Arizona favorite has a consistent nutty flavor with just a hint of spice in its depths. A slowly emerging bitterness crops up along the way and is unobtrusively incorporated into the smooth flow. It finishes with a gentle nuttiness and spiciness. Excellent with sandwiches and subs.

In 2003 the Horseshoe Hefeweizen received two prestigious gold medals. It was the Gold medal winner at both the North American Brewers' Association and the 22nd annual Great American Beer Festival. A traditional unfiltered Bavarian wheat beer with aromatic hints of banana and clove. This beer is made with up to 50% wheat malt instead of all malted barley, which lends a lighter note. It is deep gold in color with a very low hop bitterness level and a dense head of white foam. It is traditionally enjoyed as the summer beer of choice in Bavaria and pairs well with appetizers, pizza, chicken, fish and pork.

In 2002 the Forty-Niner Gold Lager was a Gold medal winner, North American Brewers' Association. This is a rich gold-colored lager with a crisp hop note. it maintains its zest and balance of hops and malt from start to finish. It is a cold lagered and naturally carbonated all-malt beer that is very versatile and can be enjoyed alone or with nearly any type of food.

Also in 2002 the Village Nut Brown Ale was a Bronze Medal Winner, North American Brewers' Association. This northern Arizona favorite has a consistent nutty flavor with just a hint of spice in its depths. A slowly emerging bitterness crops up along the way and is unobtrusively incorporated into the smooth flow. It finishes with a gentle nuttiness and spiciness. Excellent with steaks, chops and ribs!

In 2001 the Oak Creek Amber Ale was awarded the Silver Medal by the North American Brewers' Association, a recognition that sets Oak Creek apart from hundreds of micro beers.

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Spunding: A Reason for our Success
Fred says, "What really makes our beer better is our use of spunding. Less than fifteen percent of brewers use this natural carbonation process that produces finer bubbles that impart a smoother taste. This focus on quality has assured the Oak Creek Brewing Co. of wide distribution of both its bottled and keg beer.

Retail Distribution
In 1999 a bottling line was added to enable distribution of packaged product through grocery, tavern, restaurant and liquor store outlets. Today more that 460 stores in 59 towns and cities throughout Arizona carry Oak Creek Beers. Click here to find a store near you.

Come and visit us at 2050 Yavapai Dr. in West Sedona. Click here for directions.