The First SnoAle

Just when you thought that you had reached your local Holiday beer quota for the year, another crazy damn brewer decides to up the ante.

Hoppers Brewmaster and Secret Agent, Donovan Steele has been working on his newest creation for a couple of months now and the results make for a very happy tongue.

Donovan says, for The First SnoAle he wanted to merge the malt flavor and complexity of a French Bier de Garde Noel and accent it with an unspiced, purely yeast driven spiciness similar to a Saison.

By using a blend of French Ale strains it produced some rich malt flavors and a soft drying finish. As this ale warms it becomes more peppery in flavor with the complexity of the more prominent grains. Then comes citrus, fig and a fruitiness.

It also has a good dosing of Belgian candy sugar to fortify the brew. Wheat and raw oats lend a dry crisp finish.

The First SnoAle has an ABV of 8.1% and will be available in 25 oz bottles. It should be available around the second week of December.

Quantities are limited this winter and it will not be made again until next year. Only available at the brewpub.

Cheers!

Manuka Beer Made in Utah

Over the past year we've seen a wide array of beers that contain some of the more unique ingredients available to brewers, that are looking to push the brewing envelope.

From Dandelion to Jalapeno to Peppercorns people are looking to brewers and their beers to challenge their taste buds and get them away from the same-ol'-same ol'.

Enter Squatters owner, Peter Cole. Peter is very found of New Zealand and one of his favorite places there is the Mussel Inn. There they make a unique beer made from a plant that is unique to that region of the world. With assistance from the Mussel Inn's owners, Andrew & Jane Dixon. Peter was able to obtain an herb rarely seen or tasted in North America.

Manuka was first added to beer by Captain James Cook. Cook was searching for a way to alleviate the affects of scurvy, the Captain found it in the bitter plant. Cook knew it would be more palatable to the crew if put into a beer, rather than just chewing it or making it into tea. Besides finding a cure for his crew's scurvy, he also came up with a very agreeable beer.

We don't have much of a scurvy problem here in Utah but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the medicine.

The Squatters brew crew got their hands on the the Manuka (courtesy of the Dixons)and immediately got it into the kettle. They came up with a very unique lagered beer that's here just in time for the Holidays.

It pours a very clear ruby/amber color with a moderate sudsy head. The nose is of malt, herbs and coriander. The taste starts with a Tea like bitterness with hints of Lemongrass and ginger. Next comes a malty coriander punch that balances the spices well. The finish has a pronounced herbal/floral bitterness. The ABV is 6.25%.

This a great spice beer. It's not overpowering and it's punch isn't too overwhelming.

The Squatters label pay homage to the original Mussel Inn beer.

Captain Cooker Manuka Beer will be available starting Wednesday (11/24/10). $5 out of Squatters beer store and $9.99 at table. It will also be available at the UBC Beer Store.

Cheers!

Brainless on Cherries

The experiment continues on. Epic has released their newest barrel aged Beer.

Brainless on Cherries is the latest version of Epic's Belgian Style Triple Ale, which was aged in oak barrels with local cherries.

The first version Brainless on Peaches was a big hit and disappeared from shelves fast. The cherry version won't last either.

The timing is great for beers like these. The Holidays lend themselves well to these over the top, fruit harvest beers.

Brainless on Cherries is described as having big cheery notes with an ABV of 10.3%.

That'll put a hem in the ol' dress!

Available at the Brewhouse. 825s. State Steet, SLC.

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 11/19/10

We only have one new beer this week, but it's a doozie.

The final beer in Sierra Nevada's 30th Anniversary Brewers Reserve series has finally arrived in Salt Lake. The Oak Aged Ale or Grand Cru is a blend of Sierra Nevada's most acclaimed ales: Oak-Aged Bigfoot Barleywine, Celebration Ale and fresh Pale Ale all blended together and generously dry hopped.

Those that I have talk to that have had it describe it as a great American Strong Ale.

Like it's three predecessors, the Oak Aged Ale is a one time release and won't be around long. You may find some at area liquor stores but you best bets will be at The Bayou and Beerhive.

Also, We are at capacity for the Holiday Tasting. No more RSVP are being accepted. I apologize if you couldn't get in this year, but we have limited space.

Cheers!

$2 Pints at Roosters

Throughout the rest of November Roosters is spreading a little "Liquid Love".

All beers at both location are a mere $2.00. All Beers, All Day, All Month! (until November 30th, 2010) Mug Clubbers members will be getting their mugs filled for $3.00 in the November as well.

Xmas comes early. Cheers!

Bohemian's Pumpkin Lager

A new seasonal beer is available now at the Bohemian Brewery. The Midvale brewery doesn't do a lot of seasonal beers, so when they do tend to go fast.

This new beer is quite a departure for the "old world" style brewery. Known mostly for classic euro beer styles, this mostly American style beer is made with pumpkin and and classic pumpkin spices.

It's Lagered of course. As is all of Bohemian's beers. Most of the Pumpkin beers you'll find are ales. I can't to see how it turned out.

Only available at the Brewery Restaurant.

Cheers!

Revenge of the Holiday Beer Tasting

***WE APOLOGIZE BUT THE HOLIDAY TASTING IS FULLL. NO MORE RSVP'S ARE BEING ACCEPTED***

Last year's Big-Ass Holiday Beer Tasting was such a huge success that we thought we'd try it again. So, We'd like to invite you to the, 2010 Utah Beer Holiday Tasting. If you weren't able to make it last year the concept is pretty simple.

Bring beer. A bottle or two of something that you'd like to share with the group. It doesn't have to be rare - expensive or outrageous. Just something that you enjoy. I gotta say, the generosity of those who attended last year was exceptional.

We're looking into providing some beer for those who attend.

If a fraction of those who attended last year return, it looks like there will be a decent turnout. 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.

Homebrew is absolutely welcome! 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.

The Tasting will again be held at the Irving Schoolhouse located at 1155 e. 2100 s. in Sugarhouse.

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. But please don't bring cousin Ted because "he's fun and knows how to get his drink-on".

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.

We will have to put a cap on the number of people attending due to the size of the venue. So get your RSVP in ASAP.

Please RSVP to utahbeer@gmail.com

Absolutely no one under 21.

So here's what we have.

What: 1-2 bottle for tasting - tasters glass or stemware - some snacks provided.

Where: The Irving Schoolhouse located at 1155 E 2100 S in Sugarhouse.

When: Saturday December 11th at 7:00pm

Questions & RSVP: utahbeer@gmail.com

Cheers!

The Holidays Start Early

Griswald's Big Holiday, the newest seasonal release from RedRock Brewing Company is due to be released tomorrow 11/10/10.

Look for a beer full of Holiday spices and warming alcohol (8.5%). Just in time for the cold weather.

Cheers!

Fifth Element Wins Gold

The United States has come a long way in a very short amount of time, as far as the history of beer is concerned.

Just a scant twenty years ago, if you were to ask someone out side of the U.S. about it's beer they would have poo-pooed it as flavorless, fizzy yellow beer. Which most of it was. That's obviously not the case now. American Brewers are embracing every style and technique conceivable.

Long before the advent of stainless steel, the use of wooden barrels imparted many unique characteristics to beer. These new brewing technics all but wiped many old world styles.

This past weekend The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild put on the Eighth Annual Festival of Wood and Barrel-aged Beer. The festival spotlights beer that has been aged in a wooden barrel or in contact with wood.

All of the beers entered are aged in new or used wine, whiskey or Bourbon barrels and take on many of the characteristics of that libation. Brewers of traditional or not-so-traditional Belgian-inspired beers often prefer used barrels so different resident microorganisms will impart a refreshing tart and acidic character. Fruit, spices, coffee and syrup may compliment the already complex character of wood-aged beers.

One of the beers that really shined this year was Squatters Fifth Element. It took Gold in the Wild Beer category and was also runner-up for best in show.

There are only two breweries in Utah making "sour beers" right now and Squatters is clearly leading the way.

Fifth Element, pours a cloudy apricot/straw color with a fizzy white head. The nose has a bit a of barnyard funkiness to it, with hints of lemon. The tastes starts with light citrus notes then transitions into tart green apples and peach. Next comes a dry oakiness that compliments the tartness well. The finish is a combination a champagne like dryness and bitter florals. Light and dry but highly drinkable. It's 6.75% ABV is well hidden.

I believe there are still bottles of Fifth Element available at the Squatters Bottle Shop. If you've never tried a sour beer, I invite you try this one. It's one of the best in the world.

Congrats Squatters Brew Team!

Mo'Town Brown

Squatters Debuted their Small Batch Series a few months ago with a nicely hopped amber ale called Big Cottonwood. This coming Monday, November, 8th Jenny and Jason will be releasing the second beer in the series, Mo'Town Brown.

If you live outside of Utah your most likely to equate Mo'Town with the city of Detroit. If you've been in Utah long enough you may have heard it as a reference to Salt Lake City. In our case the "Mo" is short for Mormon.

Enough of local pop culture. This new beer is described as being subtle with Chocolate, caramel and roasted malts balanced with big American citrus hops and have an ABV of 5.8%.

As the name entails this is a "small batch series" and won't last long. $5/bomber out of Squatters' beer shop and $9.99 at the table.

Cheers!

KSL Teaches Kids to Make Alcohol?

KSL Televion in Salt Lake City recently ran a story on a product called Spike Your Juice. They promoted the story saying things like, (I'm paraphrasing) "a product that turns ordinary Juice into alcohol?" then they would show video of shocked parents alarmed that such a thing could possibly exist.

As I'm watching the promo I looked to Mrs. Mikey and said."it's gotta be yeast, right?" And it was. The controversial substance was a simple package of dry yeast.

Basic fermentation is a mind boggling simple process. If your going run a story that's supposed aim is to benefit parents and children, while teaching the said viewers the very process your aim is to protect them from, I think that you've sent a very conflicted message.

In a state where alcohol is the equivalent of "liquid Evil", you'd think an arm of the LDS church (KSL) would be more responsible. An Epic fail.

I won't drone on about the content of the story because I've posted it for you and you can judge it's merits for yourselves. Watch it. Is KSL just trying to create controversy where none exists or was this a good informative story.

I Guess what really burns my ass is that some overly righteous political zealot will run with it and try to pass some bizarre legislation to back their neo-prohibitionist agenda next legislative session. What are your thoughts?

Discussion is already underway in the forum.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Big Things in Moab

Last week we told you about Epic Brewing and their plans to expand their very new brewery by 3000 square feet. The fact that they need to do this speaks volumes about the need for good craft beer in Utah.

Epic isn't alone most of the major local beer makers who distribute their beers outside of their establishments have greatly increased their production schedules and their real estate.

The Utah Brewers Cooperative, Uinta Brewing, RedRock Brewing, Bohemian Brewing and Desert Edge Brewing have all expanded their operations over the past year to meet the increasing demand for their products.

And the Utah beer-boom phenomena isn't just isolated to the Wasatch Front. Moab Brewing has announced a 5000 square foot expansion of their Moab facility beginning in Late December 2010.

The Moab expansion isn't just about meeting increased demand for their beer, it's also about taking back control over their distribution network and bringing the bottling or canning operations back to Utah from Montana.

You may have noticed the word "canning" in that last paragraph. That's right Cans are in Moab's future. So look for Moab's beer in cans this summer.

Not all of Moab's beer will be making the move to aluminum. The Desert Select Series will be growing as well. Look for a hopped up rye beer (RyePA?) and an Export Stout to Join the Black IPA, Scottish Ale and Belgian Style Triple on liquor store shelve.

You may have noticed the words "liquor store shelves" in that last paragraph as well. The Desert Select Series is currently being sold at the brewpub in Moab and will soon be appearing at select liquor stores in the next couple of months.

Since the whole "canning thing" is still in the planning stages there are no plans for what will be in those cans. Here is your opportunity to provide the Moab guys with you opinion on what you'd like to see in them. So, we've put together a poll. It's up top to the right. Don't fuck it up....

Cheers!

Photo: Bryan Serafini

New Beer Friday 10/29/10

We're going Rouge! everything new this week is from Newport, Oregon... Well, almost everything.

First out of the gate is Rogue's Maierfest Lager. This Märzen pours a hazy deep gold to amber color. The nose is very malty with toffee and a little citrus. The Taste starts with Biscuity malt, toast and hard toffee flavors and ends with moderate citus/floral bitterness. Slightly warming alcohol in the finish. Available at the Beerhive.

Oregasmic Ale, also from Rouge is a cloudy orange/amber color with a dense yellowish head. The nose has a moderate, slightly sweet hop aroma with notes of grass, pineapple and orange peel. The taste starts with sweet caramel, grain, and wood. The end is huge with bitter citusy hops. Great bitter bite in the finish. Nicely balanced. At the Beerhive.

John John Hazelnut Rum Ale Poured a nice medium brown color, with a little light tan head. The nose is of cinnamon, anise, clove and light brown sugar. The taste stated with a light nuttiness and some solvent notes. the end was lightly spiced in the end.
Somewhat underwhelming. Just because you have the ability to age beer in Rum barrels doesn't mean you should. You may like it Douglas and I didn't.

Finally, Capt. Sig's NW Ale. If you don't know who Capt Sig Hansen is you obviously don't watch Deadliest Catch on Discovery Channel. Pours a dark, hazy ruby color with a frothy head tan head. The nose is of heavy pine and rich malty sweet notes. The taste starts piney with hints of herbal hops. Rich sweet malts back up the hop bitterness with a solid bready base. The finish has a lingering herbal and citrus profile. At the Bayou & Beerhive.

Bacchus returns to the Bayou. It's a Flemish Sour Brown Ale aged in Oak. A typical Flemish beer with a pleasant wine-like taste and a rich past. This dark brown beer, which is matured in oak casks, has a slightly acid aftertaste. A little on the sweeter side of the style. At the Bayou.

Enjoy!

Epic Expands

On March 26, 2010 Epic Brewing Company began brewing it's very first beer. That was seven months ago. Since then they have been adding and adding...and adding equipment inside their tiny State Street Brewery.

Living in Utah, you can never really know which way the wind of fortune blow where beer is concerned. But one thing is certain the boys at Epic greatly underestimated the public's thirst for craft beer.

In the next few weeks Epic will be expanding their existing brewery by 3,000 square feet. Their planned expansion will more than doubling their current capacity by adding three 40 barrel fermentors that will occupy the space east of the brewery.

The expansion shouldn't affect day to day operations or store hours.

Cheers!

Cherney Bock Comes Home

One of my favorite beers is finally out of the brewery and ready for my beer fridge.

Bohemian Brewery began canning it's Cherny Bock Schwarzbier late last week and should be hitting store shelve in the next week or so.

Cherny Bock Schwarzbier is the third lager to be canned by Bohemian Brewery. Along with Bohemian Brewery's Viennese Lager and Czech Pilsener, Cherny Bock will add to Bohemian's lager spectrum offering a beer with darker, rich aroma and taste.

Cherny Bock Pours a very dark chocolate brown with a thick tan head. The nose is full of roasted malt, dark fruits with a pleasant nuttiness. The taste started with a deep roasted malt taste, then a dark nuttiness with minor raspberry notes beneth. The end is nicely balanced with an easy piney hop bite at the end. I really love this stuff and with a ABV of 4.0 I could drink it all night.

If you can't wait for it to pop up in stores you can purchase it at the brewery in Midvale.

Prost!

Griswald's Big Holiday

It might seem a little early to be talking about Holiday beers, but if you take a look outside you realize that the holidays are not too far off.

So here in the waning days of October we offer you, your first glimpse of some winter warmers, alla Utah.

The first beer announced is from RedRock Brewing Company's Beer Yogi, Kevin Templin. The name may be somewhat familiar but this is an entirely new beer. As the name implies, Griswald's Big Holiday is bigger version of Redrock's Holiday staple Griswald's Holiday Ale.

The original Griswald's poured a clear golden amber color with a nose is mostly of nutmeg and cloves and a touch of maltiness beneath. The taste started big and malty then the spices kick in. Nutmeg and Clove were very pronounced then transitions into a Cinnamon spiciness. The finish was bright and piney.

I assume Griswald's Big Holiday will be similar in taste except with a 8.5% abv punch. It should be available the week of November 15th and will be around 'till it ain't.

There are more holiday beers coming down the pike, but I ain't allowed to talk 'bout 'em yet! Stay tuned.

Cheers!

Beer Leaving the DABC?

I have good news and bad news for you.

The Good News. The DABC is is undergoing major reconstruction of their main warehouse in Salt Lake City. The current warehouse is already too small to accommodate the increase in volume the state's ever expanding adult population is putting upon it.

The Bad News. The reconstruction of racking and changes to the physical structure of the building call for a 30% reduction in inventory levels to allow for movement of equipment and materials.

This reduction of storage space means that the DABC's smallest product department (beer) will need to find a temporary space. The solution? Put the higher demand beers with the distributors.

Brands like Sierra Nevada and Full Sail will need to find local distributors to get their beer into the state. This will take some time and paperwork to work out and may cause disruption of the flow of their products. The DABC's warehouse had kept a three month supply of the best selling brands.

While I labeled this as "bad news" I think you can already see a silver lining in there. Giving control of the beer to the wholesaler allows the vendor to better service their product. Temperatures will be regulated while in storage, decreasing the amount of old or expired bottles.

As I stated this is temporary. However this could be a permanent move if all goes well down the line. Beer lovers from around the state have always advocated that all "heavy" beer should get out of the hands of the state and into the hands of distributors. Rep. Curtis Oda proposed legislation regarding this in 2009.

The states requirements for the purchase and transport of beer into Utah are needlessly difficult on out of state breweries. The extra space and transportation options the distributors offer could open up many brands that have not previously been here.

The DABC will continue to procure beer products as needed and work to eliminate out of stocks as much as possible during this transition.

Discussion?

2010 Outer Darkness

Last year on the Winter Solstice Squatters released what was possibly one of their best selling beers ever. Outer Darkness.

If you were able to get your hands on one, you know that it was "a thing of beauty". It was the first time a commercial brewery in Utah tried making a true Imperial Stout and it didn't disappoint. It practically flew out of the brewpub in cases and was completely gone in less than ten days.

Today I'm happy to tell you that the 2010 batch is here early and is much bigger (quantity wise).

Outer Darkness is scheduled to be bottled tomorrow (10/19/10) and should be available for purchase late Tuesday or Wednesday at The Utah Brewers Cooperative. 1763 South 300 West, Salt Lake City.

Bottles should be creeping into Squatters later in the week and liquor store shelves within a month. Last year the price was $14.99 per 22 oz. bottle. Expect to pay far less this year.

If your wondering if you'll like O.D., it pores a thick, opaque ebony color with a good two fingers of dark copper colored foam. The nose was heavy with coffee, chocolate, licorice and a hint of vanilla. Definite alcohol perfume in the end. The taste starts with Chocolate covered raisins, followed by some underlying dark fruits. The sweetness fades into big roasted coffee and cocoa and finished up with a nice roasted vanilla malt taste. The alcohol is noticeable but it doesn’t taste like a 10.5% beer. An amazing, full and complex Imperial Stout. The mouthfeel is thick and rich, you really get a sense for how heavy all of the ingredients are as you swish it around.

This has to be one of my favorite Utah beers of all time. The chocolate and coffee flavors are balanced perfectly. Best enjoyed in small sips where you can really savor and appreciate the great flavor and artistry in the brew.

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 10/15/10

Today's New Beer Friday has some new and returning favorites.

Lagunitas Hop Stoopid returns to the Bayou. It has big grapefruit, pineapple and peach notes with touch of pine and floral hops in the finish. It disappeared very fast last time around. don't wait too long.

Lagunitas Imperial Stout. This one is new to the state and is only at the Bayou. It has Some chocolate, coffee, and caramel notes that are pleasantly sweet with a smoky finish. Balanced nicely by grassy hops. The abv on this seems to range from 8.2% - 10.1%. So check your bottle.

Bohemian Brewing in Midvale has a special Oktoberfest/Märzen on tap for a limited time. They just put it on yesterday afternoon. So I haven't tried it yet. only available at the Brewpub.

The Wasatch Brewpub also has an Oktoberfest beer on tap as well. I haven't tried this one yet either. Available at the Brewpub and at the Utah Brewers Cooperative. On draft only.

Returning from Epic Brewing is their popular Sour Apple Saison. Apple and hints of vanilla up front. Kind of dusty with white pepper and hay. Light, spicy and refreshing.
If your thinking of aging this one beware. I had a bottle of batch #1 explode in my cellar a few days ago. So segregate it or keep a close eye on it.

Cheers!

Nice Cans!

In 2009 the owners of Buckbean Brewing Company, Douglas Booth and Daniel Kahn brought more than 30 breweries from around the world to Reno, Nevada to take part in the biggest celebration of the canned beer in the world. The reason? to expand knowledge and the reputation of canned beer.

I consider myself to be one of the converted. I used to be a Can snob, but recent developments in "canning technology" have shown my tongue that in many regards it's the best way to package and serve a beer.

In categories condensed down to five, sixty beers were entered and awards were given to the best of those.

Bohemian's Viennese Lager won Gold for best canned lager. Since it been in the can - on store shelves, it's been a huge seller. If you haven't tried it in a while check it out and send some congrats to the boys in Midvale.

2010 Canfest Winners

IPA
Gold: TallGrass Brewing - English IPA
Silver: TallGrass Brewing - IPA
Bronze: Mammoth Brewing - Epic IPA

Pale Ale/Amber Ale
Gold: Maui Brewing - Big Swell IPA
Silver: Oscar Blues - Dale's Pale Ale
Bronze: SanTan Brewing - Epicenter American Ameber Ale

Dark Ales
Gold: Oscar Blues - Gordon Ale
Silver: Four Peaks Brewing - Kilt Lifter Scotish Ale
Bronze: TallGrass Brewing - Ale

Miscellaneous Ales (Kolsch, Wheat, fruit, etc)
Gold: Four Peaks Brewing - Sun Brewed Kolsch (Best of Show)
Silver: Big Sky Brewing - Trout Slayer Ale
Bronze: Maui Brewing - Coconut Porter

Lagers
Gold: Bohemian Brewing - Viennese Lager
Silver: Sante-Fe Brewing - Oktoberfest
Bronze: Coors Brewing - Coors

Cheers!

More Märzens

Wahoo! More Märzens are here. Today's Oktoberfest selection comes from Squatters. This is the second year this Märzen has been available. It was originally brewed as Squatters' 20th Annibrewsary beer last year and was a big hit.

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%. This is a great example of what Oktoberfest biers are all about.

Squatters Oktoberfest is available in 18oz bottles for $4 to go, or $7.50 in the restaurant. At Park City and the Downtown SLC Squatters locations.

Also Squatters is having an Oktoberfest beginning Friday the 8th & continuing on Saturday the 9th from 5:30 to 11pm? The Märzen Oktoberfest will be available and of course, German food! $20 will get you in for food, an Oktoberfest Stein, & a beer. $10 for just food or for just the Stein & a beer.

And if Märzens don't float-yer-boat Squatters also has a Cocoa Porter on it's seasonal tap. I haven't had it yet, but just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

Prost!

Infinium Ale

Generally when something big hits the national or international beers scene we in Utah tend to get overlooked - due to the difficult nature of the states beer buying process.

I don't pretend to understand the inner-workings of the Utah's purchasing system. Suffice it to say that it's a needlessly difficult process for everyone involved.

That's why I was surprised to see that a rare collaboration beer between Weihenstephan, one of the world's most important breweries and Samuel Adams would be making it's way to the Beehive State.

The brewers at Weihenstephan watched what was going on in the States and decided they should innovate and make a new beer, within the German purity law. And they decided couldn't do it well enough on their own, that they could use a little assistance from an innovative American Brewery. Sam Adams fit the bill.

Weihenstephan sits on a hill outside Munich where brewers have been making beer for nearly a thousand years. Weihenstephan is not only the oldest brewery in the world but it's also the largest and best brewing university in the world. It's the Harvard of beer.

They have professors of hops, yeast, fermentation, brewhouse, etc. They are also the research center for the German brewing industry. In Germany it is considered so important that it's one of only two breweries owned by the Bavarian government - along with Hofbrauhaus. It's a national treasure.

This fall the two breweries are going to be launching a beer called Infinium, It will be the first of three beers released by the new collaboration. The others, Valtus and MXL are to follow sometime in 2011. Infinium is described as a combining elements of Dom Perignon, Noble Pilsener, Chateau d'Yquem and Weihenstephaner Hefeweizen. It's said to be dry without being thin. And it's acidic without being sharp.

This is the first new beer style to come out of Germany in a hundred years and it should be hitting liquor store shelves hopefully before the Holidays.

So what do you think, is this just another gimmick or is it the real deal?

Prost!

2010 RedRock Oktoberfest

Well it's officially Oktoberfest time. And with it come great German Lagers. If your looking for some great - award winning - locally made examples of German Beers I highly recommend that you head over to RedRock Brewing Co. and check out their selection of seasonal Oktoberfest beers.

Some styles are familiar to most, like a classic German Pils. While others like the Latzenbier may be new to many. RedRock's Oktoberfest runs from October 2-20.

Here's what is on tap for RedRock's Oktoberfest.

The Pilsner beer was first brewed in Bohemia, a German-speaking province in the old Austrian Empire. Pilsner is one of the most popular styles of lager beers in Germany, and in many other countries. It’s often spelled as “Pilsener”, and at times abbreviated, or spoken in slang, as “Pils.” Classic German Pilsners are very light straw to golden in color. Head should be dense and rich. Red Rock’s version is well-hopped, brewed using Noble hops such as Saaz, Hallertauer and Tettnanger. Lagered for five weeks and filtered bright.

A rather old, rare, and unique German beer style, Kellerbiers are unfiltered and unpasteurized lagers that date back to at least the Middle Ages. The beer is lagered. The final product is a mooth, naturally cloudy beer that's rich in vitamins (from the yeast). Hop bitterness is a compliment to the soft malt character. Made with organic malt from Wyermann Malting Company, and organic, whole-leaf Hallertau hops.

An old friend of Bavaria, Munich Dunkels are smooth, rich and complex, but without being heady or heavy. They boast brilliant ruby hues from the large amounts of Munich malts used, and these malts also lend a fuller-bodied beer. Bitterness is often moderate, with just enough to balance out any sweetness. Hop varieties used are German noble varieties, Tetnang and Hallertau. Lagered for five weeks and filtered bright

A darker seasonal variation of the traditional Alt Bier. Red Rock's Latzenbier is full bodied and well hopped, with a surprising balance between bitterness and nutty malt sweetness. And is accented by a subtle chocolate taste.

Haile's Helles is a filtered pale golden lager beer with a well attenuated body, highlighted by a noble hop bitterness. This style of lager was originally developed in the 19th century. It's dry, crisp, clean taste has helped it become one of the world's most popular beer styles.

German style dark lager, very smooth, medium body, low hop bitterness. Eight different malts and thirty-five days of lagering give this classic Schwarz-style beer it’s unusually dark color and remarkably smooth flavor. Not a big beer, but more of a black session lager. Gold Medal Winner at this years Great American Beer Festival.

Prost!

New Beer Friday 10/01/10

We haven't had a New beer Friday in a while, so I'm pleased to announce these new beers. Some are long overdue.

Epic Brainless on Peaches. Haven't had it yet. It's most likely being bottled as you read this. It's Epic's award winning Brainless Belgian put into oak barrels and aged with fresh peaches. Should be available sometime this afternoon (10-1-10). Available at the Brewery.

Big Sky Trout Slayer. This is a straw colored filtered wheat ale, fermented at cool temperatures, with Palisade, Glacier, and Mt. Hood hops. It's a smooth drinkable session beer. 4.7%ABV. Available DABC.

Pike Monk's Uncle Tripel. The aroma has notes of pineapple, mango, white pepper and coriander. The flavor has a honey sweetness upfront, along with some spices (white pepper, clove, coriander), as well as apple, pear, white grape and alcohol. 9.0% ABV. Available at the Beerhive, Bayou.

Full Sail Sanctuary Belgian Dubble. Rich malt aromas followed by the flavors of biscuit and roast that are rounded by a rich sweet malt character. With a light chewy finish. 7%ABV. Available at the Beerhive, Bayou.

Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary - Charlie, Fred And Ken's Bock. This one is long overdue. released last May this beer is a collaboration between Charlie Papazian and Fred Eckhart. Two men who launched a thousand breweries. Their writing on the art of homebrewing and steadfast promotion of beer culture helped propel the craft brewing movement. Charlie and Fred agreed to work Sierra Nevada on this special ale in honor of SN's 30th anniversary. It's an Imperial Helles Bock. Bold yet balanced with distinct toasted malt character, moderate sweetness and clean and floral hops. 8.3%ABV. Available at the Beerhive, Bayou.

Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary - Jack And Ken's Ale. Another overdue beer. Released last July this is the third in the Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Series. A collaboration between Jack McAuliffe and SN's Ken Grossman. McAuliffe was the first American "micro" brewer. His tiny New Albion Brewery in Sonoma, California inspired countless dreamers to start small-scale breweries of their own. Jack agreed to guest brew this very special ale. This Black Barleywine Ale is a nod to the legendary ales New Albion served at their legendary summer solstice parties. Rich with bittersweet and roasted malt flavors, balanced with whole-cone American hops, this robust ale should age gracefully for years. 10.2%ABV. Available at the Beerhive, Bayou.

The fourth and final beer in Sierra Nevada's 30th Anniversary Series is set to be released in a couple of weeks. It shouldn't take as long to get this one in state. But the way things go around here... don't hold your breath.

Cheers!

Beers for Bikes

Epic Brewing Company is hosting an outdoor beer tasting party, Beers for Bikes—An Epic Party, as a fundraiser for the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective on Saturday, October 23 from 1 to 8 pm. The event takes place outside in Epic Brewing Company’s parking lot, 825 South State Street. The entrance fee is a $10 donation to the Salt Lake Bicycle Collective and includes a commemorative Epic tasting cup.

With $1 tokens, guests will be able to taste 3 oz samples of Epic’s wide range of handcrafted ales and lagers. Some of Epic’s restaurant partners, Vinto, Sun & Moon Café, Poplar Street Pub and Cali’s Natural Foods will be on hand selling paired dishes. Listen to Guest DJ’s roll mix tape mash ups. Ride your bike to Epic and valet park with the Bicycle Collective.

Before the party, join the Epic Bike Parade at noon. Cyclists will tour from the Brewery, 825 South State Street, around Liberty Park and back. Decorate your bike, ring your bell and yell Epic!

The owners and staff of Epic Brewing Company are bicycle enthusiasts who want to encourage cycling in the community. Entrance proceeds will go directly to the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective.

The Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households. www.slcbikecollective.org

Radius is Back

Desert Edge's Radius is now on tap! Radius, is made with ingredients grown within 100 miles of the Brewery. Brewmaster Chris Haas acquired the malt just over the state line in Idaho and personally picked the hops locally (with the help of many friends).

Radius is a golden ale, filtered with an extreme fresh hop flavor and medium bitterness. Last year it was only around for only a few weeks. So get it now or it will be gone.

Also new on the seasonal tap is, Augustus Amber Ale. Named for Chris' grandfather it's a nice hoppy version of an amber with big caramel maltiness.

Edge's Special Bitter and All The Way Alt is still available as well.

Cheers!

RedRock Beer School

In the not too distance past when people needed to gain knowledge they typically had to make an arduous journey up a mountain... or something big; beg or convince the master, mentor or teacher that they were worthy of the gifts that they wish to be bestowed up on them and hopefully begin their tutelage.

With today's technology there's no need to go to the mountain. Now the Mountain can come to you. RedRock Brewing Company is taking advantage of their "mountain moving abilities" and delivering the knowledge strait to you.

Starting now, RedRock's "Beer Yogi" Kevin Templin is summoning people to the mount and would like to impart his considerable, award winning knowledge to those who desire it. RedRock Beer School is now accepting enrollment for the fall semester.

The best part about the Beer Yogi's classes? Clothing is optional... though I don't think Kevin really wants know what your are or are not wearing.

Kevin will be occasionally be emailing his brew musing to those who sign up at here and you’ll also be the first to know about live beer classes(clothing is required), tastings and new brews.

So, sign up today and you can tell your mom that your "actually doing something with your life".

Cheers!

Medal Winners for You!

We got the opportunity to try a lot of great beers at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival. I wanted to share some info on some of those great beers with you, but decided it wouldn't be very productive to tell you about stuff that for the most part may be very difficult for most people living in the area to obtain.

So we came up with the next best thing, a list of some of the medal winning beer that you can buy in the state of Utah. If you haven't had any of these, I'd recommend giving them a shot. And if you have? Revisit them when you have the chance.

As always here's a link to the complete list.

Cheers!

Mirror Pond Pale Ale
Deschutes Brewery

Apricot Ale
Pyramid Breweries

Pale 31
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Red Nectar
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Hazelnut Brown Nectar
Rogue Ales

Samuel Adams Honey Porter
Boston Beer Co.

Squatters Wit
Utah Brewers Cooperative

King's Peak Porter
Uinta Brewing Co.

Sierra 30 Jack and Ken's Ale
Sierra Nevada Brewing (available soon)

DBA
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Estate Homegrown Ale
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Bachelor ESB
Deschutes Brewery
Bend, OR

Redrock Nut Brown Ale
Redrock Brewing Co.

Wasatch Summerbrau
Utah Brewers Cooperative

Squatters Hells Keep
Utah Brewers Cooperative

Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout
Rogue Ales

825 State Stout
Epic Brewing Co.

Redrock Black Bier
Redrock Brewing Co.

The Following "Yellow Fizzy Beers" did win medals. Please try them as well. Do you think they are deserving?

Michelob AmberBock
Michelob Brewing Co.

Miller Lite
Miller Brewing Co.

Old Milwaukee
Pabst Brewing Co.

Miller Genuine Draft
Miller Brewing Co.

Hamm's
Miller Brewing Co.

Old Style
Pabst Brewing Co.

Fest Devious from Epic

Epic Brewing Co. in Salt Lake City has announced they've created a new series of beers especially designed for the Autumn months.

The Fest Devious line will be similar to Epic's Exponential Line in that the beers will be limited batches of highly creative recipes designed for the Fall Seasons palate.

Release #1 is a very light copper colored Märzen Lager made from Weyerman Pilsner, CaraMunich, Munich Malt 20, and Bonlander Munich Malt. Hoppped with Premiant, Tettnang and Saaz hops. It comes in right around 6% ABV. And should be available this afternoon or evening (9-24-10).

Fest Devious Release #2 will be the first curve ball, as it will be a Harvest Ale, made with local fresh (wet) Columbus and Cascade hops from Tim at Salt Lake's High Desert Organic Hop Farm. It has a blend of Maris Otter and Briess base malts along with a Caramel and Munich malts. It will be released in about two weeks.

Release #3 to be another Marzen but very different from release number one. No set release date.

All of these beers are pretty limited as they are 10 barrel batches. And will sell for a reasonable $4.29 each.

Cheers!

Squatters' New Bottle Shop

Sorry things have been so quiet this week. That whole "work" thing is getting in the way.

You may have noticed that when purchasing high ABV beers from some breweries and brewpubs you have needed to buy them directly from the brewhouse itself or from a specific area of the restaurant.

This is due to requirements of the of the packaging license that the breweries have. Since this license basically makes the brewery/brewpub an agent of the state they require some sort of storefront area.

Uinta opened their new shop area last month, Hoppers has it's own entrance; now Squatters Brewpub has created it's own bottle shop area specifically for people who want to make those out the door purchases.

In the case of Squatters, the brewhouse staff (Jenny & Jason) would have to man the door to the brewery. This cut into production time and created very limited hours. Now with a new dedicated shop, you can buy the high ABV stuff cold - virtually anytime.

The new bottle shop hours are now Monday through Saturday 11am to midnight. Most Squatters brands are available including Fifth Element and Squatters IPA in a Chubby (5ltr Keg).

Cheers!

Some Damn Fine Beers!

Saturdays brief post pretty much said it all. Utah's participants at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival had another outstanding showing at the beer competition.

I guess you kinda had to be there. When the Utah Brewers Cooperative was named Mid-Size Brewing Company of the Year, the crowd gasped at first - then cheered wildly. The industry folks really seemed happy to see Utah do well.

This is the second time in three years that a Utah brewery/brewpub has taken top honors at GABF. 2007 saw RedRock Brewing Company in Salt Lake City take home honors for Large Brewpub of the Year.

Many from outside Utah and even from within still have preconceived ideas about what Utah beer is and how it measures-up on a national and worldwide stage. You don't have to like Utah's beer but you can't deny that when all labels are removed, and you judge on taste not Alcohol by Volume our beers/brewers can Rock-it!

Congratulations to all that won and please go visit your local Brewery and Bewpub, medal winner or not - and ask them for a great local beer!

Mid-Size Brewing Company of the Year:
Utah Brewers Cooperative

Session Beers
Uinta: Kings Peak Porter - Bronze
Squatters: Witbier - Gold

Dortmunder/Oktoberfest
Wasatch: Summerbrau - Gold

German Schwartzbier
RedRock: Black Lager - Gold

American Brown Ale
RedRock: Nut Brown - Silver

Belgian Style Strong Specialty Ale
Squatters: Hell's Keep - Bronze

Oatmeal Stout
Epic Brewing Co.: 825 State Stout - Bronze

Here's a link to all of the winners at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival.
and a few photos.






Cheers!

Utah's 2010 Great American Beer Festival Winners

The awards ceremony just ended. Here's how our Utah crew did. Congratulations to all!

Cheers!

Winners

Session Beers
Kings Peak Porter - Bronze
Squatters Wit - Gold

Dortmunder/Oktoberfest
Summerbrau - Gold

German Schwartz
RedRock Black Lager - Gold

American Brown Ale
RedRock Nut Brown - Silver

Belgian Style Strong Specialty Ale
Hell's Keep - Bronze

Oatmeal Stout
825 State Stout - Bronze

Mid-Size Brewing Company of the Year:
Utah Brewers Cooperative

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

A Report From GABF

Apparently AT&T's coverage in Denver is nonexistent. so updates on Utah Beer will have to be done through Facebook. So check the Utah Beer Facebook Page for updates until AT&T gets their Denver Shit Together.

Trust me, we're having a bloody good time.

cheers.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

I'm Leav'n on a Jet Plane

We're off to the Great American Beer Festival! Posts may be spotty, but look for Utah's winners to be posted sometime Saturday.

Cheers!

Chubbies for Sale!

The Wasatch/Squatters Chubbies are now on sale at the Utah Brewers Co-op Beer Store. Squatters IPA is available right now and the new Wasatch Golden Ale should be out this week (if not already out). There are four labels set to be released in the 5 liter mini kegs. The Chubbies sell for $23.95 and will soon be available in many Utah Liquor Stores.

The Great American Beer Festival is this week and many of the local brewers will be out of town representing. This means many of the smaller brewery beer stores will be closed or have limited hours, so check before heading out.

Also, Jenny and Jason over at Squatters have brewed-up the second release of last years hit, Outer Darkness Imperial Stout. It's scheduled for release on or near Halloween. Rumors are Outer Darkness may become a year round offering. Stay tuned.

Cheers!

Fest Fix?

Depending on who you talk to, last Saturday's beer festival was a huge success or a major disaster. The public's desire for good local beer was evident. Last minute ticket sales exploded leaving event organizer a bit overwhelmed.

The major problem was too many people not having access to the beer they paid big money for. In my opinion this has nothing to do with lack of planning; it's a simple numbers game.

The Wasatch Front is approximately the 30th largest market in the United States. As of 2008 Utah was ranked 24th in breweries per capita. This ranking has surely gone up with the addition of two new breweries this year. While that's a lot of breweries compared with more than half of the country, a festival like this, for a market of our size frankly needs more participating breweries to accommodate all the people.

It's tough in this regard because our beer laws don't really make it easy for out of state breweries to participate locally because of the whole "kegs vs high alcohol beer thing".

There are no easy fixes, just trial and error to find the best scenario for our area. I've been to more than my fair share of beer festivals around the country, and I've seen what works and what doesn't. I'm not going to try to "Monday Morning Quarterback" this thing because I just don't have all the info. But your constructive feed back will go a long way to make each attempt better and better.

Also, today Hoppers should be releasing their Stein Knockers Märzen today. If you got to the fest early enough you were able to get a early sample. Once again, Brewmaster/Secret Agent Donovan Steele Rocked-it!

Cheers!

2010 Utah Beer Fest Preview

It's Beerfest time tomorrow and if you haven't picked up you tickets for the City Weekly Utah Beer Festival, you'd better get on it! There are a limited number number of tickets available and the price goes up ten bucks if you wait until tomorrow.

Tickets are available at most participating breweries, City Weekly's Offices downtown and at Smithtix.

In past beer festivals your were able to bring children and pets. This is not the case for this particular festival. It all a technicality on the type of permit for the festival. So leave Rover and the kiddies with Gramps and Granny.

Need more info? I shot a preview story for Fox13 News. Hope to see you there!

Cheers.

A Second Chance for You!

If you take a look at Utah's new beer landscape, you'll find a wide array of beers that span the entire "Beeriodic Table". Some of Utah's most unique beers are of such limited batch size, they disappear as soon as they appear.

Two of these rare and different beers hail from Squatters Brewpub. The 5th Element Saison and the 529 Oud Bruin. These two locally made beers gave some Utahans who may be unfamiliar with some of the more brilliant of Belgian styles, a glimpse of rare styles that they may have never experienced.

Until a few weeks ago I thought that Squatters had sold out of them all. Happily I was wrong. There are still limited quantities of both of these beers available for purchase at Squatters' Bottle shop.

If you never got the opportunity to try one of these great beers, you've been given a second chance. The bottle shop has limited hours. Mon-Wed-Fri from Noon to 3pm.

Also, Jackie Briggs from the City Weekly Utah Beer Festival, Dave Cole owner of Epic Brewing Co. and myself will be talking beer on Park City TV's Mountain Views News Program tonight. The show airs daily at 6pm. Check your local TV provider for channel info.

Cheers!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Shades of Pale News

Tenacity. You've got to have plenty of it when your brewery is literally a one man band operation. Shades of Pale Brewing Company, the little brewery in Park City doesn't get a lot of press (yet), but the enthusiasm of owner/brewer Trent Fargher keeps people interested in his beers; even if he has to give them away.

And that's exactly what he's planning on doing (sort of) at the Utah Beer Festival a week from tomorrow. Shades of Pale's initial line up is set and will be available for sampling. "We have 240 gallons of beer ready to enter kegs for chilling and carbonation for the event, hope we have enough". Trent told me earlier in the week.

Three styles we will be pouring, Parley's Pale White Ale, Slippery Slope Espresso Stout and A Perfect Stranger Kolsch. They have all come a long way and will be part of the foundational line in the coming months.

Trent is also working on three others new beers that will be ready in November and is planning on a late October - early November release date.

If your planning on attending the Utah Beer Fest, be sure you stop by Shades of Pale and get to know the New Kid.

Cheers!

Hoppers Stein Knocker

About a month ago, many readers got their panties in a bunch over a post titled "Greg Schirf Has a Chubby for You". The title perfectly described the story at hand. Greg Schirf had a mini keg, he's nicknamed the chubby (because it's well...chubby) in his hand and he'd love for you to have them them. Any inference to a dirty pun is on your dirty mind, not his or mine.

This morning I briefly wrestled with today's title and completely pussed-out. Today's post was set to be titled, "Nice Knockers"! which like the above mentioned title is a accurate description of the artwork and the beer. I caved in. So (at least for today) the more squeamish will get a reprieve. Now on to the beer.

Donovan Steele, Secret Agent and Brewmaster at Hopper Brewpub will be adding a new addition to their Storehouse Reserve Series in the next couple of weeks.

Next up is an Old-style Oktoberfest-Märzen called Stein Knocker Lager. It's made with all German grain and Spalter Select Hops. Märzenbiers are some of my favorite lagered beers. They're typically dark copper in color with a medium to high alcohol content. They are full-bodied, rich, toasty, with slight hints of vanilla. Donovan is quite talented where lagers are concerned, this one should be quite nice and will come in at 6.0% abv.

Märzens usually only pop-up during the fall months and it looks like Dono's will be amongst the first this season. As the release dates get closer we'll let you know when and where they'll be available.

Prost!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]