New at Roosters

Roosters has some seasonal brews worth checking out.

The Holiday Rosemary Porter pours a dark ebony brown with a sturdy finger of foam. The nose is of roasted malts and rosemary. A little buttery as well. The taste starts with roasted malt and caramel. next comes the rosemary and hints of cinnamon. the end has a slight piney bite. The finish was a little on the dry side. Mouthfeel is on the thin-side of medium. A unique, but tasty spiced porter. 4.0% abv.

Also available on tap is the Deep Powder Dortmunder. I love Dortmunder's, they hail from all places Dortmunder, Germany! They're typically pale golden lagers with classic a clean character. Look for notes of biscuity malts, moderate bitterness and an overall dry tone.

Deep Powder Dortmunder pours a clear golden yellow with a thick one finger white head. The nose is malty and grassy with a bit of a sour funk. Taste is nice, malty sweet at first then dry grains come next. Grassy hops and a bit of citrus round out the end. The finish is bitter and dry. Mouthfeel is on the lighter side. 4.0% abv. A nice session lager.

Available on tap at the Ogden and Layton Brewpubs. Cheers!

Tenth Beer of Xmas: Uinta's Kings Peak Porter

The Tenth Beer of Xmas that my Barkeep gave to me, is Uinta's Kings Peak Porter. After the recent snow storm nothing sounds more satisfying than cozying-up with a fine brew to put you into your special place and keep your spirits alive. This is a multi-award winner that's been a staple in our home for years.

Pours a dark ruby-brown with a moderate tan head. The nose is huge with roasted malt and coffee, a light toffee sweetness is also notable . Taste starts with a good dose of roasted malts. Dark cocoa notes come next providing a minor sweetness. The end is cappachino-esque. The finish is similar, with some residual hop bitterness. This is a nice, medium-bodied porter. That satisfies in cold or warm weather. Kings Peak Porter is available year round at most grocery and convenient stores in and around Utah.

Santa's Butt

I've been on this planet a relatively short time. In that time, I've said and done a few things that I've regretted. This isn't one of those times. However, there is one phrase that I'm positive I would never utter while waiting to open my presents on Christmas morning. "Mmm... Santa's Butt sure sounds good right about now". Well Christmas '07 may prove to be the year my wife finally tosses my ass out. Not because I've suddenly found love for a cultural/religious icon's ass, but because I want a beer at nine in the morning on a holiday.

Thankfully, I'm not one of those morning drinkers. However It's not a big stretch to crave something dark, rich and roasted in the morning and for some this Holiday Porter might do the trick. Santa's Butt also comes from Ridgeway Brewing in West Sussex, England.

Poured a dark ruby color with no head. The nose was musty with dark fruits and malt. The taste started a little on the thin side with chocolate, toffee and vanilla. The end was light and roasted with hints of coffee. This defiantly got better as it warmed. Overall an okay Winter Porter. I like a Porter with more balls and less butt. A little more roast and richness would serve this beer well. And it's 6% abv won't hurt you too much.