Tap Handle #347: Mudshark - HavaBlue Wheat Beer

Although this tap is simplistic and lacks detail (imagine how awesome a three dimensional version would look), the shape of the tap gives it a lot of character. It's flat, pressed metal with an enamel paint coating, and the whimsical feel comes across nicely. The best part is that they are fairly inexpensive.

Mudshark Brewery was founded in 1998 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona by Scott Stocking. The Stocking family relocated in the 1970s from upstate New York to Lake Havasu. Mudshark Beach (now Rotary Park), named after a famous Frank Zappa song, was a place to relax and enjoy all the activities associated with “River Life.” Scott Stocking opened his first store, Mudshark Pizza and Pasta, in 1984, and subsequently opened Mudshark Brewery and Restaurant in 1998.

In 2010 Scott Stocking & his wife Tina opened an offsite production facility in addition to the brew pub. In 2011 they added a bottling operation. Currently they produce 6 packaged brews, but they have brewed almost 40 varieties since opening. In 2012 they added solar panels and converted the facility to be 80% solar powered.

HavaBlue is an American wheat beer, pairing the bright flavor of blueberries with the smooth richness of vanilla bean to create a crisp, refreshing lightly hopped indulgence and a slight sweetness. Recommended food pairings are chicken, white fish, dessert, or a light salad. Weighted average on ratebeer.com is 2.88 out of 5.

Mudshark Brewing Official Website

Source Material
Mudshark website
Havasu Magazine
Arizona Beer Sommelier Blog