New Beer Friday! 5/17/13

Nothing really new today, but one of my favorite Epic seasonals, Hop Syndrome returns today. Release #11 is a little different this time. It's hopped with whole leaf Aramis hops that lends a spicy aroma. The addition of  Lemon Drop hops add a light fruitiness and accentuate the clean pilsner finish, or so I'm told. Available at Epic's bottle shop today.

Deschutes' Fresh Squeeze IPA may or may not make an appearance at the Beerhive today. Del said, his distributor had some and it's on it's way to him, but this beer is not currently in production, so I don't know what the Hell to think, if it does show up we'll let you know. He also mention a shload of Lagunitas seasonal have returned and should be available late this afternoon.

And a reminder of today's Craft Beer Week Events:

 RedRock Brewing Co.
*May 17th - Bar X has the Golden Ticket" featuring 4 Gold Medal Winners. Nut brown, Swartz Bier, Pilsner and Paardebloem. @ Bar X. 6:00- 12:00

Bohemian Brewing Co.
May 17th - Patio Party @ Woody's Tavern in Moab

Cheers!

Mountain Brewers Festival 2013

Beer festival season is upon us, and there is no better way to get things rolling here in the mountain west than the North American Brewers Association's Mountain Brewers Festival. Droves of Utahans flock across the Idaho boarder ever year for this annual event that many consider Utah's best beer festival.

If you've never been, just ask someone that has attended, you'll find a festival with a small town feel with big time brewery representation. Look for 70 plus breweries pouring a variety of their beers with many food vendors and it all goes to charity.

The festival takes place June 1st from 12-5pm at Sandy Down Race Track in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Tickets are available online or can be purchased locally at Uinta, Roosters & Bohemian Breweries. $25 Advanced | $30 at the gate. Note you'll need cash or check to purchase tickets at the three Utah breweries.

We recommend getting a hotel for the night, there are many affordable hotels, motels & campgrounds in the area. we're happy to answer any questions about the fest.

Cheers!

Craft Beer Week in Utah 2013: Barley's Angels at Uinta

Ladies, The Barley's Angels have asked me to remind you that their Craft Beer Week event at Uinta Brewing is "a go" and it looks like a full evening of craft beer goodness.

The night will consist of a tour and tasting on Tuesday, May 14, starting at 6:00 PM. The cost is $10 prepay/$12 at the door" (Prepay via PayPal here). To RSVP please call 801.719.0525 or email BarleysAngelsUtah@gmail.com.

Remember this is a 21 and older event for ladies only, no tripods allowed! I'm talking to you Ray. Utah's Barley's Angels chapter also has a new website, check it out here.

As I stated above, today begin American Craft Beer Week. Here are some of today's event that are open to all chromosomes or click here for the entire weeks schedule.

RedRock Brewing Co.
May 13th- 6:00pm National Toast to Craft Beer @ Downtown Brewpub

 Bohemian Brewing Co.
May 13th - Heffeweizen Release Party @ Bohemian Brewery

Epic Brewing Co.
May 13th - 6:00pm - Craft Beer Week Kickoff Party at The Beerhive. Join the Epic Brewing staff to kick off American Craft Beer Week. Staff will be on hand to discuss thier philosophy on craft brewing and what makes our beer unique. Try a new style and learn more about your favorites. 

Uinta Brewing Co.
May 13th - 6pm - Uinta Can release party @ Gracies

Cheers!

Photo: Carla-Boecklin

Utah's 2013 Craft Beer Week Events

Gather around children, we have the skinny on all (well, most of) the beer goings-on here in Zion for Craft Beer Week 2013! CBW is celebrated May 13-19 and it brings craft beer connoisseurs and beginners alike together to toast the more than 2,400 small and independent American craft brewers who continue to make the U.S. the world’s most diverse brewing destination.

Here are the happenings that I was able to dig up for next week (starting Monday). If there is anything I've missed please add it to the comments section of this post or shoot me an email.

RedRock Brewing Co.
May 13th- 6:00pm National Toast to Craft Beer @ Downtown Brewpub

May 14th - Blind Horizontal IPA Tasting with 4 of Salt Lakes favorite Chefs. Chef Ryan Lowder of Copper Onion, Chef Zane Holmquist of Stein Eriksen's Lodge, other two chefs TBA. The chefs will be blind folded and will rate 5 IPA's from RedRock, Squatter's and Wasatch Brewery. Q&A from chefs. 6:00 at the BeerHive. downstairs.

*May 15th - Hops Storm @ The Bayou. IPA Jr on a Randall TBA.

 May 16th - 10pm RedRock Brewery & Bohemian Brewery Sponsor "Strange Brew" @ Brewvies.

*May 17th - Bar X has the Golden Ticket" featuring 4 Gold Medal Winners. Nut brown, Swartz Bier, Pilsner and Paardebloem. @ Bar X. 6:00- 12:00

 May 17th-May 19th - Living Traditions Festival Downtown.

*time to be determined



Bohemian Brewing Co.
May 13th - Heffeweizen Release Party @ Bohemian Brewery

May 14th - Food/Beer Pairing @ MacCool's in Layton

May 15th - Seasonal Release Party @ Slackwater Pizza in Ogden

May 16th - Bar X Tap Takover & Meet the Brewers Party -

Movie Night @ Brewvies, "Strange Brew", 10pm

May 17th - Patio Party @ Woody's Tavern in Moab

May 18th - Ameri"Can" Craft Canned Beer Festival in Scottsdale, AZ. Noon - 6pm

May 19th - Closing Party & Brunch @ Bohemian Brewery



Epic Brewing Co.
May 13th - 6:00pm - Craft Beer Week Kickoff Party at The Beerhive
Join the Epic Brewing staff to kick off American Craft Beer Week. We will be
on hand to discuss our philosophy on craft brewing and what makes our beer
unique. Try a new style and learn more about your favorites.

May 14th - 5:30 - 7:00pm - Sip and Savor, Bambara Beer Dinner
Featuring small plate pairings of French inspired cuisine and Epic's Belgian
beers. Limited seating available.


May 15th - 7:00-8:00pm - Lumpy's South Beer Class
Our brewers will be discussing the brewing process, different beer styles,
and how to best serve and appreciate craft beer. Discover new pairing ideas
and learn what makes each beer unique.


May 16th - 6:00pm - National Toast & Rock - Paper - Scissors Tournament at Dick N' Dixie's
Raise a toast with the rest of the nation's craft beer lovers and sign up
for the Rock - Paper - Scissors Tournament. Tourney starts at 8:00 pm. Peruse a large selection of Epic beers between bouts.

May 17th - Hop Syndrome Lager Release
Just in time for grilling season, Epic is releasing Hop Syndrome Lager. A
deliciously hoppy lager that is clean and spicy with hints of fruit. It's sure to quench your summer thirst. Available in the cold case on Friday.


May 18th - 12:00 - 6:00 - In-depth Brewery Tours
If you haven't gotten a behind the scenes look at Epic Brewing now is the perfect chance. We will be leading in-depth brewery tours describing the brewing process, ingredients, and equipment. Limited to groups of 10 and running every hour. Call ahead to reserve a spot.


May 19th - 12:45 pm - Salt Lake Bees vs Nashville Sounds
Brewmaster Kevin Crompton will be throwing the first pitch at the Spring Mobile Ballpark. Salt Lake Bees vs Nashville Sounds. This will be worth the price of admission just to see if Kevin can get the ball into the catchers mitt without killing himself or anyone else.

5:00pm - First Pitch After Party at The Bayou
Join the Epic Brewing staff for a post-game party at The Bayou. If you
haven't had the chance to meet the makers of your favorite brew come on by
and share a pint.

Uinta Brewing Co.
May 13th - 6pm - Uinta Can release party @ Gracies

May 14th - 6pm - Uinta Can Release Party @ Green Pig.
6pm: Utah Barley’s Angels Event @ Uinta Brewing Co.  https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/140571342794835/

May 18th - Uinta Can Release Party @ No Name Saloon 5-9pm.
Beer Dinner and Pairing @ Harmons SLC





Squatters Pubs
Craft Beer Week Brewmaster DinnersMay 15 – Squatters Brew Pub-Downtown SLC147 WEST BROADWAY . SLC . UTAH . 84101 - CONDUCTED BY BREWMASTERS DAN BURICK & JASON STOCK.
6:00- 9:00 p.m.

May 16 – Squatters Roadhouse Grill-Park City1900 PARK AVENUE . PARK CITY . UTAH . 84060 -CONDUCTED BY BREWMASTER JASON STOCK.
6:00- 9:00 p.m.
First Course
Ginger and Carrot Soup
Paired with Squatters Full Suspension Pale Ale

Salad
Arugula with Roasted Red Peppers, Blueberries & Goat Cheese
With a Reduced Balsamic dressing
Paired with Squatters American Wheat Hefeweizen

Main Course
Steak and Shrimp. Hand cut Niman Ranch top sirloin with panko crusted jumbo shrimp, asiago potatoes,
asparagus, red peppers and jalapeno mint jelly.
Paired with Squatters Organic Amber Ale

Dessert
Black and Tan Brownie
Paired with Squatters Captain Bastard’s Oatmeal Stout

$50 per person + Tax + Gratuity
($34 Food/$16 Beer Pairings)
Reservations: Lauren Boyack
party@squatters.com or 801-328-2329 x 238


Wasatch Brew Pub
Craft Beer Week Brewmaster DinnersMay 14 – 250 Main . Park City
6:00- 9:00 p.m.
CONDUCTED BY BREWMASTERS JON LEE & MATT BEAMER


First Course
Ginger and Carrot Soup
Paired with Wasatch White Label Belgian-Style White Ale
Salad
Arugula with Roasted Red Peppers, Blueberries & Goat Cheese
with a reduced balsamic dressing
Paired with Wasatch Apricot Hefeweizen

Main Course
Steak and Shrimp
Hand cut Niman Ranch top sirloin with crunchy coconut shrimp, asiago
potatoes, asparagus, red peppers and jalapeno mint jelly.
Paired with Evolution Amber Ale

Dessert
Black and Tan Brownie
Paired with Wasatch Polygamy Porter 
$50 per person + Tax + Gratuity
($34 Food/$16 Beer Pairings)
Reservations: Lauren Boyack
party@squatters.com or 801-328-2329 x 238

If your going to be out of town and want to find out what's happening nationally, follow this link.

You thought I forgot that it's New Beer Friday, didn't you? Bohemian Brewing has something new to help ring in the warm weather

Noble Hefeweizen is a Bavarian-style hefeweizen. White wheat and Munich malts give this beer a rich, sweet body while staying light and easy to drink. But the star of the beer is the traditional yeast, originating from the Bavarian monastery of Andechs, adding banana, clove, and bubble gum characters. It's going to be hot this weekend, sounds like the perfect beer to enjoy in the sun!

Cheers! 

Paarde-Deux

The long drought in between Paardebloem releases has finally come to an end and this year we get a double-whammy of dandelion delightfulness!

If your new here or are unfamiliar,  Paardebloem (Flemish for dandelion) was originally conceived of in 2009, by RedRock's "Beer Yogi", Kevin Templin & New Belgium Brewing's Chris McCombs.

In 2009 the beer world experienced a bit of a hop shortage. Popular hop varietals were tough to get or were becoming pricier than normal. Paardebloem was born from a need to brew convention beers with old world techniques. One of those techniques was using dandelion greens for bittering.

The beer was made, New Belgium called their version Dandelion Ale & RedRock went with Paardebloem. That wasn't the only difference, RR's went into barrels with funky bugs for  many months & NB's was Kegged fresh. Four years later we have two different blended beers that are the same... Makes sense?.... Right?

This evening (after 6pm) at all RedRock locations you'll be able to sample both versions of the collaborative beer that's finally a true collaboration. New Belgiam's is part of their popular Lips of Faith series & will be exclusively sold at RedRock for "in house" consumption.  This is the first time a NB beer has been for sale legally in Utah. Hopefully it's a sign of things to come.

Don't be that Douche or Douchette that misses out on this great thing that's happening in right in your own backyard or you'll be sad lil' beer geeks when they're gone.

Op uw gezondheid!


Photo: (left) McCombs, (right) Templin
Courtesy: Erika Palmer 

New-ish Beer Friday 5/3/13

The following are technically previously released beers, but have been modified for a special release or  have been reformulated for abv adjustments.

Let's start with Shades of Pale Brewing. Not often does this brewery make appearances on New Beer Friday. They make three beers and they do them very well. Now they're releasing beer number four, that some of you may have tried in early 2012.

Ready to Fly Amber Ale was originally brewed to help promote the documentary “Ready to Fly” and to help raise awareness and support for Women’s Ski jumping. I fell in love with the beer and begged for it to go in to full production.  I guess it sometimes pays to be a pain in the ass. Ready to Fly will debut tomorrow at the Tour de Brewtah & will be poured at the Gallivan Center.

Starts with spicy malts, hints of graham cracker. The hops are piney with citrus notes beneath. it has a really nice balance. It's Amber Ale, not trying to be a Pale Ale. Very nice. Bottles should be hitting the SOP bottle shop within the next couple of weeks, draft will be available at various locations starting next week.  Check the SOP website for details on where to find Ready to Fly.

Desert Edge Citra in Red: If your a fan of Citra hops this beer will make you squeal like a school girl at a Bieber sighting. The fruitiness from the malts pairs perfectly with the citrus bitterness in the hops. The result is a quenching full flavored red ale that's like fruit salad in a glass. Haas, I would be very happy to see this on the menu every day. @ Desert Edge, Beerhive.

The Hive Winery is releasing Stinger and Stinger Dry, Utah’s first hard ciders. Made entire with Utah grown apples custom pressed by Rowley’s Red Barn Cider in Santaguin and hand worked and aged in small batches. Stinger will be available to purchase tomorrow, Saturday May 4^th at The Hive Winery. Currently this cider is only available at the Winery or at MacCool's Starting May 5^th. Coming out in 22 oz bottles and carrying a 6.95% ABV.

Going Away: Squatters' Nitro Cream Ale will no longer be in their regular line-up. Look for rotating beer on their nitro tap handles.

Also, congrats go out to some of our local home brewers for placing in the first round of the National Homebrew Competition. Winners of this round qualify for entry into the NHC Final Round competition in June during the National Homebrewers Conference. Here are the local award winners. I hope I didn't miss anyone. Here's a link to all winners.

Category 2 : Pilsner
2nd Place: Travis Grimm of Sandy, UT - Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society (ZZ HOPS)
3rd Place: Brian Coleman of Draper, UT

Category 14 : India Pale Ale (IPA)
2nd Place: Chris Detrick of Salt Lake City, UT with Shawn Margetts, Daniel Schulz  - The Brewing Network

Category 22 : Smoke-Flavored and Wood-Aged Beer
2nd Place: Chris Detrick of Salt Lake City, UT - The Brewing Network

Category 1 : Light Lager
1st Place: Michael Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT   Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society (ZZ HOPS)
2nd Place: Michael Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT   Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society (ZZ HOPS)

Category 15 : German Wheat and Rye Beer
2nd Place: Michael Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT   Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society (ZZ HOPS)
3rd Place: Michael Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT   Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society (ZZ HOPS)

Category 8 : English Pale Ale
2nd Place: Tracy Johancsik of Murray, UT

Category 9 : Scottish and Irish Ale
2nd Place: Mike Mirabella of Salt Lake City, UT
  
Category 13 : Stout

1st		Chris Detrick of Salt Lake City, UT	The Brewing Network
2nd		Chris Detrick of Salt Lake City, UT	The Brewing Network

In an added note: Chris Detrick's & Uinta's Pro/Am beer from last year's Great American Beer Festival is finally going into production soon. Cahoots Double Rye IPA will be part of the Uinta's Crooked Line & should hopefully be available sometime June.

Cheers!

On Draft Today

There are couple of new drafts out right now that are primed to get into warm weather mode. Hear are some short descriptions.

RedRock Honig Helles: This brilliantly bright lager was made with guest brewer Andy Shaw, head brewer at Snow Eagle Brewing in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The nose is of sweet malt, more bready than caramel, with some hop presence beneath. The taste is basically "Honey Cereal". It's toasty with a honey sweetness. Hops are floral and grassy in the finish. A perfect summer brew. I've been really impressed by RedRock's lagers lately, definitely worth a try. Made with honey malt.

Squatters Pineapple Express: Not exactly sure if there's pineapple in there, but it does have hints of tropical notes. The nose is light grapefruit and honey. The taste starts off with mild bitterness moving to moderate bitterness. There’s a sweetness in the background that keeps the profile balanced. a little thin, but refreshing. The nitrogen conditioning create a creamy mouthfeel and really brings out the hops.


Cheers!