The Book of New Beer Friday

Have you heard about New Beer Friday? It's Another, Another Testament of Jebus. Plus this one has gigantic freak'n robots fighting big-ass Kaiju! Before we get into our lesson, I'd like to read from the book of Armaments Chapter One, verses nine through twenty-seven: And Saint Attila raised the Holy Hand Grenade up on high saying, "Oh Lord, Bless us this Holy Hand Grenade, and with it smash our enemies to tiny bits." And the Lord did grin, and the  people did feast upon the lambs, and stoats, and orangutans, and breakfast cereals, and lima bean.  -- Monty Python, "The Holy Hand Grenade"

Epic - Element 29 Pale Ale: Yes, it's finally here! The American Pale is copper colored of course with a nose full of pleasant citrus and floral hops. The tastes starts with a bit of caramel and cookie dough with ripe peaches. Hops take over towards the end bringing forward floral and citrus zest. finishes moderately dry. 5.2% ABV @ 300 w. Wine Store

Uinta's Brighton Ella IPA: This one was just bottled yesterday and should be available for purchase at Uinta's Brewery Pub today and all over town in the coming days. This one is slightly different from the others in a couple of ways. It features Ella Hops from Australia. These can display floral and subtle spice notes, such as star anise, which is best appreciated in lagers or pilsners. With larger additions or when dry hopping, Ella imparts distinct grapefruit and tropical flavors which can be used to offset robust malt and yeast characters in many styles. This version of Brighton will be packaged in 750ml. cork and caged bottles as well as draft kegs. 4.0% ABV

Guinness - 1759 Amber Ale: This is described as an ultra-premium beer brewed with traditional beer malt and superior-quality peated whiskey malt with a rich butterscotch aroma and a fruity sweetness. Expect a bit of bottle shock if you find them at the DABC expect to pay upwards of $35 for a 25oz. bottle. The Beer Bar and the Bayou also have some. Not sure what they're pricing them at but I guarantee it's more than $35. 9.0% ABV

Rogue - New Crustacean Barlywine-ish Imperial IPA Sorta: This has a nose of biscuit, Bit o' Honey, fruity/tropical hops and some floral notes. The taste starts with sweet crackers and biscuit. Pineapple notes and some lemon zest come next. The end is floral and piney with a hint of boozy apple tartness in the finish. Quite nice. 11.6% ABV. 

Rogue - Morimoto Hazelnut Ale: As I understand it this is the same beer as Rogue's Hazelnut Brown Nectar Ale. 6.0% ABV  - Should be for sale state wide 

Rogue - Dad's Little Helper Black IPA: Pours a dark brown color with a beige frothy head. The nose has a nice balance of roasty malty/citrus piney hops. The taste is the same with roasty, chocolate, and some subtle plum notes. Cutrus and pine come next with some coffee notes rounding out the finish. Nice BIPA. 6.2% ABV.  For sale everywhere

Returning Favorites

RedRock - 2014 Secalè: This Latest version is more balanced than previous versions. Where as the pervious versions were more whiskey forward - Expect a bit of chewy caramel malt with a more balanced amount of High West Rye Whiskey in the back end. 8.5% ABV @ RedRock and better beer bars.

Cheers!

The 2014 Big-Ass Holiday Tasting

Sorry, We are full. Please feel free to request to be on the stand-by list. There are always cancellations. People are added in the order received. Thanks again for all of the positive support!

When we first came up with the idea of a Big Ass Holiday tasting we knew there would be a few, die-hard beer nerds out there willing to participate, but we've been humbled and blown away by the responses we've received every year since the first gathering six years ago. Now it's time to put out the invitation for my favorite part of the holiday's - It's the 6th Annual Big-Ass Holiday Beer Tasting.

The rules are always the same, but for new readers of the Utah Beer Blog here are the rules and info.

First of all this is the only invite to the gathering. Too often I get people saying, "nobody told me"! This is a "thank you" for bothering to visit the Utah Beer Blog and being a proactive member of Utah's craft beer community. So, if your reading this, you know about the party. If you missed it - I'm sorry. Social Media isn't conducive to having an intimate party of this size.

The Holiday Tasting is held at a private home and it's location will be given out only to those who RSVP. 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. It fills up very fast.

A lot of very generous people offer up some of their prized bottles and favorite creations. So we ask that this be limited to "Beer People". People who know beer or are interested in learning more about craft beer. Please feel free to bring a guest if you don't want to come solo. Speaking of "Beer People". Some of our local craft brewers will be in attendance as well as industry professionals. It'll be a nice opportunity for you to get to know them - and they you.

RSVPs will be limited to two people this year. Three in special circumstances. It's all about giving everybody who wants to attend the opportunity to attend.  

The concept is simple. Bring a nice beer, cider or mead. It can be in a bottle, can, jug, keg or jeroboam as long as it's "special" to you and you think it would be nice to share. It doesn't have to be rare - expensive or outrageous. Just something that you enjoy.

Homebrew is absolutely welcome! We have some incredibly talented homebrewers in the area, if you've got something that you'd like to share please bring it. Give us a heads up if it's kegged so we can make sure we have the appropriate amount of room.

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

Plan ahead for your ride home. In previous years weather has made an impact on getting people home safely. Don't get piss drunk and plan your rides now!

We've never had any issues of people missbehaving until last year. This will not be tolerated. Grow the fuck and be an adult. If you can't handle your drink please don't come.

So, here's the info your gunna need.

Please RSVP to utahbeer@gmail.com (we filled up in 30 hours last year)

Absolutely no one under 21.

What: 1-2 bottles for tasting & sharing - tasters glass or stemware - some beer & snacks provided but please feel free to contribute a nosh or munchie.

Where: Draper, Utah

When: The evening of Saturday December, 13th

Questions & RSVP: utahbeer@gmail.com

Don't hesitate to RSVP or ask questions! Again, this post is the only invite to the gathering. Any questions?

Cheers!

Sockeye Brewing Headed to Utah

Looks like the guys from Sockeye Brewing Co. are in town checking out the lay of the land, as they are looking into bringing their beers into the Utah Market.

Sockeye Brewing is based out of Boise, Idaho and has been in business since 1996. They have two breweries in Idaho and their flag ship beer is the Dagger Falls IPA, but they have a portfolio of nearly 20+ beers. Most of their products are in 12 or 16 oz cans.

The deals are still being worked out, as the Sockeye crew just arrived in Salt Lake City. But look for their beers to start hitting shelves sometime in February 2015. Welcome to the market Sockeye!

Cheers!

Kilby Court Brewing Co.

We interrupt this New Beer Friday with a special bulletin: Another new brewery attacks Salt Lake City! Alvie Carter, the owner of Kilby Court and the Poplar Street Pub has been approved by the city to begin construction on a brewpub located in the Granary District of SLC.

The small brewpub will consist of a small tasting and retail sales area with sandwiches provided by  Poplar Street Pub, located at 242 South 200 West. Seating will accommodate eight people at a sandwich counter with an additional thirty seven seats in the pub. The brewery will be run by Carter's son who is a professional brewer.

For now the new brewpub is called Kilby Court Brewing and will be located at 700 South 316 West. We'll share more info on the brewery as it progresses. Congrats guys!

Now on to New Beer Friday!

Alameda - Easy Ryder Session IPA: This one is a special 4% beer made for the Salt Lake market. The nose is mostly floral, Pine and citrus. The taste starts with a bit of caramel malt then transitions into mostly Pine and a bit of citrus peel. It finishes slightly dry and bitter. It's not bad for a session IPA but there are better options available locally. It's worth a shot. 

Sierra Nevada - Northern Hemisphere Harvest Wet Hop: The nose is full of biscuits, pine, orange zest, and some spice. The taste starts with herbal and pines notes, next comes citrus, and some toasty malts. A great IPA, definitely worth checking out.

Ommegang - Game of Thrones Valar Morghulis: The nose is full of biscuit, pine, orange and some yeasty spices. The taste starts slightly earthy and tangy with lots of fruitiness and caramel malts. Herbal dryness and some leafy hop bitterness comes next. For a Belgian style dubble it's quite Hoppy, a little out of style but pretty good. 

Widmer - Upheaval IPA: The nose is full of lemon, grapefruit, orange and Pine. The taste starch dry and bitter with citrus peel and a touch of malt sweetness. The end is much like the beginning dry and bitter. Finishes dry and crisp.

Returning this week
Uinta - Sea Legs Baltic Porter
Wasatch  -Switch
Desert Edge - Citra in Red
Avenues Proper - SkittleBrau, brewed with 85 lbs of real peaches

Cheers! 

International Stout Day 2014

Today is International Stout Day! Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, you have to admit stouts are one of the most iconic beverages out there. It doesn't matter if you participate at home, the pub, brewery or restaurant; celebrate with at least one stout of any style and please feel free to share your photos on the Utah Beer Facebook Page. #utahstoutday

Here's a limited list of some of the available Utah options out there for you to enjoy. I know I've missed many, please share the ones I missed. 

Locally Made
Avenues Proper Slaite Stout 
Bonneville Sir Malcolm's Stout
Desert Edge Latter Day Stout
Epic Big Bad Baptist
Epic 825 State Stout
Epic Imperial Stout
Hoppers Madame X Stout
Moab Black Raven Stout
Moab Export Stout
RedRock Oatmeal Stout
RedRock Drioma Imperial Stout
Roosters Chocolate Stout
Squatters Captain Bastard's Oatmeal Stout
Squatters Espresso Stout on Nitro (seasonal)
Squatters Outer Darkness
Uinta's Labyrinth Black Ale
Wasatch Black o Lantern
Zion Canyon Virgin Stout

National/International Brands
Anchor Stout 
Anderson Valley Barney Oatmeal Stout
Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout
Beamish Oatmeal Stout
Base Camp - S'more Stout
Deschutes Obsidian Stout
Deschutes Abyss Imperial Stout
Firestone Walker Velvet Merlin Oatmeal Stout
Firestone Walker Parabola. Russian Imperial Stout
Full Sail Imperial Stout
Full Sail - Brewers Share Mathias’s Main Ingredient Oatmeal Stout
HUB Seven Grain Survival Stout 
Jolly Pumpkin Madura Obscura 
Murphy's Oatmeal Stout
Ninkasi Imperiale
North Coast Old Rasputin Imperial Stout
Coopers Extra StoutT
Samuel Smith oatmeal stout
Samuel Smith Imperial Stout
Guinness Stout
Guinness Extra Stout
Guinness Foreign Extra Stout
Rogue Chocolate Stout 
Rogue Shakespeare Stout
Samuel Adams Cream Stout
Sierra Nevada Stout
Sierra Nevada Narwhal Imperial Stout
Tenaya Creek Haul'n Oats Oatmeal Stout

Slainte! 

The Switch is Back!

A little bird or butterfly in this case has informed me that Switch, Wasatch's Port barrel aged sour ale is set to go on sale today. Switch is the brainchild of Utah Beers' Head Cellarman, Adam Curfew. Switch's original release was Wasatch's White Label Witbier that was aged in port wine barrels for 18 months. This new release is described as a sour red ale, aged for two years  -from blends of four different barrels.

I got to try a sample of this version a few months ago before it was bottle conditioned. It was quite bright and tart with a bit a sweet malt beneath. Look for Switch at the Beer Store today. Please call before making the trip. 

Cheers!

New Beer Friday: Halloween Edition

Welcome to this special Halloween Edition of New Beer Friday! Today we have a new brews from local and out of state Booeries. See what I did there? I said, "booeries instead of "breweries".... because it's Halloween! ..... never mind, here are your beers.

Sadly, I've not had one of these beers. All descriptions are from the makers. The new beers from the Beer Bar are scheduled to arrive today and may not be available until after 5pm, so call first if your making a special trip.

Hoppers - Pumpkin Ale (Unspiced): Secret Agent and Hoppers Brewmaster Donovan Steele has a pumpkin ale - who doesn't, right? The difference is his has the pumpkin but no traditional pumpkin pie spices. The only spice like flavor is from the variety of hops used. The ale is made with fresh roasted pumpkin and pumpkin puree. Brown malt, caramel, honey malt, oats, and roasted barley to enhance the pumpkin flavors and texture. 4.0% ABV @ Hoppers

Oakshire Brewing - Watershed IPA: Brand new to the Utah market. Described as having a floral nose with lemon and hints of caramel. The taste has toasted grains followed by grapefruit, pine and some floral notes. 6.7% ABV @ Beer Bar

Base Camp - S'more Stout: Aromas of chocolate, coffee, fig, and smoke invite you in to a gigantic maltiness that is distinct in its smooth and refined character, with flavors of chocolate and hints of smoke mingling with rich caramel, fruit, and warming alcohol.  Top with a roasted marshmallow and you have the ultimate S’more experience! 7.7% ABV @ Beer Bar

Base Camp - Northwest Fest: Base Camp's take on the malt-forward fest biers of Bavaria. Extensive malt aroma and taste trials over the last two years led us in crafting this recipe, a subtly-hopped amber lager that walks the line between dry and full-bodied, not too sweet but definitely not lacking in malty goodness.  Lagered on our in-house toasted oak to round out this brew’s flavor profile. 5.6% ABV @ Beer Bar

Hopworks - Fuggle IPX: Fuggle hops are typically floral and grassy so look for that along with a bit of light caramel malt. 6.0% ABV @ Beer Bar

Hopworks - Abominable Winter Ale: This is described as a Winter IPA. Look for toasty Munich and light caramel malts with a medley of citrus fruit notes from the hops. @ Beer Bar

Woodchuck - Granny Smith Cider: Brilliantly clear golden hue. The nose is simply apple. The taste is tart green apple. Not jaw locking tart but enough to feel in your cheeks. The are some tannin notes in the end. Very drinkable. 5.0% ABV draft @ Beer Bar (This one is on right now)

By the way, Heretic Brewing did confirm that they are bringing their beers to SLC in early 2015.

Cheers!

Maple Mountain Halloween Party

Provo, Utah's Maple Mountain Brewing is still months away from going on line, however that's not stopping the the owners from keeping you excited about their new take on local beers. The Maple Mountain crew will be holding a Halloween party this Friday evening starting at 8pm at the brewery's future site. Donations will be appreciated as the fledgling brewery is looking for an injection of funds to to help them overcome some start-up hurdles so operations can move forward. Maple Mountain will have a few experimental brews on tap for people to enjoy. The address is 861s. 170e. Provo, Ut. Hope to see you there!

Also today, Uinta's popular Yard Sale Winter Lager is getting some new packaging. look for the new cans on store shelves in the coming days. Yard Sale is a great toasty amber lager full of Nobel Hop goodness. Always in my fridge. Formerly Gelande Amber Lager for those of you keeping score. 4.0% ABV.

Cheers!

Middle of the Firkin Wirkin Work Week

The management at the Annex would like to reward you all for making it (relatively) unscathed to Wednesday. To celebrate this monumental achievement, "Middle of the Firkin Wirkin Work Week" was created to reward the working folk in the middle of the week.

This week's firkin is The Annex Bavarian Hefeweizen with Grapefruit Zest and Whole leaf Amarillo hops. They will again have a special small bites menu to go with the firkin. The tapping is at 4:00 pm and the firkin pints are a generous $3.

Cheers!

Rumor of the Day: Heretic Brewing

2015 is likely going to be a big year for new craft brands coming into the state. Breweries from all over the west are discovering a huge Utah shaped hole in their distribution maps and are finding it's full previously undocumented money wielding beer nerds.

One brewery I'm hearing rumblings about is Heretic Brewing out of Pittsburg, CA. Heretic makes six year round offering and about a dozen seasonal beers. Their known for a DIPA named Evil Cousin and a Strong Ale called Evil Twin.

My sources are say early 2015. Take it for what it's worth, these rumors usually come to fruition, just not in the time frame normal humans are used to. Any thoughts on these beers?

Cheers!

2 Row Brewing Company

It's new brewery day! Yup, around here when we make a new brewery announcement it's like Christmas, Life Day and Mardi Gras all rolled up into one!

Our story begins here, on the internet. As many of you know, this is a dangerous place to be. Use cation when you tread here, what you do could have life altering consequences. Case in point: Brian Coleman - an unassuming local home brewer is bumping around on the inter webs and comes across a profession brewing system for sale.

Now most of us home brewers would have looked at this brewhouse system and thought, 'wow... maybe someday'. But Brian had to go and take it a step further and make contact with the seller. The result of his conversation was an out of this world bargain and an immediate trip to the East Coast of the United States. A week later after what could be described as the plot from Indian Jones and the Lost Crusade, Brian returns to the SLC with a shit load of stainless steel, hoses, fittings and a refrigeration system. It's at this point our hero says to himself,' I guess I'm getting into the brewing business'.

That's the somewhat vague and brief origins of 2 Row Brewing, Utah's next brewery. But starting a brewery is a lot more than having cool toys, you need some smarts in the kitchen and in the lab. If you've ever tried Brian's home brew you know that this boy has got skills. I've met few home brewers that have such attention to detail when it comes to the little things that make a big difference in the quality of any given beer.

Brian and his wife Dede have decided on Midvale to set up shop. 2 Row will be a 4% + ABV brewery that will cover the entire gambit of beers. The brewery will have it's own Package Agency so they will be able to sell be direct to the public.

The Coleman's are still in the process of gathering all the needed licenses/permits and are hoping to start brewing in the Spring of 2015.

2 Row will likely debut with four labels including an India Pale Ale, Double IPA and a Bier de Gard. Please show your support by liking 2 Row's Facebook page and keep checking in here for detailed updates. Congrats, Brian and Dede!

Prost!

New Beer Friday 10/24/14

New Belgium - Hop The Pond: Nice golden amber in color. The nose has some Mango and tangerine notes with light malt. The taste starts tropical as well with intense hop fruitiness and light caramel malt to balance it all out. The end is quite bitter with mostly pine resins.This is a really nice and drinkable Double IPA. The 8% ABV is well hidden, which could make it quite dangerous. @ Beerhive

Full Sail - Brewers Share Mathias’s Main Ingredient Oatmeal Stout: Pours black with a bi of tan head. The nose has some coffee and burnt toast aromas. The taste starts with a hint of sweetness that soon turns into char. The burnt flavors linger on a bit and transition into to lemon rind bitterness in the end. Finishes bone dry. Oatmeal stouts should have a serious smoothness and sweetness from the oats. This has non of that. It's way to dry and almost acrid. If you like American Stouts this may be more your style, if you into oatmeal stout look the other way. 5.5% ABV @ Beerhive

Sometimes these beers will pop-up at the DABC stores, you can never anticipate where or when, so if you come across any of them please fell free to come back here and spread the love.

Cheers!

The Second Annual Boho-Fest

The Second Annual Boho-Fest is coming up this Saturday, Oct 25th. The kids at Bohemian will be pouring a shload of their old school brews with the addition of great locally made brats. It will literally be a sausage fest with sausages from Siegfried's Delicatessen.

There will be live music, corn hole, heaters if it's cold and the ladies from Barley's Angels will also be there advocating for craft beers feminine side; offering a free pint glass full of beer with the purchase of a lifetime membership ($25).

If you've ever thought about getting into the home brewing game the guys from Salt City Brew Supply will be on hand to answer questions and provide tips.

Boho-Fest begins at 2pm and goes 'til 6pm at Bohemian's Brewery located at 94 e. 7200 s. You need to be 21+ to enter Boho-Fest, however the restaurant is open to all ages. Hope to see you there!

Prost!

Epic's Element 29 American Pale Ale

Epic Brewing has a new Pale ale coming our way next month. Element 29 all Amarillo hopped American Pale Ale. Element 29 is named for Copper the 29th element in the periodic table.


Amarillo Hops tend to have full of big orange and tangerine notes. I got to try this ale at Epic's Denver taproom earlier this month. The appearance is copper colored of course with a nose full of pleasant citrus and floral hops. The tastes starts with a bit of caramel and cookie dough with ripe peaches. Hops take over towards the end bringing forward floral and citrus zest. finishes moderately dry. 5.2% ABV

Element 29 is Epic's third canned beer and because it's only available in cans it will only be made in Epic's Denver brewery (that's where the canning line is) it is expected to hit Utah shelves in November. Because we live in Utah and the beer is made in Denver you will not be able to buy it at Epic's Bottleshop downtown. You can only buy beer at the bottleshop that's made in Utah. You may have noticed that you can't buy cans of Escape to Colorado and Hop Syndrome in cans there as well - only in DABC stores. Yeah, I know. We'll let you know when it pops into town.


Cheers!

New Beer Friday 10/17/14

Shipyard - Smashed Pumpkin: This was actually out last week but it got lost in last week's clutter. Slightly boozy nose with allspice, nutmeg and a bit of cinnamon. The taste is big and malty up front with assertive pumpkin spices. Big hop bitterness comes next rounding out the back end. The finish has a bit of alcohol heat. It's pretty good, There are better local options if you want a pumpkin beer though. 9.0% ABV @ Specialty Beer Bars and DABC

Avenues Proper - Little Sister Cerveza: A portion of this lager was brewed with specialty malted blue corn. Little Sister is described as having a golden color with pinkish/blue highlights. The flavor starts with light malt sweetness and a nutty corn chip flavor. The finish is hoppy and grassy with a bit of skunk for authenticity. 4.0% ABV @ Avenues Proper

Desert Edge - Put Away Wet: Clear dark brown in color. The nose is a little earthy and toasty citrus and floral notes. The taste is toasted and slightly malty with some chocolate and nutty flavors. finishes with a bit of floral bitterenss. Think wet-hopped Brown IPA. 4.0% ABV @ Desert Edge


Ninkasi is no longer exclusive to the Beer Bar. They did all the leg work, now you get to reap the benefits. Many of the beer bars in SLC are stocked up now and you should start seeing some in the DABC stores in the next couple of weeks. Here are some new arrivals.
 
Ninkasi Oktoberfest: The nose is grainy and earthy with some caramel aromas. The taste is toasty with some slight almond nuttiness. Vanilla wafers come next and big grassy hops round out the end. Finishes a little hoppy and dry. A little out of style but very drinkable. 5.9% ABV @ Beer Bar, Beerhive

Ninkasi Venn Dortmunder: Very bright and clear. The nose has biscuit and malt with slight citrus/grassy hops. The flavor follows the aroma with biscuit a bit of sweet malt and some bready notes. Big spicy hop bitterness comes next taking over creating a dry - yet unbalanced hoppy punch. Delicious! 5.1% ABV @ Beer Bar

Ninkasi Imperiale: Did not get around to this one. It's described as having roasted malt up front, with caramel, toffee, molasses and a touch of coffee smooth and creamy body warming the mouth. 9.1% ABV @ Beer Bar

The Annex has the Firkin at the Bayou today. It's their Milk Stout with added vanilla and milk sugars. Think Ice Cream! Tapping is a 3:30pm

The Annex is also serving a firkin at the brewpub. It's the Annex Irish Red with Vanilla Bean and Lactose. High krausened with Intermountain Wheat. Starting next week the Annex's Firkin night will move to Wednesdays with the debut of "Wirkin da Firkin". That firkin will feature the Annex's Milk Stout loved up with Chipotle Peppers.

The Holidays are here early with the return of RedRock's Griswald's Holiday Ale. This is always slightly different from year to year. @ RedRock locations

Cheers!

New Beer Friday: Wedding Edition

Got a wedding to go attend this weekend? I hear your calendars may have just doubled. Well my friend, it's a good thing you stopped by! Today we have all manner of liquid malty goodness to brighten up any party or to just help enjoy the day.

Last July we told you about the Summit Co. Land Conservancy's hikes to hunt for local wild hop populations. These hops are said to be descendants of plants that German immigrants brought to Summit County during the mining days of the 1800s. Through its Hops Hunters program, the Conservancy and hops-loving volunteer hikers identified viable wild hops populations on four Park City properties protected by the Conservancy—Empire Canyon, McPolin Farmlands, Virginia Mining Claims and the Rail Trail.

Wasatch brewers, the Conservancy and volunteers monitored these populations for peak brewing readiness for a few weeks and on August 27 harvested 42 pounds of wild hops cones, which Wasatch brewed into "Clothing Hoptional". I was under the impression that this beer was going to be part of the Hop Bandit seasonal that Wasatch has been making over last 5 or 6 years. Oh well, I'm always happy to be wrong in these circumstances.

Anyway, Clothing Hoptional is described as an unfiltered Golden Ale that pours a slightly hazy dark gold with a nice white head. The aroma has a hop character that is light citrus, piney, floral, and grassy along with light bready and caramel malt notes. The flavor follows the aroma with citrusy-floral and grassy hop flavors upfront followed by slightly sweet bready, caramel and honey-like malt notes, finishing with a slight bitterness to balance the beer out nicely. It is a nice, sessionable medium body 22 IBU beer. 4.0% ABV. Only available at Wasatch's Park City Brewpub and SugarHouse Brewpub.

Sierra Nevada Ovila Tripel: The nose has apple, citrus and Chardonay. The taste starts bready and sweet with some tangy fruity notes as well. Chardonnay grapes come next with peppercorn and clove rounding out the end. Finishes with a bit of spicy hops. Not as rich as some triples, which ups its drinkability. 8.8% ABV @ Beer Bar - DABC

Payette Bonanza Golden Ale: Golden Bronze in color with muted floral and citrus aromas. The taste starts with sweet biscuit and caramel. Slight floral and citrusy hops come next providing a nice balance to the ale. The finish is crisp and clean. A nice session ale. @ Grocery Stores

Beer from the monks of St Boniface and Andechs in Munich have made their way into Salt Lake City and are exclusively available right now at the Beer Bar. The brewery is the major income generator for the abbey. Here's what you'll find.

Klosterbrauerei Andechs - Doppelbock Dunkel: Pours a clear mahogany color with two fingers of tan head. The nose has toffee, caramel and hazelnut. The taste starts with fruity toffee and caramel. Nutty toasty grain flavors comes next with a bit of banana bread richness rounding out the end. The finish is toasty and slightly bitter. It's okay, could use a little more balance. 7.1 % ABV 

Klosterbrauerei Andechs - Vollbier Hell: The nose is grassy and spicy with noble hops, yeast and toast pilsener malt. The taste starts with biscuity, pilsener malt and some yeasty breadiness. Spicy noble hops come next with some grassy notes as well. Lemongrass fills the finish with a nice subtle bitterness. I'm not a huge Helles guy, but this one is quite good. Worth your time. 4.8% ABV

Klosterbrauerei Andechs - Weissbier Hell: The nose has a nice creamy wheat aroma with floral, orange juice and coriander. The taste starts with candy like toffee and creamy wheat notes. Toasty wheat and biscuit notes come next with hay and mild coriander and spices rounding out the end. Finishes semi dry with some lemon and orange zest. The Helles influences add a lot of character to this unusual Weissbier. 5.5% ABV

Klosterbrauerei Andechs - Weissbier Dunkel: Pours a dark mahogany color with a puffy white head. The nose has banana, cloves, caramel and Noble hops. The taste starts with nice yeasty notes, caramel and toffee. Chocolate malt and bready wheat come next with banana and spices rounding out the end. The finish is round and chewy. For a low ABV beer this brew is full bodied and hearty. 5.0% ABV.

From one of the largest in the breweries in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. The Flensburger brewery was founded in 1888 and they credit the pristine underground glacier streams that hail from Northern Scandinavia for the beers consistently fresh taste. These are also exclusively at the Beer Bar.

Flensburger Pilsner: Pours a brilliantly clear straw color with a white foamy cap. The nose has a subtle grassy aroma with toasty crackers and grain beneath. The taste starts with sweet grains and toast. Slight earthy and sulfur notes come next with a sharp hop bitterness rounding out the back end. Great hoppy German pils with nice, smooth mouthfeel. 4.8% ABV

Flensburger Gold lager: Pours a clear gold color with a large white head that sticks around. The nose has apple and grape with mild grain notes. The taste starts grainy and toasty. Malt sweetness comes next with more white grape notes and a touch of grass and grain. Slight sulfur notes round out the end. Finishes semi dry. 4.8% ABV

Flensburger Weizen: Pours a hazy dark golden hue with a finger, foamy white head. The nose is doughy with tea and some cola notes. The taste starts like the nose with big doughy bread notes. Estery yeast flavors come next. The end is nutty with some biscuit notes. The finish is slightly bitter. It's ok. There are some off-flavors that I cant't quite identify. 5.1% ABV

Flensburger Dunkel: Pours a dark brown color with two fingers of frothy foam. The nose has molasses, tea leaves, cocoa and roasted malt grain. The taste starts with pecan nuttiness, toffee and some roasted grain notes. Cocoa comes next with some Nutella sweetness. The end has some leafy tea flavors as well as some floral notes. and some roasted grain. shells, a little light roasted malt grain, and tea leaf. 4.8% ABV

For Firkin Friday at the Bayou Hoppers has filled the barrel with their Dunkel Lager made with Vienna and Dark Munich malts with Hallertau Mittlefrau in the kettle. Dry hopped with New Zealand Pacific Jade. They have a nice pepper spice and a citrus rind and orange flavor. A little more pine like when dry hopped. Tapping is at 3:30pm

At 4:30pm the Annex will be tapping the Annex's Bavarian Hefeweizen made with White Turkish Figs. Sounds damn interesting!

Prost!

Squatters' Beer Garden at SLC Farmers Market

If your headed to the Downtown Farmers Market this Saturday, look for something new. Squatters will be providing a Craft Beer Garden from 11:00AM-2:00PM. Squatters will be pouring 7 different drafts right in Historic Pioneer Park. Ever dreamed of pairing some of local vendors food with beer?  Now is your chance!

The draft list includes:

American Hefeweizen

Chasing Tail Golden Ale

Full Suspension Pale Ale

Organic Amber Ale

Vienna Marzen

Chocolate Rye

Simcoe Fresh Hop

Also, look for local food pairings, grab your favorite market vendor’s food and enjoy with a cold pint! Dottie’s biscuits, Grandaddy Dean’s, Bonaparte Grill, Thai Chef To-Go, or Tulie Bakery. 

Cheers!

Utah's 2014 Great American Beer Festival Winners

Yeah, I'm still here. My vacation was long and much needed but I have neglected you all for far too long and now it's time to get back into the beer groove. 

I got to spend some time in Denver at the Great American Beer Festival last week. The competition awarded 268 medals to some of the best commercial breweries in the United States, plus three GABF Pro-Am medals. There were 1,309 breweries participating in the competition from all 50 states and Washington D.C.. 5,507 beers were judged (Not including 89 pro/am entries). With all of these beers, the odds of coming away with and award becomes more & more difficult every year. Utah's brewers managed to walk away with 5 medals and a best booth award going to Uinta Brewing for their Beer Yurt.

All but one of the wining beers are available for purchase right now. Go out and enjoy some and support our locals. For a list of all of the winners click here. 

  

Category: 4 Fruit Wheat Beer - 65 Entries

Bronze: Wasatch Apricot Hefeweizen, Wasatch Brewery, Park City, UT

Category: 16 Experimental Beer - 79 Entries

Silver: RedRock Paardebloem, RedRock Brewing Co., Salt Lake City, UT

Category: 39 American-Style Amber Lager - 52 Entries

Rocket Bike Lager, Moab Brewery, Moab, UT

Category: 59 Ordinary or Special Bitter - 38 Entries

Silver: Cutthroat, Uinta Brewing Co., Salt Lake City, UT

Category: 77 Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale - 64 Entries

Gold: Squatters Hell’s Keep, Utah Brewers Cooperative, Salt Lake City, UT

Cheers!

Santa Fe Brewing Coming to Utah

Welcome to Monday! Be fore we get started... Does anyone have an an App that slows down time Between Friday afternoon and Sunday evening? I could really use that. #turboweekends.

Now that we've got that out of the way, I have new brew news for you this morning! Sante Fe Brewing Company, New Mexico's oldest brewery is due to enter the Salt Lake City market sometime mid-October.

Primarily known for their incredible Santa Fe Imperial Java Stout, the brewery currently has about 18 beers in their portfolio including a brand new Kriek Lambic that debuted this year. Salt Lake (and possibly all of Utah) will start off by seeing Santa Fe's State Pen Porter, Imperial Java Stout and Happy Camper IPA.

I'm not sure exactly where they're going to end up, but the Beerhive confirmed that they will be receiving some. Not bad for a Monday, eh?

Cheers!

Photo: James Gordon Patterson Photography

New Beer Friday 9/26/14

A New Beer Friday quote: Whiskey's to tough, Champagne costs too much, Vodka puts my mouth in gear. I hope this refrain, Will help me explain, As a matter of fact, I like beer. -Tom T. Hall

Squatters Harvest Heffeweizen: This one is darker than your typical wheat beer. It leans more towards the American style of wheat beers with yeasty/doughy/toasty wheat. Very little banana clove character. It is highly drinkable. 4.0% ABV @ Squatters

Squatters English Golden Ale: Light in color with subtle floral anf pine notes. Malt character is light as well. This is better if you can get it on cask vs. draft. ask the bartender. 4.0% ABV @ Squatters

Sierra Nevada Ovila Tripel: Starts with candied sugar and light apples flavors. Next comes banana and clove followed by the malts which impart a a sweet bready taste. Finishes with a bit of citrus rind bitterness ans alcohol heat. 8.8% ABV @ Beer Bar and DABC

Cheers!

The Utah Brewers Guild's Harvest Festival

Yesterday, we briefly got into the topic of "wet hopped" beers when discussing Uinta's seasonal Wet-n-Wyld Pale Ale. Basically brewers have taken on a trend to using the freshly harvested green - wet hops straight off the bine. These wet hops are literally dripping with the sticky delicoius yellow resins (lupulin), which carries with it all of the essential aromatic and bittering oils from the hop plant.

This technique can make for very unique/fresh tasting beers. Since the hop harvest only comes around once a year, it's the perfect time to showcase what brewers can do with the fresh hops they've purchased. Taking advantage of this situation the Utah Brewers Guild is going to hold their first annual Harvest Festival: a unique opportunity to showcase some freshest hoppy beers around.

The Harvest Festival will take place on October 11th from 2pm - 6pm at the The Avenues Proper Restaurant and Publick House. $5 gets you in the door - $2 for a 4 oz sample or $5 for a full glass. Participating Breweries include: Avenues Proper, Bohemian Brewing, Bonneville Brewing, Desert Edge Brewing, Epic Brewing, Hoppers Brewing, RedRock Brewing, Shades of Pale Brewing, Squatters Beers, Uinta Brewing, Vernal Brewing and Wasatch Beers. It goes without saying (but i'll say it anyway) this is a 21 year old + event.

Proceeds go to the Utah Brewers Guild so that they can continue to fund great community events like this. Hope to see you there!

Cheers!

Wet-n-Wyld is Back

Uinta's Fresh-hopped, Simcoe bomb, Wet-n-Wyld is finally back! These "wet hop" beers only happen once a year when you can get the hops from the vine and into the beer in less than 30 hours. This beer is brilliant when fresh. The first week's sip will taste much different than the 3rd weeks sip so get on it fast!

Wet-n-Wyld will be on tap at Uinta's brewery pub of course and everywhere there's a seasonal Uinta tap.

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 9/19/14

It's a slightly bleak, New Beer Friday. There are a couple of options but they may be tough to find. However one of North America's most coveted coffee beers returns today. So, at least we've got that!  

Rogue - Pumpkin Patch Ale: Me no try yet. @ DABC

Beck's Oktoberfest: Me no try either @ DABC

Returning Favorites

Epic's Big Bad Baptist returns today, this time it's made with Salt Lake City's Charming Beard Coffee. In the coming weeks you'll get to try it with the original Caffe Ibis Coffee as well. BBB will go on sale this morning at Epic's Bottleshop as well as the Annex's cold case. You can also enjoy Baptist by the taster or 10 oz glass. The Annex will also be tapping a Firkin of Brett Pale with Citra Hops at 4:30, $3 pints.

Avenues Proper - Hopspital IPA: English pale malt, German Vienna malt and Chilean crystal malt provide a solid backbone for three kinds of the aromatic cones. Chinook and Glacier hops from the Pacific Northwest add a piney, fruity body with hints of citrus while a huge dose of Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand at the end of the boil and in dry-hopping add a tangy, subtly tropical flavor. Look for notes of kiwi, gooseberry and peach! 

RedRock's India Dark Ale: A bit of roast with a healthy dose of citrus and pine bitterness. Damn yummy.

Desert Edge's Radius: Yup it's finally back! It disappears fast, so don't wait.  

Cheers!

New Holland Brewing Coming

Who'd a thunk it? Lil' ol' Utah get's a burgeoning beer scene? Apparently people are noticing that Utahans like their craft suds and are hungry for more. That means there's money to be made and when the quatloos come into play the beer market is due to expand.

The newest player (soon) to enter the market is New Holland Brewing out of Holland, MI. New Holland Brewing Company’s deep roots in the craft industry go back to 1997. They have a portfolio of 14 beers, 4 of which are year round offerings. Utah for now will receive three labels: Mad Hatter IPA, Sundog Amber Ale and Michigan Awesome American Pale Ale.

Not sure when or where yet, but as soon  as they rear their head we'll give you the heads-up. 

Wasatch's Apple-A-Day Ale

Well, the Utah Brewers Cooperative keeps cranking out the new releases. Today's newest offering was just packaged yesterday. Wasatch Apple-A-Day Ale is an beer-cider hybrid that is just in time to take advantage of the huge popularity in ciders right now. At 5.0% ABV it's still sessionable but it won't put the hurt on you either.

It's described as having apple tartness up front with malt sweetness in the end. It likely has a golden ale for the base beer.

There are a few apple flavored malt beverages floating around out there. If your keen on these type of beers try and drink local. InBev and Miller/Cooers are doing just fine without you. For sale right now at the UBC's Beer Store and Squatters/Wasatch Locations. Soon to most DABC Stores.

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 9/12/14

It's not easy getting your butt out of bed before the ass-crack of dawn. Especially when I have so much "research" to do on Thursday evenings. I do it for you, to see your smiling and often grimacing faces each Friday evening. Here's this week's New Beer Friday offerings.

Bonneville - Ton Up Nut Brown Ale. This is a Northern English Brown Ale. It is made with carmelized brown malt and a small amount of chocolate malt for a lovely reddish-brown color and touch of roast in the finish. Hints of toasted malt, graham cracker and nuttiness define the flavor profile, which is accented by a slight hint of earthy English hops.

Bonneville - Peach Wheat: A creamy, crisp wheat beer with the flavor of fresh peaches. Carawheat and honey malts plus milk sugar lends this beer a sweet complexity and delightful mouthfeel.

Moab - Red Rye IPA: Cittrus and florals dominate the nose. The flavor starts with Honey and caramel malts. Big rye spiciness comes next with a nice citrus and herbal hoppiness rounding out the end. 7.0% ABV. Now there are two versions of this beer. the other is a 4% that is on draft and should be popping up in grocery stores. This one is only availble in Moab for now you can buy it in Idaho and California. If you want to change this, start beating down their door. My inquiries have gone unanswered.

New Belgium - Tour de Fall: Dark ruby in color. The nose is citrusy and herbal. The taste starts with caramel malts and a bit of roastiness as well. The end is quite bitter with some citrus and pine resin. It's a nice solid pale ale a little high in ABV for the style (6%) but it's highly drinkable. @ Beer Bar

Payette - Mutton Buster - As with the Red Rye IPA above there are tow versions of this beer in the market right now. You can find the other version on Payette tap handles labeled Ales of No Return. This is a rotating handle so it may change. The original Mutton Buster is a nice American Brown Ale that has a nice roasty and piney nose. The taste is nutty and toasty with some earthy hoppiness. Cocoa notes are also present toward the end. A solid brown ale. @ Beer Bar, Beerhive

The Annex - Ella IPL: The nose has lemon, pine and wheat crackers. The taste is very similar with citrus, pine and spicy grass. It has a lighter body than most, but it's highly drinkable. 4.0% ABV @ Beerhive, The Annex

Epic is also releasing a new version of their Hopulent IPA today. This latest version is made with Lemon Drop Hops. I haven't tried it yet.

Are you into single hop beers? Then today is your lucky day. Epic has four versions of Hopulent out right now. Hopulent Lemon Drop - Hopulent Centenial - Hopulent Amarillo and the standard Hopulent. These are at Epic's Brewery in SLC and The Annex. Speaking of the Annex they'll be tapping a mystery firkin this afternoon around 4:30pm. Adventurous? Then get your ass over there!

Cheers!

Squatters Black Forest and Vienna Lagers

Squatters has released two new takes on two old brews. If you've spent any time at Squatters you'd be familiar with their Black Forest Schwartbier. It's been a staple at the downtown pub for what seems like decades. The original 4.0% has a long list of accolades making it one of the breweries most acclaimed beers, now it's getting a 6.0% upgrade and will soon be  finding it's way into liquor stores around the state.

It pours a near black color with a dense tan colored head. The nose is of roasted malt, ash, and semi-sweet chocolate. The taste follows the aroma with nice roasted malt, followed by coffee and chocolate flavors with a slight metallic dryness. The finish has a light malt bitterness. At the UBC's Beer Store now and will likely be at Squatters Bottleshop later today or tomorrow. DABC in a week or two.

The other Beer going from the pub to the bottle is Squatters Vienna Lager. This beer has won Gold at the World Beer Cup and was the first beer concocted by former Squatters Brewer Jennifer Talley.

This lager pours a clear light bronze color with a sturdy foam cap. The nose has a nice hop spiciness with hints of sweet Munich grain. The taste starts biscuity with lots of vanilla-esque malt flavors. Spicey and floral hops come next balancing out the malt sweetness. The finishes is bready a bit of lingering earthy hops. Light in body, but smooth on the tongue.This one should be popping up on grocery store shelves in the next week or two and is current available at the UBC's Beer Store and likely at squatters locations later today or tomorrow.

Also, if you looking to participate in the Grace Lutheran Bier Brauen the registration deadline has been extended to today - Tuesday, the 9th at 5:00 p.m. The Bier Brauen home brew contest is part of Grace Lutheran Church and School’s annual Oktoberfest. Bier Brauen, is one of only two officially sanctioned home brewing contests in the state of Utah. Register at www.gracesandy.org. Once registered, contestants can drop off their beers at Grace Lutheran Church located at 1815 East 9800 South in Sandy. Contestants can also drop off at Salt City Brew Supply, 750 E. Fort Union Boulevard, in Midvale and The Beer Nut at 1200 S State Street in Salt Lake City.

Prost!

Squatters 25th Anniversay Barley Wine

Last Friday, Squatters Pub Brewery celebrated 25 years of making world class craft brews in Salt lake City. Since then Squatters has churning out some of the best examples of what craft beer can be from classic standards like the Vienna Lager to their highly sought after Fifth Element Wild Saison.

To celebrate Squatters' Head Brewer, Jason Stock has developed a special beer - a style that Squatters has never brewed before. An English-Style Barley Wine. Made with traditional English Maris Otter malted barley and English Golding hops, accompanied by a variety of caramel malts to give depth. The result is a 9.0% ABV ale that has a deep ruby color with a sweet malty nose. The big malt backbone forms a rich toffee and tobacco richness that's complex and satisfying. Barley Wines are great beers that can be enjoyed young or laid down to age. Over time you'll find this beer develops more character the longer it ages.

This ale is a small batch series that will only be for sale at Squatters/Wasatch bottle shops. No DABC.

The label on the 25th of Richard Landvatter, noted muralist, illustrator and designer. To commemorate Squatters  anniversary, Landvatter employed his unique portrait style to depict a colorful rendering of
25th Squatters brewmaster Jason Stock with a cleverly incorporated hop beard. This Jason's second appearance on a Squatters beer label his mugshot already adorns the Hop Rising Double IPA bottles and cans.

A quarter of a century in the brewing business is no small feat. Salt Lake is lucky to have had such a  place to quench our thirsts and keep our tongues happy. Happy Birthday!

Cheers!

New Beer Friday: Choose the Beer (CtB) Edition

Had this nice young man that "hates me" chosen the beer instead of the right he may not be in the cocaína fueled pickle he's in now. Max, try craft beer. It's legal, it's tasty and there's a whole new bunch of it today in New beer Friday!

The Annex - Single Hop Golden Ale with Galaxy Hops: The nose has pineapple, orange, and pine. The taste starts with a subtle malt sweetness. Pineapple notes and dank pine bitterness round-out the back end. The finish has a slight yeast breadlines. Damn tasty and drinkable. A nice single hop ale. 4.0% ABV @ The Annex and Beer Bar.

Deschutes - Foray Belgian IPA: The nose is malty with apple, pear and citrus. Hints of Belgian yeast spiciness as well. The taste starts with citrus zest, apple and pear flavors. Mild hop bitterenss and spicy yeast notes follow. The finish is nice and crisp. The fruity and mild Belgian yeast qualities make this a tasty and easy to drink Belgo-IPA. Worth your time! 6.5% ABV @ Beerhive

Firestone Walker - Oaktoberfest: The nose has biscuit malt and a touch of grassy hops. The flavor starts with caramel and biscuit malt. A nice touch of vanilla follows with light grassy hops rounding out the back. This is a tasty beer but not the best representation of a traditional marzen. 4.6% ABV @Beerhive

Kujukuri - Ocean Weizen: Big banana and spices in the nose. The taste starts fruity with banana and a touch of oranges. Spicy hops come next drying the beer out a little. The end has a nice sour edge with a touch more bitterness. A rich, Japanese Berliner weisse that is surprisingly refreshing. 5.5% ABV @ Takashi Sushi

Iwate Kura Japanese Herb Ale Sansho: The nose has strong notes of parsley, oregano and thyme. The taste starts with spicy thyme and parsley. Pleasant honey, caramel and ginger come nest with a nice herbal bitterness rounding out the end. For an herbal beer it's pretty drinkable. 5.5% ABV @ Takashi Sushi

Echigo Stout: The nose has roasted malts and some earthy chocolate. The flavor starts with nutty/roasty malts. Fig and currant sweetness come next. The end has more earthy chocolate with some nice espresso flavors. It finishes with some lingering smokey notes. 7.0% ABV @ Takashi Sushi

Returing Champions

Uinta Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin Ale: Pours a dark copper orange. The nose is of sweet malt, pumpkin pie spices, vanilla, and some wood notes. The taste is of sweet malt and pumpkin puree up front while nutmeg, allspice vanilla and Bourbon round out the finish. The spices add a sight earthy bitterness that lingers on the palate after each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a smooth and medium bodied mouthfeel. Overall, this is an incredibly delicious pumpkin ale with a nice balance of all the flavors. One of the best pumpkin beers, in the Universe.

Bohemian Octoberfest: The nose contains caramelized malts, fruit, some grassy hops and spices. The taste starts out sweet with flavors of fruit and caramel. Then some breadiness comes in from a hearty malt character and lager yeast. The hops presence is mild but brings some balance. Another excellent lager from Bohemian!

Kampai!

Beer and Ballet

Ballet West is hosting their Second Annual Beer and Ballet fundraiser this Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. Guests can mingle with choreographers and dancers while enjoying a beer and food  pairing from Epic Brewing Co. and The Annex. A special ballet performance follows featuring new choreography from Ballet West artists .

Ticket are available at www.balletwest.org/events/beer-ballet or by contacting Marissa Hodges at 801-869-6964 or mhodges@balletwest.org. The evening also includes prizes from local area businesses. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. All proceeds benefit Ballet West’s educational and artistic programs.

I know that many of you could use a little "cultur'n" and a night at the ballet could do us all some good.

Cheers!