Need a Kegorator? Well I sure as shit do! The problem at my camp always seems to revolve around the lack of pesos in the "keep Mikey in beer fund". So if your "tapped" for a tap I've found nice people who want to help. Well... at least one of us. The happy people at Keggerators.net are giving away a fine single dispensing keggerator to one lucky contest participant. The contest runs from June 1, 2007 - August 1, 2007 and all you have to do is explain why you deserve it. I think it'll look great in my living room, next to my easy chair.
If there's anything to be said about my rants on Utah beer, it's that I'm a little touchy on the perceptions people have about our local suds. Whether it has to do with measuring alcohol by volume/weight, or the good ol' "Oh, I thought your state was dry" shtick. I do my best to get out and preach the good word.
It was a blast at this years Mountain Brewers Fest. The Utah delegation showed up in full-force. Here's a few of your representatives.
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After three decades at the helm of Utah's D.A.B.C. Ken Wynn is stepping down. Wynn's decision to leave comes after Gov. Jon Huntsman decided not to reappoint three commissioners on the board when their terms expire at the end of this month. Huntsman's office said the three had served multiple terms and it was time for change.
Two months ago Utah had no locally produced organic beers. Now we two. Yesterday Four + Brewing Company debuted they entry into the live healthier market with they're Wildfire Extra Pale Ale. Brewed with 100% Organic malts, WILDFIRE is light golden in appearance with Simcoe and Amarillo hops. Imparting a slight “mango essence” to both the nose and taste without minimizing its hoppy goodness and refreshing taste.This newest of Utah brews, has been in the works for over a year as the brewers have been hard at work fine-tuning the recipe while the Brewery underwent the rigorous compliance issues that accompany becoming Organically Certified. It hits the shelves of your favorite stores this week and is already available in select bars & restaurants on draft.
While organic beer sales are still minuscule in the overall beer industry, they are rising fast. North American sales of organic beers grew from $9 million in 2003 to $19 million in 2005, according to the Organic Trade Association.
Organic beers are even drawing the attention of the nation's largest breweries.
Before a product can be labeled “Organic”, a Government-approved "certifier" inspects the farms where the ingredients are grown to make sure that the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies, such as Four+ Brewing, that handle or process organic ingredients before they get to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified as well. Four+ Brewing received its organic certification in February of 2007.
Click the title for a video link.
Utah's only beer friendly cinema has changed hands. Brewvies owner David Movitz has sold the business to Randall Miller, the previous owner of Starship Theatres. "I didn't want to sell, to be perfectly honest," Movitz said Monday afternoon. "I owed some back money to the landlord and the tax commission. We fell behind. I felt pressured" to sell. Movitz and Matt Pernichele opened the downtown Salt Lake City cinema pub in 1997, modeling it after similar venues in Portland, Ore. The tavern has since become a popular gathering spot for people over 21 who come to play pool, eat, drink beer and take in a film on one of the two screens. "I plan to keep Brewvies relatively the same but plan on some remodeling and upgrades," Miller said Monday. "Brewvies is an institution." Drink and movie price specials during the week make it an affordable draw. Non-matinee tickets go for $6, and all Wednesday showings are $3. Movie-going customers can order food and drink at a counter and then get an assigned number. Once inside the theater, whose seats are backed by a ledge on which to set refreshments, a small electronic sign on one wall lights your number when the order is ready. 
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This really isn't beer related, but it's local and pretty damn cool! For the first time since the start of Prohibition, a Utahn will be producing home grown hooch from the states first legal distillery. Quaking Aspen Distillery is planned to be based in Park City at 703 Park Avenue. The spendy real estate consists of an old garage and two old homes. The distillery will occupy the garage and one of the old houses.
What's in a name? Everything! The name your given projects an image; the second impression people are left with that establishes who or what you are. The same goes for the beer you make. A shitty name makes for lackluster interest. A glorious name can make the nastiest mug of piss a monstrous hit. This label for example "Cereal Killer" what a great name for a high gravity (strong) beer. Or Polygamy Porter. Wasatch Brewery is still making tons of dough on that clever little gimmick.
Zola is out, Squatters is in. One of our favorite SLC brew pubs finally gets full use of it's downtown location. Last July, the eclectic "small plates" restaurant opened with brief success after a huge remodel of the upper levels of the building. A few weeks ago the experiment ended; and what should have happened to begin with, has come to pass. After a few minor modifications Squatters is finally utilizing the entire building, making it (as far as I can tell) the biggest brew pub in Utah. Also, check out they're new tap system. It's sweet!
