New Beer/Firkin Friday 6/28/13

Two new beers from The Avenues Proper Restaurant & Publik House today!

The Hopspital IPA, brewed with three different hops, it's a deep orange color with a slight haze from the dry-hopping stage. With a fruity, floral aroma, a pronounced hop bitterness and a dry finish, this will be a hop-lovers favorite!

The Benches Brown is a rich, malt-forward beer with notes of raisin, toasted bread and brown sugar. It's sweet notes are cut by its high level of carbonation for a very drinkable ale!

Also available at Avenues Proper Ro-Rye & Slainte Dry Irish Stout (on nitro)

For today's Firkin Friday at the Bayou, They're going a little off schedule and will be serving up Wasatch's Vanilla Oak Porter. Look for pleasant vanilla paired with chocolate and oaky notes. Tapping is at 3:00 pm. 

Cheers! 

New Belgium Finally Coming to Utah

I've been a bit of a beast in regards to New Belgium's shunning of Utah. It always seemed a bit odd that there was this huge Utah shaped hole in their western distribution map. Now after eight years of pissing and moaning, Fort Collins has given in and added the Utah market to their list of customers.

Some of you could give a shit, I personally think an expanded market is a good thing. Fat Tire is a popular entry level craft brand that locals will gobble - up and will hopefully introduce the average beer drinker to explore more local craft brews.

If you click on the image above you'll notice that New Belgium has produced a special label for the Utah market, the red banner above reads, "Sharing beers & boarders with the Beehive State". I'm sure Fat Tire is just the beginning of a long love affair with we locals and New Belgium Brewing.

If I sound like I'm an NB cheerleader, read some of my older rants on NB's subbing of Utah. I defiantly didn't pull any punches & I'm sure there are a few people in Fort Collins that think I'm quite a dick. I'll own that, I'm just happy we're all on the same page now.

I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge RedRock Brewing. Their relationship with NB over the years was integral part in getting the wheels greased.

By the way, thanks to everyone who made it out to the Big Ass Summer Solstice Beer Pow-wow. What a great time! I'll throw some photos up on the Utah Beer Facebook Page in the coming days.

Cheers!

Captain's Log: Suplimental

There were a lot of late arrivals for this week's New Beer Friday. Here are some of the tardy beers.

Ro-Rye from Avenues Proper is a light amber, slightly sweet rye made with three different types of rye malt.

Fresh Squeezed from Deschutes is an IPA gets its flavor from a heavy helping of citra and mosaic hops. @ Beerhive

The following are all new arrivals to the Bayou.
Cantillon Rose
Drie Gueze
Cantillon Lou Pepe kriek
Mikkeller Big Worse
Mikkeller 1000 IBU
Mikkeller Sleepover Coffee IPA
Mikkeller Chipotal Porter 
Jolly Pumpkin Madrugada Obscura
Ov-Ral Wild Yeast IPA
To Øl Mochaccino Messiah

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 6/21/13

Today is the longest day of the year! That means there will be pleanty of time to embrace all that New Beer Friday has to offer!

The Beerhive continues to get more great Pelican beers in from the Oregon coast, the newest seasoanal offering  to come in this week is Surfer's Summer Ale. It pours a nice straw color with a nose of  toasty malts, floral-spicy hops and light earthy pears. The taste continues from there with malt sweetness, crisp but light floral bitterness, citrus zest and light pine. Finishes with notes of dry mint and a lingering of florals.

For Firkin Friday at the Bayou, Unsacred Brewing will be providing the cask. They will be tapping a special edition of Rimando's Wit made with blood orange. Tapping time will be 3:00 pm.

Haven't heard from Poplar Street Pub on their Firkin offering yet. 

Looking forward to seeing you all at the Big Ass Summer Solstice Beer Pow-wow tomorrow!

Cheers!

Attack of the Firkins & No Spaten For You!

 
It looks like Friday is the day for cask conditioned beers along the Wasatch front. Hoppers started it, the Bayou embraced it now the Poplar Street Pub is providing firkin casks for their patrons. The owners of Poplar Street Pub have set up an agreement with Squatters & Wasatch to provide some of their cask conditioned beers from 3-7pm . Every Friday. We will try to get you the specifics on what is being tapped asap.

Also in local beer news, the state is experiencing a Spatten drought. Mark Alston from the Bayou has been looking into why the chain of supply has dried up, here's what he came up with'

"Nobody knows who is distributing Spaten right now. I have talked to the old U.S. Importer, many Utah distributors and a purchaser at the state. It has simply gone into limbo. The state wants to get it but can't. That is weird enough but I also learned that Utah has a crazy law that if the beer importer dropped the Utah distributor then the beer cannot be sold in state for at least a year before another distributor can sell the beer. So, we might be out of Spaten for a while".

Until Spatten returns, there are plenty of great German imports to satisfy including:
Ayinger
Warsteiner
Pinkus
Stiegl
Becks
St. Pauli Girl
Kostritzer
Celebrator
Aventinus

Prost!

Home Brew Prep Class!

The Grace Lutheran Oktoberfest Bier Brauen (the second AHA home brew contest in the state) is coming up the weekend of September 20th in Sandy, but  it's never too early to start working on that signature brew that's going to wow the judges.

Now it's your chance to see exactly what we judges will be looking for. Grace Lutheran is partnering with Epic Brewing and Salt City Brew Supply in offering a FREE class at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27th.  Learn how to make, differentiate, serve, store and enjoy your home brew. The class will be taught by Epic Brewery's head Cellarman, Aaron Selya, who can get you ready to compete or just show off your newly acquired skills.

The hour long class will be held at Salt City Brew Supply, 750 E. Ft. Union Blvd in Midvale. Call or drop by Salt City Brew to sign up.  First come, first serve.  (801) 849-0955.

Cheers!

Firkin Friday for 6/14/13

There's a fresh Kolschbier available today at Hoppers. The filtered and lagered version of the cask that Hoppers was pouring on cask in Idaho at the Mountain Brewers Fest. The same beer has been tweaked for the Bayou's Firkin Friday. It's described as a Weiss Kolsch.

It's an unfiltered Kolsch-style often just called weiss or white due to its hazy  appearance. Made with ale malt and a very small amount of Munich and wheat malt. Cool fermented in the high 50's F. Hopped with German Magnum for bittering, German Tettnanger late kettle - hopped, and dry hopped with Hallertau Mittlefruh. Cask re-fermented and conditioned. Only available today. Mark usually taps the firkin mid-afternoon, I'd call ahead.

Also Today, Uinta's Cahoots Double Rye IPA is now for sale (no really) at the brewery & Beerhive.

Cheers!

Snowbird's Fifth Annual Brewfest

It's Father's Day along the Wasatch Front, that mean it's Beerfest time! Snowbird's Fifth Annual Brewfest returns to Little Cottonwood Canyon this weekend, bringing with it the best local breweries and some of their best suds. The Brewfest runs June 15 - June 16, from 11 am - 7 pm on the Plaza Deck. Take the old man out for a craft beer or if you happen to be the "old man" like me, make your loved ones take you!

Participating breweries include:

• Red Rock
• Roosters
• Uinta
• Wasatch
• Squatters
• Epic
• Unsacred
• Moab
• Bohemian

Cheers!

A Late New Beer Friday!

This just in... Roosters has a new high point beer for you today. Honey Wheat is a golden colored ale brewed with 40% wheat malt for a crisp, balanced flavor. Lightly hopped with a touch of pure clover honey. 6% ALC/VOL - 16oz bottle. 

Now available to enjoy at. both Roosters location and the Union Grill. Available for take out from the Layton location. Coming to Liquor Stores soon!

Cheers!

First Firkin Friday

Today the Bayou begins what is hopfully a long tradition, Firkin Friday. The idea is simple, local breweries provide a unique beer creation for the public via firkin barrels.

Today's debut is from Desert Edge Brewing. Head Brewer Chris Haas has taken his Latter Day Stout & aged it with ash wood and birch wood wich should impart a nice licorice flavor. It should be tapped sometime this afternoon at the Bayou. See you there.

Cheers!

Re-release of Epic's Mosaic Hopulent

One of our favorite local IPA's has been re-released and is available now for a limited time. Epic's special edition Hopulent made with Mosaic hops was a huge hit when it first hit the scene a few months ago, the single hop beer was an immediate hit, flying of the shelves. Look for "Mosiac" printed in the field at the lower right.

The nose is sharp with citrus zest and big, bold pine. The taste is fruit salad. With orange, lemon, and grapefruit - all fresh and in your face. Some floral hops flesh things out, until the unassuming caramel malt supporting act kicks in. Me thinks it's the best version of this beer. @EPIC

Cheers!

The Bayou Presents Firkin Fridays

Friday is good day for beer here in the SLC, we started New Beer Friday a few years back to give people a lil' sump in' extra to help find their weekend groove . Next came Fresh Cask Friday at Hoppers Brewpub. Secret Agent & Brewmaster, Donovan Steele has been putting together special versions of his beers on his casks for nearly a year, now we have a third entry to brighten your Fridays.

Firkin Fridays are being put on by the Bayou in order to promote our great local craft beer scene. The object of Firkin Fridays is to offer locally made beers with something unique added to them during the casking. Hops, spices, wood, chilies, etc...

Since this is a single night offering, the participating breweries are encouraged to go as crazy as they want in the cask. This will reduce the odds of repetition and promote the   crazy that exists in all brewers.

Firkin Fridays will begin on June 7, 2013. Here is the tentative schedule. Odds are the specifics of the firkins will not be made available 'til days before tapping.

Desert Edge 6/7/2013
Hoppers Brewing 6/14/2013
Epic Brewing 6/21/2013
Red Rock Brewing 6/28/2013
Wasatch Brewing 7/5/2013
Uinta Brewing 7/12/2013
Squatters Brewing 7/19/2013

The Bayou has also obtained a brand spank'n new Randalizer 3.0 Hop Infuser. This little unit is designed to filter dreft beer through hops or other mediums such as fruits or spices to enhance the flavor profile of a specific beer. Exsperiments are happening right now and as soon as the next "Randal Night" occurs we'll let you know.

Cheers!

Utah's 2013 Mountain Brewers Festival Winners

Sorry, this post is late. I'm still recovering from the weekend and apparently

I'm not the only one. Utah's Girls & Boys in brewing did quite well, Dave 
Watsonat Bonneville debuted at the festival with two medals. Please go out 
and try all of the medal winners and thank them for making you tongues happy.

Bonneville Brewing Co.

Silver Goldenrod Ale - Light Ale

Bronze Bee Wild Honey Wheat Ale - Honey Beer

Epic Brewing Co.

Silver Double Skull Doppelbock lager - Doppelbock

Bronze Mid Mountain Mild Ale - English-Style Mild Ale

Bronze Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout - Coffee Beers

Moab Brewing Co.
Bronze Black Raven Stout - Dry Stout

Bronze Desert Select Scotch - Scotch Ale (Wee Heavy)

Silver Rocket Bike Lager - California Common

Silver Desert Select Hopped Rye  - Rye Beer

Redrock Brewing Co. 
Silver Redrock Amber ale - American-Style Amber Ale

Bronze Redrock Nut Brown Ale - American-Style Brown Ale

Bronze Redrock Reve - Tripel

Gold Redrock Bamberg Rauch Bier - German-Style Rauchbier

Uinta Brewing Co.

Gold Dubhe - Cascadian Style Dark Ale

Bronze Anniversary Barley Wine - American-Style Barley Wine

Utah Brewers Cooperative

Gold Wasatch White Label - Belgian-Style Wit (White)

Silver Squatters Hell's Keep - Belgian-Style Pale(Golden) Strong Ale

Wasatch Brewpub

Silver Fiesta Lager - Cream Ale

Gold Jalapeno Cream Ale - Chili Beer

Here are all of this years winners.

Cheers! 

Photo: Beerhive Staff

New Beer Friday 5/31/13

Where up in Idaho Falls this week judging the beer competition part of the Mountain Brewers Festival. I fyou've got nothing going on this weekend, you really need to get your asses up here, there will be a lot going on. If you can't there are some new beers for you, maybe you can have your own little beerfest?

 

 Uinta Brewing has finally released their long awaited Pro/Am collaboration beer Cahoots Double Rye IPA, brewed in with decorated local homebrewer, Chris Detrick.

In the summer of 2012, Uinta head brewer Kevin Ely in cahoots with (see what they did there?) Chris Detrick, began the research and development process for Uinta's first Cahoots.  Together, Detrick and Uinta developed a Double Rye IPA, a bigger, bolder, hoppier version of Detrick's award winning Rye IPA recipe.

Two types of malted rye and loads of malted barley combine with CTZ and Chinook hop varieties to create this subtly spicy and distinctly hoppy beer.  Bold and rich, Cahoots Double Rye IPA is bottle conditioned and has an ABV of 9.4%.  Scheduled to hit select shelves in early June, Cahoots is a limited release beer, only 120bbls were produced. For sale only at the brewery for now, if your attending the Mountain Brewers Festival tomorrow you will also find it there.

Epic's Escape to Colorado IPA: This a brand new IPA that was designed to be for sale for the Colorado market when their new brewery opens up there. I don't know much about it, I do know it was made with some Mosaic hops. No idea what the plans is as far as Utah sales are, however Mountain Brewers Fest attendees will be able to try it, as it be poured up here.

Samuel Adams Chainbreaker White IPA: Citrus and fresh hops in the nose, light notes of spice and funk. Crackery malts on the tongue, citrus and piney hops, acidic wheat profile, and spicy yeast. Good for the style. Light-medium body and easily drinkable. @DABC

Don't forget there's also the new Avenues Proper beers are out.  The Proper Beer, Patersbier & Slaintè Stout.

Cheers!

The Big-Ass Summer Solstice Beer Powwow!

 First off I'd like to thank all of you who were able to attend last winter's Holiday Tasting. It was a huge success! So huge in fact that I have no recollection of it. If it weren't for photo documentation I never would have known it had taken place.

Since I don't remember anything about last winters Holiday Tasting I'm playing my "party host" card and I'm declaring a "do over". So,  if your like me, or just like sharing good beer I'd like to invite you back to the "Ranch" for a Summer Solstice-ish  Beer Tasting.

That date is Saturday June, 22nd (day after the Summer Solstice). The same rules apply. Bring a nice beer, cider or mead. It can be in a bottle, can, jug, keg or jeroboam as long as it's "special" to you and you think it would be nice to share. It doesn't have to be rare - expensive or outrageous. Just something that you enjoy.

Homebrew is absolutely welcome! We had some brilliant homebrew last winter, If you've got something that you'd like to share please bring it. Give us a heads up if it's kegged so we can make sure we have the appropriate amount of room.

If you have a tasters glass or a piece of stemware please bring it, you'll be glad you did. Plastic cups will be provided but I'd hate for anyone to have to use them.

The Big Ass Summer Solstice Beer Powwow will be held at the previous location & the address will be given out only to those who RSVP.

As this will be an outdoor event the cap on participants has been raised, but it's not a free for all. The number of people attending will be limited due to the size of the venue. So get your RSVP in ASAP.

We'd ask that this be limited to "Beer People". People who know beer or are interested in learning more about craft beer. Please feel free to bring a guest if you don't want to come solo.

Speaking of "Beer People". Some of our local craft brewers will be in attendance as well as industry professionals. It'll be a nice opportunity for you to get to know them - and they you.

If you'd like to bring stuff for grilling, or anything else, we'll make grills available to you some beer & snacks provided.

So, here's the info your gunna need.

Please RSVP to utahbeer@gmail.com

Absolutely no one under 21.

What: 1-2 bottles for tasting & sharing - tasters glass or stemware - some beer & snacks provided.

Where: Draper, Utah

When: The afternoon (and in to the evening) of Saturday June 22, 2013

Questions & RSVP: utahbeer@gmail.com

Don't hesitate to RSVP or ask questions! We usually fill up within a few days & this post is the only invite to the gathering. Any questions?

This Powwow is also an excuse to bid a fond Bon Voyage to our friend Douglas Byrd. Doug is one of the most passionate, pain-in-the-ass beer gnerds I've ever come across, trust me I've met many. Doug keeps track of every goddamn beer that has been or is currently being made in Utah. Doug will be moving to beer heaven, Portland, Or to shape young liberal minds later this summer.

I hope to hear from you all. Cheers!

Proper Beers

The Avenues Proper Restaurant  & Publick House is a great place. The food & beer are top notch, but there's been one problem. No house beers! That changes today. Head Brewer Rio Connolly, has finally finished his debut beers & they're available today!

The Proper Beer (English golden ale) There are many types of Golden Ales, but the British interpretation on the Golden Ale is easily the boldest, hoppiest blond ale rendition. Some of these can almost be considered American Pales they are so hopped up - very crisp, refreshing, with relatively low alcohol compared with their North American counterparts.

Patersbier (Belgian single) or "fathers' beer" is a lighter version of an Trappist Ale that is traditionally only made for the monasteries monks. There's no single style of Patersbier it can be a "session-ized" style of many styles.

Slaintè Stout (dry Irish stout) these tend to have light-ish bodies to keep them on the highly drinkable side. They're usually a lower carbonation brew and served on a nitro system for that creamy, masking effect (as is this one). The bitterness comes from both roasted barley and a generous dose of hops, though the roasted character will be more noticeable.


The new beers should be on as soon as lunch time.

Cheers!

The Bier Brauen Home Brew Competition

Homebrewers, add another event to your calendars, the second American Homebrewers Association sanctioned home brew competition in the state is in the planning stages so listen up! Most, if not all of you are aware of the Beehive Brew-off, which is slated to occur on August 3 - 4, 2013 at The Bayou (Registration for the Beehive Brewoff will open June 1, 2013 and will close on July 30th, 2013).

This new competition called the Bier Brauen and it's part of Grace Lutheran Church's annual Oktoberfest celebration, on Friday and Saturday, September 20th and 21st. Event organizers will be accepting home brew entries from September 1st through September 14th at Grace Lutheran Church, 1815 East 9800 South in Sandy. The awards ceremony will be Saturday night (21st) at 6pm when the beer will be flowing and the German band is crank'n.

The emphasis will be on German-style brews, but many other beers will be accepted for judging as well. The limited categories that are in accordance to the BJCP 2008 Style Guidelines, are as follows.

Light Lager (1D and 1E only)
Pilsner (2A and 2B only)
European Amber Lager (3A and 3B)
Bock (5A, 5B, 5C and 5D only)
Kolsch (6C only)
English Pale Ale (8A, 8B, and 8C)
Stout (13A, 13B, 13C and 13E)
German Wheat and Rye Beer (15A, 15B, 15C and 15D)
Belgian and French Ale (16A, 16B, 16C and 16D only)
Dark Lager (4B and 4C only)
Amber Hybrid (7A and 7C only)
American Pale Ale (10A only)
India Pale Ale (14B and 14C only)
Specialty Beers (23A)

For more info contact Kevin Bartel; Bier Brauen Coordinator

Grace Lutheran's Oktoberfest is obviously a family friendly event. There will be a huge kiddie carnival, German food and beers, the band and a German marketplace. The day is set to wrap up with a professional fireworks show.


Michael Jackson mentioned in his New World Guide to Beer, that Martin Luther preferred homebrew over beer from commercial breweries, finding the latter to be “a curse for Germany.”

"Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep, whoever sleeps long, does not sin; Whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!"
-Martin Luther

Hmmm, sound like he's talking about me.....except for the no sin part.

Prost!

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