Utah Brewery Map

Friday, November 02, 2012

New Beer Friday 11/2/12

The session beer invasion continues this week with the arrival of Anchor Brewing's Small Beer. Anchor Small revives the ancient brewing tradition of creating two distinct beers from one mash. Made from the second runnings of their Old Foghorn Barleywine mash, – a sweeter, stronger and traditionally more expensive beer made for sipping, and a more plentiful drinking beer. The Anchor brewers sprinkle warm water over the Old Foghorn mash after the first “wort” has run off, creating a second, lighter brew. Technically, both beers are the same, the alcohol by volume being the only difference.

This beer is light, even for Utah standards. It comes in at a whopping 3.3% abv. and is available at some grocery stores right now. You may also see it on tap in the coming weeks as well. There have been some sightings at Harmon's; if you see it anywhere, please share the love!

Widmer Bros. Drop Top Amber: Pours a somewhat hazy orange-amber color with a moderate cap of foam. The nose has bready malt with a mild honey-like character. A tart fruity character is present also, balanced with a fresh herbal hop presence. The taste starts with biscuit flavors that balance nicely with some caramel sweetness. Surprisingly tart, although not over the top. Hop bitterness is moderate, with a balanced fruity and herbal flavors. the finish is lively and crisp. 5.0% abv.

The unusual hop profile and tartness saves this from beer from being another nondescriptly average amber ale. It drinks easily enough and is pretty approachable. @ DABC, Beerhive

We haven't seen Unibroue's Grande Réserve series in few years, Unibroue 17 is the perfect beer to revisit this annual offering. Unibroue 17 Grande Réserve Pours a nice auburn color with a sturdy foamy head. The nose is a beautiful blend of toffee, caramel, vanilla, and just a touch of banana. The taste starts with tobacco, maple, vanilla, and brown sugar, with just a bit of cocoa. In the middle there's a dramatic shift with cherry tannis, plums, pepper and clove. The tannins carry thought to the finish, though the sweetness from the front end lingers underneath.  10.0% abv.

The tannic elements really dries out what could have been a very cloying chewfest. Very nice beer! @ Bayou, DABC

Also from Widmer Bros. we have a winter warmer that hop lovers will really love. Brrr has a deep amber color with a nose of caramel, lemon zest and grapefruit. The taste is equally rich with a nice malty beginning followed by a quick bite of citrus zest and pine, ending with a glowing balance of the two. The Citrus really kicks in at the end and really holds on. A really solid beer, very enjoyable. 7.2% abv.

 I have to say, the Widmer beers that have popped into the market, have been exception if you haven't tried them your really missing the boat. @ DABC

And don't forget Alta's 75th Anniversary Ale is also available.

Cheers!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Which DABC locations are selling the Widmer brews?

Ski Bike Junkie said...

I haven't seen anything Widmer at the Draper store but would love to get my hands on some.

Mikey said...

The DABC method for placement of the new beers is random at best. Some are in the Fort Union area, DABC employees should have the locations in their database.

Clif said...

Saw the Anchor beer at Albetson's on 900 East and 1700 South. Did not love it. I'd love to find the Unibroue if anyone has any leads.

Ray said...

I believe I found BRR at the millcreek store 3300 south and about 3300 east same parking lot as REI

Douglas said...

Too bad I haven't seen any of the Widmer! Man the DABC sucks. I'll go to 3300 tonight.

Anonymous said...

Harmon's in Orem has had the Anchor Small Beer for at least a month.

On a separate topic, has anyone seen Moab's Dead Horse Amber in can anywhere?

Craig said...

None of the new stuff at the 3300 E store, went a few hours ago

Ray said...

@Douglas, Craig try the holiday store tomorrow, maybe they'll have it

Jamie said...

I've purchased the Dead Horse cans at my local Harmon's- 700 east 7800 South. I love it!

Ray said...

@ Mikey, Completely unrelated I've never asked what style do you not like? Just curious.

zabba said...

Anchor Small is at the Layton Smiths. Not bad!

Mikey said...

Thanks, Zabba for the heads-up!