Utah Brewery Map

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Winter Organic Mix'r

Here's a "first" for local beer lovers. Uinta is now packaging their Organic Line in 100% organic 12 packs called the Organic Mix'r.

The first of the seasonal "mix'rs" is the Winter Organic Mix'r, featuring Wyld EPA, Baba Black Lager and Hazel Amber Wheat They should be hitting grocery store shelves anytime now.

Baba Black Lager: A wonderful blend of chocolate, coffee, and toffee combine with a swirl of caramel and vanilla build a nice complexity. The finish has a slight hop bite that brings a great balance. Very tasty black lager!

Wyld Extra Pale Ale: Floral hops with a nice grapefruit bite up front. A touch of orange peel which adds to the moderate bitterness of the beer. Toasted malts and bread give a decent amount of sweetness. One of my favorite session pales.

Hazel Amber Wheat: The taste is a classic wheat with a light twang of wet citrus along with some white grapes. A touch of honey-bread in the finish. Nice, crisp and clean.

Cheers!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Slackwater Pizza

Weber County has a new beer-centric restaurant that's gunna make a lot of northern beer lovers happy.

Slackwater Pizza,
located at 1895 Washington blvd in Ogden offers a varied menu that specializes in pizza of course, but also has beer menu that boasts nearly one hundred beers.

The only drawback for the casual craft beer lover is that this is a restaurant not a bar. Go in with that mindset and you should be fine.

If you love your beer it makes sense to patronize businesses that cater to you. It better for your community and it creates a demand for quality beers in areas that may get overlooked otherwise.

Cheers!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

New Fall Beer News

The Bayou just got a shload of great new beers in. If your in a funk and are looking for something unique to help get your groove back - listen up!

Jolly Pumpkin

La Roja: Crabapples and sour apples are the flavors that comes to mind, along with a little fruit juice and other bits of delicious sourness.

La Parcela: Sour apples and lemon peel combine along with a hint of funk. Pumpkin and light nutmeg spices really only come through in hints toward the end.

Bam: Taste is very tart and fruity with strong lemon notes upfront and lighter notes of orange and pear in the back along with light spice.

ES Bam: A great balance of hoppy and tart-funk. Like a funked-out Belgian IPA. Dry and tart; guava and exotic fruit flavors are also noticeable, they meld with the tropical-fruity hops.

Luciérnaga: Nicely tart, with tropical fruit notes of apple, banana and tangerine. Next comes a long spicy clove and coriander finish with some wild yeast funkiness and wee tangerine rind bitterness.

Mikkeller

Barrel Aged Chipotle Porter (Texas Ranger): A nice roasted malt flavor. There are some great coffee and chocolate flavors, along with a nice chipotle bite with very little heat. The finish has some lingering roasted bitterness and a bit of chipotle flavor.

Achel

Trappist Extra: Caramel, over-ripened fruits, plums, prunes and raisins. Sweet up front, but a little spicy in the finish. Alcohol flavors in the aftertaste. Moderate bitterness, medium bodied with moderately high carbonation.

Blonde: Grainy, with sweet honey, peach, apricot and spicy coriander. Light hoppy and dry aftertaste.

See something you like? I thought so.

Cheers!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

I've Got a Bad Feeling About This...

If you've ever had any dealings with the Utah Department of alcohol control you know that "shit happens when it happens ". And if you don't like it you can go somewhere else... and as we all know we can't go anywhere else. So we deal with it.

But I don't think that any of us had the slightest clue how screwed up things really are over there. A new audit of the DABC released Tuesday describes a climate of incompetent management, and possible criminal activity.

The audit accuses the former director Dennis Kellen of bid rigging, falsifying financial documents and sending hundreds of thousands of dollars in DABC business to his son's company, Flexpak, without the knowledge or approval of DABC commissioners.

In some cases the department was paying twice as much for products through Flexpak compared to what other vendors offered, according to audit details. The audit says there was so little oversight that thousands of dollars in taxpayer money went out the door.

I guarantee you that those in the legislature, who already look upon alcohol as burden on society will be plotting behind closed doors, to concoct irrational policies and laws to overcompensate for what Kellen's alleged bad management has wrought.

I fear 2012 will be good for the DABC, but another bad year for Utah's beer lovers.

Here's a link to the complete audit.

Cheers!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Golden Halo: Reborn

Remember Golden Halo Blonde Ale from RedRock Brewing? It arrived nearly a year ago to mixed reviews. Some loved the extreme blend of Nobles hops and Pils malt, while others found the bitterness and earthiness too overwhelming.

Personally I liked it, but that damn label really made for some sleepless nights.

Beer Yogi, Kevin Templin has re-invented Golden Halo Blonde Ale and RedRock's art department has provided us with a more tranquil bottle to stare at.

The all new Golden Halo has a bright golden color with subdued malty character and Nobel hop aroma. Its crisp, clean flavor comes from a balance between German malt and Czech hops. It comes in RedRock's perfectly sized 500ml bottle with a 5.8% abv.

The reborn Golden Halo will debut today (10/18/11) at 5pm at RedRock Place (Fashion Place Mall).

Cheers!

Friday, October 14, 2011

New Beer Friday 10/14/11

Today's new beer Friday brings early Xmas gifts for everyone, even non beer drinkers.

Hum Bug'r: This seasonal offering from MacTarnahan's has toasted sweet chocolate ans hints of mild hops up front. Mild sweet soft black malt light Porter body with light biscuit coffee cocoa hints. Mild hop spice clean smooth end. @ Beerhive.

For those of you that like beer but can't enjoy it because it's full of all that "gluten crap" - your in luck. Utah's first locally made gluten free beer is on tap right now for a limited time at Squatters.

Kick in the Glute: This is described as a pale ale-esq brew that incorporates both sourgum and rice along with cascade hops. Bitterness is kept on the mid range and it is also dryhopped.

Don't forget that the Wasatch 25th Anniversary party is tomorrow (15th) from 11am to 6pm at the City Park in Park City, Utah. There is no cost to attend the party. There will be a selection of seven Wasatch Beers, including a specially brewed batch of their inaugural beer, Wasatch Premium Ale. The cold beer will be a cash bar – 16 oz. draft beers are $3 and high alcohol Beers are $5 each. A commemorative pint glass will be available for $6 as well. The weather should be perfect!

Cheers!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

"This One Day at Beer Camp"....

About a year-and-a-half ago Sierra Nevada established "Beer Camp". The idea was to bring amateur brewers from all over to brainstorm & learn in an "an all-inclusive, hands-on, high-octane beer education bonanza!" It's been described by brewery officials, as nothing short of a Willy Wonka experience.

Those who were selected came up with many unique beers. Some of them are now available and for sale at the Bayou.

Called "The Best of Beer Camp," the pack includes a California common, double IPA, weizenbock, and American black ale. The following are SN's descriptions.

The California common (6.5 percent ABV) -- also known as a steam beer -- has a bready aroma with hints of sour apple. Orange-yellow in color and mildly hoppy, it has a bit of a citrus bite. The weizenbock (6.8 percent ABV) is a superb take on the style. Quite cloudy with a big, frothy head and an aroma that boasts lemon, bananas, and clove, it's incredibly tangy and somewhat spicy.

The Double IPA (8.50 percent ABV) -- Hoppy smell, with citrus the obvious primary sniff. A good combination of grapefruit and pine with some lemon battling to make some noise. Citrus hops dominate the initial taste, with grapefruit and pine battling for supremacy. Fairly bitter aftertaste. The bitter taste kept coming back, but it was pleasantly bitter. Medium body with moderate carbonation.

The Wiezenbock (6.60 percent ABV) -- Differnt from the normal Wiezenbock -- The aroma is sweet and malty with some spices (clove), banana, and yeast. There is no sign of alcohol in the nose whatsoever. The taste is equally as good as the aroma. The taste starts out with a lot of sweetness with some wheat and banana. The clove flavors come in next along with some yeast and a touch of warmth from the alcohol in the finish.

The Black Ale -- called Juniper Black Ale (8 percent ABV), because it's brewed with juniper berries -- provides healthy doses of malt and hops. Dark brown with a strong scent of roasted malts and notes of burnt chocolate, it offers sweetness up front and bitterness on the back end. The double IPA (8.5 percent ABV) has a big citrus nose and a hops assault that brings to mind fresh oranges and pineapples.

All are at the Bayou now and possibly state-wide soon.

Cheers!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Epic & DC Brau Collaboration Beer

There are two places in the United States notoriously known for their lack of representation. Washington D.C., which has none - and Utah, who's minority drinkers are a nuisance more that constituents.

It seems likely that factions from both places would find some common ground and rage against those that choose not to hear them. Leave it to the beer industry to rock the boat.

Last week, Jeff Hancock, the head brewer at DC Brau Brewing Co., was in Salt Lake City working on a “collaboration” beer with Kevin Crompton, the head brewer at Epic Brewing Co.

The brewers collaborated on the recipe for a new Imperial Pumpkin Porter, which will be called Fermentation without Representation. While the brewers will follow the same recipe, they don’t expect the beers to taste exactly the same.

Crompton heads to the D.C. brewery soon to help Hancock make batches of the new fall-flavored brew for their market. Collaboration beers are a big trend in the brewing industry, said Crompton. He said it’s a great way for brewers to get together, learn things from one another and of course build unity.

Both beers will be released in Salt Lake and D.C. on Nov. 3.

I love the name. Too bad it will only be seen seasonally instead of daily - as a reminder to lawmakers of their failings.

Cheers!

Friday, October 07, 2011

Head Brewer Wanted at Squatters

We are all sad that Jen is leaving Squatters, but somebody has to step in and take on the task of keeping the beer flowing.

If you think you have the nads to fill her rubber boots - Squatters is taking applications for the position of head brewer.

Salt Lake Brewing Co., LC / SQUATTERS is an innovative restaurant group rooted in world-class beer, exceptional food and service, a welcoming atmosphere, and an ongoing commitment to people, planet and profit. We are seeking a HEAD BREWER to join our team. Check us out at www.squatters.com.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, long-term disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off policy, bonus program and much more.

The HEAD BREWER has total oversight for the brewery operations and facilities. Responsibilities include, but, are not limited to:

Inventory and scheduling
Maintenance and sanitation
New beer design and recipe formulation
Wort production, cellar operations, carbonation, yeast handling
Supports brewing, cellar and bottling operations
Supports removals and filtration
Quality assurance and quality control
Festival and competition participation

The role includes beer education, service and training for all staff. The Head Brewer is a member of the Support Management Team, plays an active role in product development, promotes the Squatters brand in various mediums, and participates in a wide range of cultural, community, business and media events.

REQUIRES:
Minimum 3 years in a professional brewing/equivalent experience.
1+ years of supervisory experience, preferred.
Financial and computer skills.
Ability to work under pressure and independently, as well as in a team-oriented environment.
Works flexible hours - whatever it takes to get the job done.
Troubleshoots and solves problems re product or equipment.
Physical demands.

Interested and qualified candidates can send their resumes to
carol@squatters.com.

Cheers!

Thursday, October 06, 2011

THANK YOU, Jenny!

It's a sad day for Utah's beer community. One of it's brightest and most innovative stars is leaving us after 20 years of enthusiasm, passion & perfection.

Squatters' Brewmaster, Jenny Talley has accepted a tremendous opportunity with the CRAFT BREWERS ALLIANCE, INC., an organization comprised of Widmer Brothers, Red Hook, and Kona Brewing Co. operating breweries in Portland, OR, Woodinville, WA, Portsmith, NH, and Kona, HI.

Jenny and her family will be relocating to Washington to become the Brewing Operations Manager at the Woodinville brewery where she’ll work in close coordination with the Plant Manager, Packaging Manager, and respective teams of employees to produce approximately 170,000 barrels of beer annually.

Jenny has always been hungry to learn and pursue new challenges, this opportunity will provide her with the knowledge to take her art to the next level.

I don't want this to sound like a eulogy, because it's not. No doubt there will be a hole in our hearts and mugs but life and the brew schedule goes on. The beer will flow and it will do so with a new equally talented brewer at the helm.

Jenny will be around Squatters for another week or so. Stop in, I'm sure she'd appreciate the well wishes.

Personally I'd like to thank Jenny for her friendship and for keeping my tongue so very happy. Also, please send me a growler of some of that killer Widmer Alt!

Cheers!

Photos: Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Attack of the Märzens!!!

A long time ago in a place far far away there were these people who made this incredible beer for a royal... Sorry. Can't do it. I had this plan for a cheesy-ass sci-fi story to go with the awesome title up there, but I just don't want to put you through it. So let's get on with it.

Yes, that's right the Märzens are attacking! they come from Squatters, Epic & Hoppers.

First up is Squatters' Oktoberfest. It pours a warm orange brown color with a firm, creamy white head. The nose is full of clean toasty malts with a bit of subtle nutty character. The taste starts with lots of crisp, smokey malts, biscuit tones and a good citrusy hop twang. Vanilla, orange peel and a spices lingering towards the finish. The bitter hops meld with a slight malt smokiness into the after taste. Very well balanced and highly drinkable with an ABV of 5.5%. 500ml bottle.

Next up is Epic's Oktoberfest. Look for it under the Festdevious label - batch #6. Pours a clear orange and amber with a moderately sized near-white head. The nose is grassy with an earthy hop character combined with a touch of caramel malt. The taste starts with quite a bit of toasted and caramel malt with a bit of vanilla sweetness. Next comes some sharp, grassy hops. Finishes slightly earthy. Overall, this is a classic, very drinkable Oktoberfest. 22oz. bottle

Finally we have the the 2011 Gold medal winning Märzen from the Great American Beer Festival. Stein Knocker from Hoppers. Pours an orange/copper color with a finger of white foam. The nose is of vanilla, earthiness, caramel, and a slight fruitiness. The taste begins on a caramel malty note, evolving to a vanilla/malt note, and then finishing with a clean and edgy orange peel dryness that cleanses the palate just as the malt elements start to compound and sticks around. Crisp and clean. This is a pretty solid interpretation on the style. 12oz. bottle.

Your best bets for all are at their respective locations. Though some may be available at you finer beer bars.

Also. The City of Provo has approved the sale of beer on Sunday in grocery and convenience stores. This has not happened in the span of most of our lives. I suspect that life will go on without a hiccup. Congrats, Provo beer lovers!

Prost!

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

BrewDog Dogma in SLC

BrewDog Brewing out of Fraserburgh, Scotland makes some of the strangest, most innovative beer in the world. "Bayou Mark" brings them into Salt Lake occasionally and his latest acquisition is one of the strangest yet.

Dogma is an ale, brewed with guarana, poppy seeds and kola nut all blended together with Scottish heather honey.

The nose has some honey sweetness with a spice, boozy, yeasty, fruitiness. The taste is slightly sweet and malty up front, there's a nice lingering spicy hop profile that lingers on through the finish keeping it balanced. Honey is only faintly noticed and there is definitely a nuttiness. Not sure exactly what to make this beer, it's very flavorful but muddled. Not sure if it's the hops or combination of the unique ingredients being used. @ The Bayou.

Cheers!

Saturday, October 01, 2011

Utah's 2011 Great American Beer Festival Winners

There were 3,930 beers & 526 breweries at this year's Great Ametican Beer Festival. With all those talented brewers and their delicious beers you had to be top notch to earn an award.

Utah's Crew did not dissapoint! Here are the winning entries from Utah.

Utah's GABF Winners
3,930 beers 526 breweries

Silver: Uinta/Travis Grimm - Pro/Am

Silver: Epic Brainless on Peaches - Fruit beer

Gold: Squatters Provo Girl Pils - Session Beer

Gold: Hoppers Stein Knocker Oktoberfest - Marzen

Bronze: Epic Imperial IPA - Imperial IPA

Silver: RedRock Brown Ale - American Brown

Gold: Squatters Fifth Element 2008- Belgian lambic

Cheers!