Mudshark Brewery and Public House in Lake Havasu City, Arizona is a pioneer in craft beer brewing in the Grand Canyon state. And we are also a pioneer in the development of combining brewing and green energy technologies.
We beat forty other solar powered craft breweries and won Solar United Neighbors first-ever Brews from the Sun competition. And we are working on systems for water reclamation.
Recently we took another bold step forward by introducing something new, and linking it to something old. Our new Buzz Honey Lager is first in a new line of craft beers with a Route 66 connection.
The honey used for this refreshing new brew is sourced from Oatman. Site of the last major gold rush in the state of Arizona, Oatman is today a destination for legions of international Route 66 enthusiasts.
But the connection between our new lager, Route 66, and Arizona history doesn’t end there. We are proud to announce that Buzz Honey Lager is now available at Sportsman’s Club in Kingman, Arizona.
This historic saloon is a living time capsule that is a popular watering hole for locals as well as fans of the Old West, and travelers on Route 66. From its pressed tin ceiling to the orignal back bar and safe, Sportsman’s is a tangible link to Arizona territorial history.
In the early 1880s, Henry Lovin arrived in the territory from North Carolina. On his homestead in the Salt River Valley he and a partner planted one of the first orange groves in Arizona. Then he relocated to Prescott where he worked in a Phelps Dodge mercantile store, and partnered in a saloon.
In search of opportunity Lovin moved to Kingman and established a freighting company. He also partnered in several area ranches, and grubstaked prospectors such as Jose Jerez that discovered the gold that gave rise to Oatman and Golroad.
Shortly after 1900 he established an ice plant, brewery and saloon in Kingman. He also partnered with John Withers and established a large mercantile and grocery store in Kingman with branches in Oatman and other mining camps.
On a Sunday afternoon in 1906 a fire swept along Front Street west of the Hotel Beale. It destroyed most of the businesses including the Lovin Building.
Henry Lovin rebuilt and on October 2, 1906, the Palace Saloon opened in the new Lovin Building. Built entirely of reinforced concrete and masonry, it was promoted as the only “fireproof building in the county.” A.P. Jacobs, the proprietor of the saloon, advertised that the finest selection of wines, beers, and cigars was available. Many years later it would be renamed the Sportsman’s Club.
As an historic footnote, Lovin was also involved in territorial and state politics. He served as Mohave County Sheriff, as well as on the state constitutional committee and as a State Senator.
Discover the colorful and fascinating history of Kingman with the innovative self guided walking tour developed by Kingman Main Street that is narrated by intentionally acclaimed author Jim Hinckley. And after working up a thirst, step back in time and belly up to the bar at Sportsman’s and order a Buzz Honey Lager from Mudshark Brewery and Public House.
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