Provo to Legalize Beer on Sunday?

In recent weeks Utah's beer community has been dealt a few blows when it comes to the the availability of beer. It's evil and should be hidden from view in places where it's siren song can entice children onto it's jagged rocks.

Provo, one of the most conservative and LDS places in Utah currently bans the sale of low point beers on Sunday. That may change. "This could be the end of Provo-bition," quipped Councilwoman Sherrie Hall Everett.

The Municipal Council agreed Tuesday to put an ordinance permitting Sunday beer sales on the agenda for the Sept. 20 council work session. The goal: Tap into the beer consumers who drive through Provo to Springville or other cities to get a six-pack on Sunday.

"To me, this is a no-brainer," Councilman Sterling Beck said. "We’re losing revenue by not legalizing it." James Olsen, president of the Utah Beer Wholesalers Association, hasn’t had a chance to discuss the ordinance with his members, but he said it could reduce drunken driving. He reasoned that if people drive farther to get beer, they may be tempted to drink it before they get home.

Who'd a thunk it, Provo? I'm sure Sen. Valentine is revving up the his overconsumption mobile to squash this craziness before it begins.

Cheers!

Source: Salt Lake Trib

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Uinta 2.0

Last April Uinta Brewing Company decided that they were going with a new look. Gone was the iconic bottle cap that we had all grown up with and in it's place, a new - slicker design that took on a more of "outdoorsy" encompassing feel.

Back then we thought it was just the logo. Sure, we anticipated that it would be integrated into the same ol' labels, but I don't think any of us anticipated the scope of change we were in for.

Not only are we looking at new artwork, but and entirely new bottle as well - Uinta designed a custom, proprietary 12 ounce bottle as part of the redesign project. Referred to as the “compass bottle,” the new bottle shape is branded by a 360-degree compass embossed into the bottle’s shoulder. That's it up above. Click on it and check it out. I think it's pretty sharp.

Those aren't the only changes coming your way from Uinta. The Four+ brand is going away and all labels under that brand will now fall under the Uinta umbrella. Who knows, that Rype hoodie that you've been sport'n to all of those artsy-fartsy gallery openings may be a collectable some day.

Uinta’s “Organic Line” replaces the Four+ Series. The Organic Line includes three full-time brands: Baba Black Lager (New!), Wyld Extra Pale Ale; and Monkshine Belgian Blonde Ale. The line features four seasonal brands: Hazel Amber Wheat (new!); Punk’n Harvest Pumpkin Ale; Sum’r Summer Ale; and Hyve Honey Ale.

Uinta’s “Classic Line” will consist of eight full-time brews varying from 4.0 to 10.4% abv: Hop Notch IPA (New!); Cutthroat Pale Ale; Dubhe Imperial Black IPA; Anniversary Barley Wine; Golden Spike Hefeweizen; Hoodoo Kolsch; King’s Peak Porter; and Trader Session IPA. The seasonal brands include Bristlecone Brown Ale; Yard Sale Winter Lager; and Skipping Stone Summer Lager.

Uinta’s ‘Crooked Line’ preserves its tradition of engaging local artists to design the labels for untraditional beers packaged in 750ml cork finished bottles.

You may have noticed that there are three new beers coming. Hop Notch IPA (yea!), Baba Black Lager & Hazel Amber wheat. I have to admit that I'm a little bummed the Gelende name is going away and I'm gunna miss the Anniversary Barleywine labels. As long as the beer is the same, I'll get over it.

I give the guys at Uinta credit, this is no small undertaking. A re-branding of this magnitude ain't cheap. I think the new look will be a hit.

Here are the labels that'll be cluttering up your fridge in the coming weeks. Watcha think?

Click to enlarge

Cheers!

22 Years and Still Pouring

New Beer Friday 9/2/11

Whew... man, what a crazy beer week. I don't know if you noticed, but you don't fuck with a Utahans beerfest. Christ, many of you brought your "A" games to the forum along with throwing stars, nunchakus and baseball bats when it came to the Utah Beerfest analysis.

You were also full of piss and vinegar when it came to Senator Valentine's pious bullshit on X96's Radio From Hell Show. After all the frustration & irritation of the past week, we're gunna make sure it ends right.

This weeks new beer selections are as yummy as they are different.

First off is Full Sail's Elevation IIPA: The nose is very floral and grassy with a mild sugary sweetness. The taste starts with citrusy grapefruit up front, floral and perfumey hops take over coming in behind the initial citrus hit. Smoothing sugary sweetness underneath the hops and into the finish. Not the best or the worst IIPA I've had but it's a limited edition, so it'll likely not be available again.

Next is Deschutes' Black Butte XXIII Porter: This is "the shit". Pours brown with hints of tinted ruby red on the sides. The nose is slightly vinous with notes of cocoa, vanilla and oak. The taste starts with intense cocoa, roasted malts, molasses and oak. The end is full of vanilla, cinnamon and bourbon. The finish is bitter and boozy. The flavors are spot on for the style. Everything is nicely balanced. A great beer that will just get better with age.

Both are in select liquor stores around the state.

Also, Uinta is still waiting on the state to approve their Jacked Imperial Pumpkin Ale. As soon as it gets the green light we'll let you know.

Cheers!

Thanks, Radio From Hell!

On Monday news broke of the return of the So-called "Zion Curtain". These are opaque partitions that separate diners from bartenders keeping the evils of alcohol out of view of dinners. This time around these ridiculous walls are now closing on eateries whose only alcoholic beverage is beer... 3.2 beer to be exact! The lowest of the low alcoholic beverages.

Yesterday in a stroke of lucky scheduling Radio From Hell on X96 had scored a interview with Orem Senator John Valentine. If you not familiar, Valentine is the Chairman of the Senate Business and Labor Committee. This is where all liquor legislation in the state lives or dies before going to the House and Senate. Coincidentally, Valentine is the author of most of the asinine and prohibitive laws that have come around in recent memory. Including the "Zion Curtain".

The radio From Hell interview started amiable enough with Valentine explaining the reasons for the proposed liquor store closures, but soon gave way to frustration and question dodging.

Valentine's lack of candor sent hosts, Bill Allred and Kerry Jackson's frustrations on fire as the two peppered Valentine with accusations of doubles speak while co-host Gina Barberi tried to keep the peace.

It wasn't a text book lesson in "interviewing" but they said shit that I've been wanting to convey to Valentine for years. I was getting so frustrated at some of the admissions that were made by the Orem Senator, I nearly had to pull off to the side of the road.

If this pious bullshit frustrates you like it does me, I urge you to check out the entire interview here and give us your thoughts. Thanks, RFH!

Cheers!

Hop Harvest Help!

Oh my Brothas and Sistas.... I feeel your souls are heavy.... I feeel that your Karma is as thin as the rice paper beneath Quai Chang Kane's feet (look it up).

I offer you salvation.... yes, salvation that can only come from working the land... from being one with the soil... oh and did I mention that it pays in beer?

Our Brotha, Chris Haas - Brewmaster at Desert Edge Brewery needs your help making his special all local, wild hopped beer, Radius.

If you have the time, Chris could really use a few extra hands today. Meet at Desert Edge (The Pub) at 10am or email Chris at brews@xmission.com to find out where they are.

Be sure to wear long pants and shirt sleaves, the hop leaves can be very scratchy.

Did I mention it pays in beer?

Cheers!

2011 Utah Beerfest Recap

Well it looks like the critiques have been coming in on the second annual Utah Beerfest and they've for the most part been less then kind.

And deservedly so. Many people had to wait in huge lines for a chance to snag a small mug of beer, some not getting a chance spend the tokens that came with their ticket. That sucks, but it's not necessarily the fault of the festival's organizers.

I've been to a lot of beer festivals around the west, some done well - some not so well. This one was done well - and I'll tell you why. They learned from what didn't work last year, they listened, gathered feedback and implemented what what they could.

The problem with the beerfest is the state of Utah. This market (Salt Lake) is too big to have a beerfest of such limited size. The last beerfest held in Salt Lake was over four years prior to 2010's fest, and in that time beer, or should I say craft beer has exploded in popularity.

In a market of similar size you wouldn't see problems like massive lines for beer, because you would have at least triple the number of breweries in attendance. That won't happen in Utah because of the brilliant 4.0% limit on draft law.

Many out of state breweries would love to attend a Utah Beer Festival, they're just not willing to go through the expense and bullshit to attend. No brewery in their right mind would send hundreds of cases of bottles from out of state, when they could send two or three kegs instead.

What I'm saying is, don't blame the organizers (City Weekly) they did a fine job with what they had to work with. The Wasatch Front is just to damn big to have a beerfest of such limited size. One possible fix could be to spread it out over two days with less tickets for sale.

What do you think? Is this about Utah's limitations or something else?

And on a side note. The breweries were amazing. The quality of the beers were as good as you'd find in the finest beer markets. Thanks to you all for such great craft beers!

Cheers!

New Beer Friday: Jacked Imperial Pumpkin

New Beer Friday came late but it came with a vengeance!

Uinta Brewing Company introduces the newest addition to their Crooked Line of beers, Oak Jacked Imperial Wood Aged Pumpkin Ale. Whew, that's a mouthful... “Jacked” is a very limited, seasonal beer, only 850 cases were produced.

Jacked is brewed with fresh pumpkin and fall spices and has been aging in Oak barrels for 6 months. The oak barrels add subtle nuances of toasted vanilla and bourbon notes. With an ABV of 10.31% (a play on the date of Halloween), Jacked is a big, unique pumpkin ale.

Jacked was supposed to debut tomorrow at the Utah Beerfest, but it looks like Uinta is still waiting on the DABC for approval. If you don't see it tomorrow it will be available in bars and liquor stores in the coming days and weeks.

See you at the Utah Beer Festival.

Cheers!

2011 Utah Beer Festival Reminder

If your planning on attending the Utah Beer Festival this Saturday, August 27th - you'd better start getting that hamster wheel in your head turn'n soon. Your gunna need tickets (they are limited), a ride (you know why) and a little mental preparation (you don't want to be that douche that ruins it for the rest of us).

If you a homebrewer, there will be free glass beer bottles to take home with you after the fest, just visit the SLC Brew Supplies booth at the festival to sign up. Bottles will be set aside for those who signed up and available to pick up after 5 at the designated area.

It's gunna be damn hot! So plan accordingly. Also keep the kids at home. They're not allowed - besides you don't want them seeing you at your worst anyway. It's not for you, it's not good for them.

Here's a map of the fest to help you plan out your attack. Click on it to enlarge. Hope to see you there!

Cheers!

DABC Show Ep 1.5 The Mountain Brewer's Beer Festival

In Today's episode of Drinking Alcoholic Beverages Constantly, our intrepid duo explore the Mountain Brewers Festival in Idaho Falls, Idaho. If you've never attended a beer festival out of state, this will give you a good idea of what your missing out on, as far as variety goes. Also, There is a new poll!



Cheers!

2011 Beehive Brew-off Winners

The Third Annual Beehive Brew-off has come and gone and this year saw a record number of entries. Nearly 500 entries were submitted covering just about every style under the sun.

Here are the winners. Congrats to all!

Beehive Brew Off 2011 Results
August 20-21st 2011
Sponsored by The Beer Nut/ZZHops
482 Entries
==========================================================================
1 Light Lager (9 Entries)
Mike Johnson Standard American Lager 1B Standard American 1
Scott Hunt Mow my lawn bitch 1B Standard American 2
James Nicodemus Stella 1C Premium American 3
==========================================================================
2 Pilsner (15 Entries)
Scott Hunt Cup Czech Pils 2B Bohemian Pilsner 1
Vince Stuart G.P. Lite 2B Bohemian Pilsner 2
Marti Dana Pile Driver Pils 2B Bohemian Pilsner 3
==========================================================================
3 Euro Amber Lager (13 Entries)
Bryan Van Winkle Vee Dub Vienna 3A Vienna Lager 1
Travis Grimm Festbier 3B Oktoberfest 2
John Hansen Autumn Rush 3B Oktoberfest 3
==========================================================================
4 Dark Lager (12 Entries)
Tracy Johancsik Dawn's Dunkel 4B Munich Dunkel 1
John Hansen Celestial Swartzbier 4C Schwarzbier 2
Vince Stuart Wagner Wobble 4C Schwarzbier 3
==========================================================================
5 Bock (12 Entries)
Mike Mirabella The Crushinator 5C Doppelbock 1
Travis Grimm Detonator 5C Doppelbock 2
Scott Hunt Flocculator 5C Doppelbock 3
==========================================================================
6 A,B,C Light Hybrid (16 Entries)
Alex Lemieux and Tory Clayton K-Beer 6C Koelsch 1
Alex Lemieux and Tory Clayton Summer Blonde 6B Blond Ale 2
Andrew Swan Centennial Blonde 6B Blond Ale 3
==========================================================================
6D American Wheat/Rye (13 Entries)
Matt Lewis Rye Know Why 6D American Wheat or Rye Beer 1
Mike Mirabella The Why of Rye 6D American Wheat or Rye Beer 2
Tom Shivers American Wheat 6D American Wheat or Rye Beer 3
==========================================================================
7 Amber Hybrids (9 Entries)
John Knoop Munich Lager 7C Dusseldorf Altbier 1
Rob Phillips Steam Bound for CA 7B California Common Beer 2
Alan Burnham Session Common 7B California Common Beer 3
==========================================================================
8 English Pale Ales (14 Entries)
Scott Hunt Tigershark esb 8B Special/Best/Premium Bitter 1
Sean Meegan ESB Easy as 123 8C Extra Special/Strong Bitter (EPA) 2
Robert Glenn Wanker ESB 8C Extra Special/Strong Bitter (EPA) 3
==========================================================================
9 Scottish and Irish Ale (14 Entries)
Kyle Callister Dressing up Scottish Scottish 80/- 1
Matt Walker Biscuits For Smut Strong Scotch Ale 2
Michael Goode and Allison Truong Snowshoe Heavy AleStrong Scotch Ale 3
==========================================================================
10A American Pale (25 Entries)
Justin Kingsford JPA (Justin Pale Ale) 10A American Pale 1
Aaron Smith and Izaak WiermanWhipping Post Pale 10A American Pale 2
Eric Brauser Kickback APA 10A American Pale 3
==========================================================================
10B American Amber (16 Entries)
Trent Bangert Angus Ale 10B American Amber 1
Justin Kingsford Amber Ale 10B American Amber 2
Josh Van Jura Abolishian Amber 10B American Amber 3
==========================================================================
10C American Brown (6 Entries)
Paul Gailey Trip One 10C American Brown 1
Trent Bangert Yep, Yep, Yep, Yep 10C American Brown 2
Michael Brown YAJB 10C American Brown 3
==========================================================================
11 English Brown Ale (8 Entries)
Travis Grimm Mental Mild 11A Mild 1
Dallas Barlow Rated X 11A Mild 2
Doug Kirchner Celtic Mild 11A Mild 3
==========================================================================
12 Porter (23 Entries)
Mike Johnson Robust Porter 12B Robust Porter 1
Andrew Jensen Baltic Porter 12C Baltic Porter 2
Dave Watson Porter Starboard 12A Brown Porter 3
==========================================================================
13 Stout (19 Entries)
Steve Furse Strongman Stout 13C Oatmeal Stout 1
Weston Barkley Building Blocks 13A Dry Stout 2
Connor Papineau Aesthetics of hate 13E American Stout 3
==========================================================================
13F Russian Imperial Stouts (6 Entries)
Trent Bangert Court of Catherine Russian Imperial Stout 1
Ricky Hansing and Quinn Eskelsen Trojan Horse Russian Imperial Stout 2
Brad Williams Russian Imperial Stout Russian Imperial Stout 3
Jeremy Geiger Risky RIS Russian Imperial Stout 3
==========================================================================
14 India Pale Ale (29 Entries)
Lawrence Ostroski Rose Park IPA 14B American IPA 1
Scott Hunt IPA 74 14B American IPA 2
James Mancuso and Connor Forbes Drop it Like it is Hop American IPA 3
==========================================================================
14C Imperial IPA (9 Entries)
Chris Detrick Jack Morman Rye IPA 14C Imperial IPA 1
Travis Grimm Infirmary Double IPA 14C Imperial IPA 2
Phillip Davis Imperial IPA 14C Imperial IPA 3
==========================================================================
15 German Wheat and Rye (15 Entries)
Ed Scott Weizenbock 15C Weizenbock 1
Dallas Barlow Kick Ass Wedding Wheat 15A Weizen 2
Kyle Callister At Night Weizen 15B Dunkelweizen 3
==========================================================================
16A Witbier (7 Entries)
Don Gladfelter None 16A Witbier 1
Sarah Nelson Wit 16A Witbier 2
James Mancuso and Connor Forbes Garcon Blanc 16A Witbier 3
==========================================================================
16 C,D Saison & Biere de Garde (19 Entries)
Alex Lemieux and Tory Clayton Biere de Mars 16D Biere de Garde 1
Dallas Barlow In the Desert Dry Farmhouse Ale 16C Saison 2
Mark Eury C'est L'ete 16C Saison 3
==========================================================================
16 B,E Belgian Pale and Specialty (19 Entries)
Dallas Barlow She is a Bit of a Tart 16E Belgian Specialty 1
Daren Wightman Dack Framboise 16E Belgian Specialty 2
Mike Hahn Imperial Orval 16E Belgian Specialty 3
==========================================================================
17 Sour Beers (9 Entries)
Dallas Barlow Halten Sie Den Schuss 17A Berliner Weisse 1
Brent Winkler Flanders Red 17B Flanders Red 2
Chris Detrick Berliner Weiss 17A Berliner Weisse 3
==========================================================================
18 Belgian Strong (21 Entries)
Dallas Barlow Triple Poules Francais 18C Belgian Tripel 1
Connor Papineau St. Papineau's 18E Belgian Dark Strong Ale 2
Ben Knorr Dubbel Blizzard 18B Belgian Dubbel 3
==========================================================================
19 English & American Barleywine (13 Entries)
Mike Hahn English Barleywine 19B English Barleywine 1
Aaron Smith Beast of Burden 19C American Barleywine 2
Rob Kent Grizzly Adams 19B English Barleywine 3
==========================================================================
20 Fruit Beer (23 Entries)
Michael Anderson LiliKoi Ale 20A Fruit Beer 1
David Pang and Casey Jones Cherry Vanilla Lager 20A Fruit Beer 2
Cami Kent Veridian Cream 20A Fruit Beer 3
==========================================================================
21 Spice, Herb, Vegetable Beer (22 Entries)
Travis GrimmFire in the Hole Chipotle Pale Spice, Herb, Vegetable Beer 1
Trent BangertBANGERT'S BREAKFAST BEER Spice, Herb, Vegetable Beer 2
Casey Ruff Serrano Blonde Spice, Herb, Vegetable Beer 3
==================================================================================
22 Smoke Flavored and Wood Aged (10 Entries)
Mike Johnson Cigar-Cedar aged IPA 22C Wood-Aged Beer 1
Sarah Nelson Rauchweizen 22B Other Smoked Beer 2
Trent Bangert Oakdogg 22C Wood-Aged Beer 3
===========================================================================
23A Specialty Beer (33 Entries)
Dawn Gray Chocolate Starfish Porter 23A Specialty Beer 1
Rob Kent Old Crepuscular 23A Specialty Beer 2
Hans Groberg Big Brother 23A Specialty Beer 3
===========================================================================
24, 25, 26 Meads (16 Entries)
Dirk Howard Peach Mead 25C Other Fruit Melomel 1
Rob and Cami Kent Armfunkel 26B Braggot 2
Andrew Dalton Ginger Metheglin 26A Metheglin 3
============================================================================
27, 28 Ciders (7 Entries)
Tom Shivers Apple Ginger Cider 28D Other Spec. Cider/Perry 1
Travis Grimm Nice Try Cider 27A Common Cider 2
Steve Furse Five O Clock Cider 27A Common Cider 3
============================================================================
BEST OF SHOW
Ed Scott Wienbock 15C Weizenbock 1
Dallas Barlow Triple Poules Francais 18C Belgian Tripel 2
Dallas Barlow She is a Bit of a Tart 16E Belgian Specialty 3
=============================================================================

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 8/19/11

Today we have just one, special new beer. It's newness isn't what makes this beer special it's special because it's a Pro/Am beer.

For quite a few years the Great American Beer Festival has held a Pro/Am competition as part of the yearly, three day beer event. Utahans were never able to participate for the longest time because homebrewing was technically illegal.
Now that it's legal homebrewers can finally team up with the Pros and participate on a national stage.

Local Homebrewer, Travis Grimm teamed up with Uinta brewing to reproduce his 2010 Beehive Brew-off winning Grimmbrau Schwarzherz for the Pro/Am. The beer, now called Schwarzherz Black Heart is available for a limited time - only at Uinta's taphouse and The Bayou.

I've not had it yet, I'll be fixing that tonight, but I suspect it wouldn't have been made had it not been wonderful.

That's not the only Pro/Am going into the national competition. Another award winning home-brewer, Mike Hahn Teamed up with Epic Brewing to produce one of Mike's beers. It's a Scotch style beer that will likely be released in the next few weeks under the Festdevious label.

Is there another Pro/Am beer out there that I'm missing? Please let us know if there is.

Cheers!

New Brewer at Tracks

Rob Kent, one of the former Head Brewers at Uinta Brewing has taken over the Brewhouse at the Tracks Brewery. The basic beer styles are the same, but have been "cleaned up" by Rob.

The beers are good, but they'll never be great if we happy beer loving citizens fail to gives him some support. The next time your out that way stop in and try a pint. If you like it let the management know that you like what Rob's doing. If you can't make the drive to Tooele, Track will be pouring at the Utah Beerfest next week. Stop by the Tracks tent and give them another shot.

Hopfully, Track's management will give him lease to branch out and provide some long needed locally made variety to the people of Tooele.

Cheers!

2011 Snowbird Oktoberfest

Believe it or not it's already time to start dusting off that German kellnerin costume and those lederhosen because it's Oktoberfest time once again!

Starting this Saturday - August 20, 2011 the 39th annual Snowbird Oktoberfest begins. Oktoberfest Halle located in the Snowbird Event tent is chock full of music, dancing and traditional German cuisine including bratwurst, sauerkraut, apfelstrudel and of course local craft beers.

The Alphorns also perform on Hidden Peak everyday of Oktoberfest at 3:15 p.m. Oktoberfest runs through October 9th every weekend, so there's plenty of time to take it all in.

There's one tiny thing that irks me about this Oktoberfest... No damn Märzen! How can you have an Oktoberfest without the traditional beer?! I guess I'm going to have to make it my personal crusade to get one of the beer providers to make a special Oktoberfest style beer for 19 day festival... Just say'n.

And speaking of Märzens - Hoppers' Brewmaster and Secret Agent, Donovan Steele will have his Oktoberfest beer, Stein Knockers available for the Upcoming City Weekly Beerfest. If your not sure what a Märzen is? try this one, and you'll know why the style should be represented at Snowbird.

Prost!

Moab Can!

We've been trying to keeping you up to date on the great things going on at Moab Breweing. Every day the new Moab gets closer going on line.

Today we have a preview of the artwork for their new cans. Deadhorse Amber Ale is one of their best sellers, looking forward to the newly packaged beers.

Moab has also announced that an IPA will be in their canned line-up. look for that one around the first of the year.

Cheers!

A Sunny Day at Uinta

Earth, Wind & Beer. That's been Uinta Brewing Company's mantra for quite a few years. Since 2001 Uinta has been 100% wind powered, putting their money where their mouth is. Literally.

Wind power is a little more expensive than power off the standard grid, but after a decade "on the wind" Uinta's commitment is as strong as ever. So strong that they're going one better and adding solar to help fill their energy needs.

Uinta’s power will now be 85% Wind and 15% Solar. Last week the brewery installed solar-electric paneling on the brewery’s roof, allowing up to 30KW of electrical power to be generated for Uinta’s beer production—roughly 15% of the brewery’s power usage.

Uinta has installed a digital monitor in the brewery’s foyer, which will display both the amount of energy Uinta is currently using, as well as how much power the solar panels are generating for the brewery.

Now their beer makes you feel better in more ways than one! Congrats Uinta, and thanks for leading the way.

Also. If you plan on entering your homebrew into the Beehive Brew-off today is your last day. Get on it!

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 8/12/11

Today, here on the Wasatch Front we are just lousy with new and long time absent beers. So let's get to it!

Jolly Pumpkin Bam Bière: This starts with a great balance between old leather and hay. Straw, wheat and a little yeast is also present. Finishes with notes of clove and grass. Light in body with high carbonation, this is drying and mildly spicy on the finish. @Bayou

Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca: Starts with moderately tart orange and lemon with some mustiness. Wheat and black pepper join next with a dry citrus & coriander finish. The alcohol is well hidden. This is fairly dry for a Witbier, which really makes it shine. @Bayou

Serafijn Belgian Pale Ale: Starts with sweet apple and spice. Dry noble hops, phenols, and melon come next with herbal and mineral notes in the end. Somewhat dry in the finish. @Bayou

Drie Fonteinen Oude Geuze: Very complex flavor profile, fruity sourness followed by a little bit of funk and finishes off very dry. I really like the dryness of this beer. @Bayou

Tenaya Creek Tandem Double IPA: The taste starts with mild grapefruit citrus, tea, soft bitterness. Faint pine, and malt come next with florals and toasted in the finish. @Beerhive

Also congrats to Uinta on winning medals in New Zealand at a recent beer competition. Labyrinth won a silver in the stouts category and Cockeyed Cooper won bronze in the barrel aged category. Hip! Hip!

Cheers!

The 2nd Annual Festival of Flavors & Brewfest.

If your looking for something to do this weekend and want to get the hell out of town, I'd like to remind you that the 2nd Annual Festival of Flavors & Brewfest will be going on; starting this Saturday at Brian Head Resort.

Besides the beerfest the there will be a brewmasters mixer, a "peoples choice" beer competition, live music and local artists.

There will be at least eleven local breweries represented including High West Distillery and Castle Creek Winery.

The weather looks to be perfect, hope to see you there.

Cheers!

The DABC Show

Give a man a beer and a camera, odds are trouble will follow. Let's face it... you've done stupid shit, I've done stupid shit and it all ends up in the trash or on your Facebook page. Now, give a beer and camera to a beer geek and one of Salt Lake's hottest writers and you get the DABC Show.

Now this DABC isn't affiliated with the local, socialized purveyor of all things hooch. This DABC (Drinking Alcoholic Beverages Constantly) is an internet program that is hosted by two local boys, journalist Bill Frost and beer advocate Steve Koonce. The boys take you across the Beehive State and beyond to show you all of the great beer, wine and liquor (as well as some other deliciousness) that our brewers, vintners and distillers are producing.

Bill has a quick wit and Steve is pure eye candy. This will be the best 20 minutes of your day.

I'll throw up episodes here; weekly as they become available or you can visit the DABC Show headquarters for instant gratification. Thanks, Bill & Steve for sharing the beer love!

Today's episode: What's so epic about Epic? or Death Always Knocks Twice.

Cheers!

Moab's New Improved Brewery

Moab Brewing Company has been spending a lot of time and money over the last year expanding and remodeling their oasis in the desert.

One of the things that our desert brethren are looking forward to most is getting their local made beer back in the hands of Utah's consumers. For quite a while everything except for the beer at the brewpub in Moab, was made in Montana. No longer, this new facility will soon be handling all of Utah's needs.

Within the next week Moab's new canning line is due to arrive providing a new look and packaging. If all goes well we could be enjoying cans of Moab beer by September/October.

Cheers!

2011 Beehive Brew-Off Reminder

Just a reminder that entries for Utah's premier homebrew competition, The Beehive Brew-off are now being accepted.

Entry form, fee & beer deadline is Monday, August 15. Entry fees are $5.00 per entry. (Checks should be made payable to The Beer Nut) All entries must include the entry form and payment, and all bottles must have labels attached with rubber bands only. Improperly submitted entries, or entries received after August 15th, may be disqualified. Entry forms can be found here and labels can be found here.

One entry consists of three (3) bottles. To assure the anonymity of brewer, bottles must be standardized to the current AHA competition requirements: 12 oz bottles with no paper or inked labels, raised glass brand-name designs or any identifying or distinguishing marks on the bottle or cap identifying the brewer. Be sure that you enter your beer into the proper style category. Styles accepted include all styles listed in 2008 AHA Category Descriptions. Entries become property of The Beer Nut and will not be returned.

If your not sure of what category to enter your beer here's the style guidelines.

Judging will take place on August 20th - 21st. The awards ceremony with will be late Sunday afternoon on the 21st.

And there's a new poll. Most of the people I talk to love Belgian style beers. But there are also many who are not fans. What would you prefer, more or less?

Cheers!

Four!

I think it's safe to say, that Utahans have really come to embrace the Belgian Saison style of beer. This light and simple but very complex style of beer (when done properly) owes many of their fruity and earthy esters to the yeast.

In most Saisons the yeast is the star and if you want to get a good idea of how a properly used yeast strain can make a beer special, RedRock's Le Quatre (The Four) Saison is the perfect guide.

Beer Yogi, Kevin Templin and his talented crew have concocted a modern version of this once endangered style of beer. Le Quatre has starts with fruity tones with, mild to moderate tartness. Next comes lots of spice and is moderately hoppy. This refreshing ale boasts a modest abv of 6.2% and comes in RedRock's perfectly sized 500ml bottle.

Le Quatre will debut at RedRock's new location at Fashion Place Mall on Thursday, August 4th at 8pm.

RedRock is also pouring a 4.0% Saison at their downtown brewpub for a short time. Get some! I killed a growler of this by myself one afternoon and could have killed another no problemo.

In more RedRock related news; Remember Golden Halo? It got mixed reactions when it debuted and had problems finding a wider audience. Some were confused by the label, others were overpowered by the intense hop profile. I liked it... the taste I mean. That label still makes my sphincter pucker like a lemon sucking on a cigarette. Anyway, Golden Halo will soon be resurrected with a new look and new taste. More info to come.

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 7/29/11 Addendum (Two Steps Bock)

There is one more new beer for you today. Two Steps Bock. Squatters decided to slip this one in at the last minute. It was originally due to be released next week. Thanks for keeping me on my toes guys....

Now you'll notice I said Squatters, but the keg above plainly says Wasatch. This is one of those beers that are specifically designed to blow the minds of friends like Douglas, who pride themselves on the proper documentation of every beer made in state. And by the way he does an excellent job.

It was brewed at Squatters, kegged at Squatters, by the Squatters brew team but it bears the name Wasatch. Suffice it to say, it's a technicality derived from Squatters long time partnership in the Utah Brewers Cooperative.

Two Steps Bock is the final "chubby" release. There will be no more after this. I think you can get sense of the lingering frustrations that are apparent in the name. It seems every time progress is made locally someone pulls us back. One step forward - two steps back. This particular release is a glaring example of that.

It's a shame, it's a nice container. It's simple, has a nice industrial feel to it. Due to be a collectors item for sure.

The beer inside is a Helles Bock. These German lagers tend to be lighter in color than other Bock beers and often have a significant hop character with a noticeable alcohol around the same as traditional Bocks. I haven't had it yet but I have a feeling this - the final bon voyage for the chubby will be a winner. Only available at Squatters' bottle shop.

Prost!

New Beer Friday 7/29/11

For the last New Beer Friday of July, Mark from the Bayou has obtained some yummy "new to us" Lagunitas ales.

Lagunitas Little Sumpin Wild: I was hoping this was a wild ale in the true sense, with a little funk to give it a tart edge. Alas, it's not. It is however quite delicious, regardless. The nose is of spicy, peppery hops, fruity notes including peach, fig, citrus and white grapes. The taste is spicy, peppery and citrus hop notes with a fruity finish, including lime, figs and peaches.

Lagunitas Lucky 13: The nose is of citrusy hops, pear, round malty scents some metallic and raw alcohol notes. The taste is full, nearly sweet, toffee maltiness pitted against bright and aggresive floral and berry-like hops. Alcohol and light piney bitterness in the aftertaste.

Cheers!

A New Era at the DABC

There's a new person in charge at the Utah Department of Alcohol Beverage Control. Gov. Gary Herbert named Richard Sperry the chairman of the DABC Commission. The Governor also filled one of two vacancies on the commission, former state senator David Gladwell, an Ogden attorney, was confirmed to a four-year term on the commission.

Once the remaining commission seat is filled, a search for a new executive director for the department will get under way. The current executive director, Dennis Kellen, will be retiring after allegations of mismanagement.

This new commission will be different from others in recent history because it will be more tightly monitored and controlled by a select group of anti-liquor legislators who will have full control of the type of persons that enforce and administer the laws they pass.

I won't make any judgments on these new and pending appointments, but it's likely they'll do their masters bidding (Valentine & Waddoups) without question. Unlike former DABC Chairman, Sam Granato.

More Beer Taxes are Likely

Utahans love their taxes, especially when they're "use taxes". Now some of you may be saying, hold on there Beer Nerd, Utah is the most red of "red" states. Your wrong"! Trust the Beer Nerd... a politician loves nothing more than going to the "majority" of their constituents and proclaiming "we're raising the taxes but not on you fine, like-minded people". That's when "new taxes" really shine here.

This scenario is likely to happen if some in law enforcement have their way. Reed Richards, (Mr. Fantastic) a representative with the Utah Sheriffs Association, floated an idea early last week of earmarking five cents of the state’s beer tax for the county jails to make sure the Department of Corrections has the money to send inmates to the counties.

Reed's concept is that a five-cent tax increase on a 12-ounce beer would solve all of their budget problems because beer is the root cause of all of their inmates problems, ergo beer fixes it's own problems.

In regards to we beer drinkers, I don't think it's about adding a few more pennies to the price of a beer it's about beer drinkers and alcohol consumers being the states "whipping boy" every time some mismanaged state agency needs cash to fill some deficit - all the while rescuing drinker and non-drinker alike from annual budget issues.

If they decide to pile on us once again, urge the legislature to craft a modest and fair tax increase that would truly bring in the needed funds like, errr.... soda?

New Beer Friday 7/22/11

You made it to Friday. You've worked hard all week. You deserve a great beer. I've got a few new options for you today that are spread out over SL county.

Firestone Walker's Double Jack Double IPA: Really nice IPA. Hops are nice and smells unbelievable. Citrus is most noticeable with orange and grapefruit. Heavy piney sap is in there as well. The taste starts with grapefruit, cirtus, and even a hint of mango. Turns bitter toward the middle with piney hops that go till the finish. The finish leaves the mouth wet opposed to a dry, crisp end and lingers with bitterness. The 9.5% abv is well hidden. @ Beerhive.

Rogue Dad's Little Helper: This is Rogue's answer to the malt liquor. You know Colt 45? King Cobra? Anway the nose is of toasted malt, grass, and honey. The Taste starts with grass, honey, small amount of hops and toasted malt. Finishes grassy and boozy. not bad but I probably won't be going back for it. @ Beerhive

Bohemian Rye: This is supposedly a different rye beer from the one that was previously released. The nose is very flowery with some light earthy aromas and some biscuit malts. The taste is sweet upfront with some spicy and flowery notes in the background and has nice lasting bitterness. @ Bohemian Brewery

Desert Edge Espresso Stout: On nitro. The nose is of Espresso (duh!) a hint of cream, and a whisper of chocolate. The taste is mainly just espresso but executed with restraint. Moderate carbonation. A bit thinner than I'd prefer but it increases the drinkability factor. @ Bayou - Desert Edge.

Cheers!

Brewfest this Weekend and a Big Birthday

Just a reminder that the Third Annual Evanston Brew Fest is going on this weekend (7/23/11). The ticket price of $25.00 will include wristband for unlimited brew tasting and souvenir tasting mug. Brew tasting 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

It looks like a fine list of participating breweries. Definitely looks like it's worth the drive.

Alaskan
Avery
Blue Moon
Big Sky
Bohemian
Boulevard
Deschutes
Epic
Grand Teton
New Belgium
Odells
Oskar Blues
Shades of Pale
Sierra Nevada
Snake River
Suds Bros.

By the way, it was 25 years ago today the beer scene in Utah got....well it got one! The Wasatch Brewpub came into existence in Park City, Utah. Reinvigorating a population that was starved for something other than fizzy yellow beer. Thanks, Greg and the Wasatch crew - past and present for changing all of our lives!

Cheers!

The Maltman Always Rings Twice

If your familiar at all with yours truly, you know that my Koala-esque ass requires a serious, daily-dose of ass kissing. When the "Koala" is feeling a little prissy - particularly on brew day, it's good to know there's an option out there, to make your inner princess feel like she's sport'n one of those be-dazzled Hello Kitty purses.

Luckily there's a local option available to you now to help the most lazy of brew days stay on track with minimal effort. The boys at Brew in Haus an on-line home brew retailer plan to cater to the online shopper and are planning to offer a local delivery service where brewers in the Salt Lake City area can have their home brew supplies hand delivered to their doorstep in 1-2 business days.

Possibly at some point there may be a physical store front, but for now you'll have to be content with ordering from the comfort of your couch's ass groove.

Cheers!

Publican Pale Ale

Shades of Pale Brewing second release is finally out and it looks to be a big winner. Publican Pale Ale is currently out in limited release in Park City. It can be found currently at Club Lespri in Prospector. SOP is also planning to bottle 28 cases of 22oz bombers today for limited release around Park City, Easy Street/Purple Sage, Doolan’s and Lindzee O’Michaels will be getting it early next week. The second batch is in the works and you should see more of it in bottles in the next couple of weeks.

The Pale Ale has a nice Citrus Grapefruit nose. Tangerine notes are initially noticed, as it warms a you get a hint Carmel, this initial batch is not overly bitter but has a nice rise in the middle of with a very clean finish that comes back after a few seconds.

Cheers!

In the Meantime.....

Sadly last week there was no "New Beer Friday". However, later Friday afternoon two new beers did pop up at the Bayou.

Both are from Meantime Brewing out of the U.K. The First is Meantime's Coffee Porter. The nose is all coffee up front followed by a toasted, slightly creamy malt. The taste brings a rich coffee up front with a solid toasted malt middle followed by a long lingering bittersweet chocolate finish. Silky smooth almost creamy mouthfeel. This is a very drinkable porter with a reasonable 6.0% abv. Served from a 330 ml bottle.

The next Meantime beer is Scotch Ale. Sadly it's no longer being produced. These must be some of the final bottles produced. The aroma is a complex mix of malt, heavily toasted grains and maple syrup. The taste starts with a little dry toasted pumpernickle, after the swallow. The malts sweetness is able to develop into fresh baked dark wheat bread with toffee and coffee finishing the flavor profile.

It's a damn shame that beer was retired, because it's quite a fine Scotch Ale. 8.0% abv served from a 750ml bottle. Again, this beer is retired. It's likely once it's gone - it's gone for good. Both are at the Bayou.

Cheers!

We're Freaks, Once Again!

SB 314. If you'll recall this is the brilliant legislation that eliminated drink specials, allows the governor to appoint the chairman of the liquor commission, bans mini-kegs and ties the number of liquor licenses to population quotas and public-safety officers.

When laws like this go into effect, people from outside of Utah take notice and when noted publications such as Time Magazine publish stories such as No More Happy Hour Ever! How Utah Just Got to Be an Even Drier State. The eyes and ears of readers really perk up.

The Utah Hospitality Association, which is trying to sue the Governor and legislature claims that the system of fixed pricing for alcohol under SB 314 is a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act as it "deprives the benefits of free, open and unrestricted competition in the market" from the plaintiffs. The lawsuit also states that the extreme scarcity of available liquor licenses — which the DABC claimed in its spring 2011 newsletter was zero to one license for every five applicants per month — creates an unreasonable restraint on trade.

Since states are in charge of their own individual liquors laws it's likly that nothing will come from this lawsuit. However, the state was successfully sued nearly a decade ago when all forms of bar advertizing were banned. This law was repealed because it violated the first amendment.

I'm not saying this new lawsuit won't be successful, I hope it will be. But we all know how the game is played. Even if SB 314's laws are repealed Senators Valentine and Whadupps will be crafting retaliation legislation to balance their views over that of the states growing minority. Trust me, they have discussed and tried to do far worse recently in regards to Utah's liquor laws .

I guess what I'm saying is, Cheers to the Utah Hospitality Association for fighting this and trying to keep the state of Utah from becoming an even bigger freak in the ever growing religious global carnival. But, I'm not holding my breath. Here's a link to the Time Magazine article.

Cheers!

July Beer Pairings and Classes

Interested in honing your beer pairing skills or learning more about civilization's oldest libation? Well my lads and lasses your in luck, the University of Utah and Desert Edge Brewmaster Chris Haas will be holding a class that takes care of the above mentioned, all the while examining America's rich history and diverse beer culture.

Then if that's not enough you'll also briefly explore how beer is produced, immerse yourself in beer styles as well as develop your palette and learn to identify different flavor components.

If an evening such as this seems like it will float your boat then follow this link to The U of U's Lifelong Learning page and sign up. The class meets at Desert Edge Brewery, Trolley Square and Tuition is $89 + Special Fee: $30 = $119.

That's not your only opportunity to learn from the best. Squatters' own Jennifer Talley along with the Viking Cooking School is pulling out "ALL" the stops for a crafted beer-Artisen food five course dinner, each crafted food course will be exquisitely paired with the best aritsen beers that Squatters and Wasatch have to offer. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS. This dinner is only offered twice a year, you will want to make your reservation as soon as possible, as this will fill quickly!!

This pairing will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and will run you $79.

Cheers!

Utah Medals in San Diego

Had any So-Cal beers beers lately? If not seek some out. If your a true fan of beer, you know that some of the best beers in the world are coming from the San Diego area from such noted breweries as AleSmith, Stone, Lost Abbey/Port Brewing & Green Flash.

It's also a tough place to showcase beers because the brewing community there is so strong and the quality is top tier. That's why it's a huge achievement when outsiders can come in to their local competitions and do well.

That's what happened recently at the 2011 San Diego International Beer Festival. Two of Utah's finest went in and emerged with some serious harwdare in some tough categories.

Three Gold medals and a Silver were awarded to two Utah breweries. Uinta Brewing's
Cockeyed Cooper won Gold for their Bourbon Barrel Barleywine in the Wood and Barrel Aged category. A second Gold medal was also bestowed to Uinta's Labryinth Black Ale in the Imperial Stout category. Those are two extremely tough categories; high praise for a Utah brand.

Epic Brewing Co. Earned a Gold as well for their Wit Beer in the Belgian-Style Wit or White Ale category. Witbiers are very popular right now and this one is one of the best. Epic's Pfeifferhorn Lager also won a Silver in the American-Style Lager category.

Congrats to our local boys and girls for going into a tough room and coming away with great honors.

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 7/01/11

Wahoo! July is here and on this first day we have new beer for you. Two from Mendocino Brewing Company have arrived in town.

The First is Mendocino IIPA. It has a pine and citrus aroma, bright and fresh with a touch of sweetness and a note of orange peel. It smells great. It's full bodied and very smooth with a clean, dry finish. It tastes very piny and slightly sweet with lots of orange going on. It's bitter, dry and well balanced.

Next is Mendocino Imperial Barleywine. It has a resiny, oaky aroma that's slightly sweet, with notes of cherry, vanilla and bay leaf. It's pretty full bodied and pretty smooth. The finish is slightly dry and slightly sticky. This tastes boozy, very hot and resiny. There are notes of cherry, dark fruit, oak and a slight sweetness. Available at the Beehive.

Finally there is Arts Fest Amber from Uinta. This beer was a special one off made exclusivly for the Utah Arts Festival. If you never made it to the festival, then you never got to try it. However, there is one keg left at the brewery's tap house. It may be gone before the end of the day today, so best of luck getting some. Haven't tried this one.

Cheers!

Cheers!