Trust, Yet Verify

If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Right? I mean at least that's what most of us have been taught. Trust yet verify. That's my position on the current possibility of abolishing the state of Utah's private club system. Even though the plan has the full support of Utah's LDS Governor and the states liquor-control commissioners agreed (by a 3-1 vote) to gather information on the proposed club elimination I still have a bad feeling the rug will be pulled from under us.

The Utah Hospitality Association would like to see the state's 77 taverns - which can only serve beer up to 4.0% - to be allowed to stock heavier beers(above 4.0%), wines and distilled spirits, moving bars into the "private club" category. Thus abolishing membership fees. Under this proposal, everything would operate in a similar fashion to Utah's airport lounges, where alcoholic beverages are sold with or without food, at a bar or table.

It all sounds fine and dandy, 'till you find out that LDS Church has made no comment as of yet on the possible abolishment of private clubs. In reality no such proposal can proceed with out their backing and it would be political suicide to advance without they're input. "The church is reserving comment until it sees a final draft of the law." said LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter Wednesday in the Salt Lake Tribune.

And what about Utah's Tea totaling Legislature. These people don't make major changes in Utah's liquor laws without demanding a large piece of flesh in return. If the proposed club elimination ever sees the governors desk I guaran-fuck'n-tee-you we will loose a drinking liberty that we now enjoy. Remember we only got .5 oz more booze per shot because it was traded away for the "alco-pop" ban. Don't get me wrong, no one would be happier than yours-truly to see this arcane system of the sixties die. But it sounds too good to be true.

The Breakfast Club

You know your a real beer geek when you come across a rare beer-find and start screaming like a school girl at a Zac Efron sighting. Even more so, when said beer is discovered at your local watering hole... Further still, even more giddiness ensues when it's the last two left in the state. Well kiss my b'dizzle ya'll, cause we done up-an'-swilled those bitches!

What 'bitches' am I referring to? only one of the best named, most robust beers on the planet. Mikkeller's Beer Geek Breakfast. Fellow beer gnerd Douglass Byrd and myself were on a sampling tour of some of Utah's finest new seasonals last Friday evening, when we finally came to rest at the Bayou. There tucked away on the "Off the Menu" menu was this stout that we had often talked about but never had a chance to try. I'm glad I got the chance to try Beer Geek Breakfast it really is that good. And If you love coffee or coffee stouts it's a dream.

Poured a surprisingly thick opaque black with a sturdy dark brown cap of foam. It reminds me of my grandmas ebony lacquered piano. The nose was a barista's dream. Strong roasted coffee with dark chocolate, raspberry and fig. The taste starts rich with bitter espresso and dark bakers chocolate. Next comes a smokiness with a touch of nutty-vanilla bean. Hops are bearly noticeable in the end. The finish is Silky and smooth and it's richness lingers on the tongue for quite a while. Very little of the 7.5% alcohol is noticeable. Full bodied with moderate to light carbonation. Nicely over-balanced with great drink ability. I haven't been overly impressed with Danish beers. Mikkeller is quickly changing my attitudes. Sorry to rub it in. They might be a little pricey. If you come across any, snag 'em they'll be worth it.

Ava Lee Belgium Style Triple

Jon Lee one of the brewers at the Utah Brewer's Coop, has brewed a special, one-time beer in celebration of his first child. The Ava Lee Triple dials in at 9% ABV, but will only be available in bottles at Squatters' three locations. This is a one time batch and will never be brewed again. Ava Lee Triple is available today. Friday May 23rd. and will probably go fast. I hear very good things about this one. Thanks to Andy, for helping to get the word out!

It's a Hefe Fest!

If it seem like I give Squatters a lot of 'pub' It's because they actually talk to me! Go figure. So if you want the the Utah Beer bump. Hint, hint. Fire-off some electronic beer love to alegeek@gmail.com and I'll pimp the shit out of you(as long as your beer doesn't suck). Anyway, It looks like Jenny Talley got a 'shload' of wheat malt cause it's going to be a hef-fest at Squatters for the next month or so. First off is Mein Weisse a German-style Weisse beer. Jenny describes it as "Great clove-like phenolic notes mingle with hints of banana. Low hopping keeps this unfiltered wheat beer super refreshing so you can drink it all day long on the patio". The second is available at the end of May. Kindig Weisse (filtered wheat beer, named after her beer brewing grammy). Jenny said, "I used the same yeast strain (wyeast 3068) for both weisse brews. Kindig Weisse is my interpretation of a Krystal Weisse, filtered, straw colored, low hops and plenty of clove and banana to go around.

The Time is Rype for Four+ Brewing

Four+ Brewing C0. has just released a brand new summer seasonal. Rype is described as a Belgian style wheat beer brewed with orange peel and spices. Just in time! I'm already in summer beer mode.

Poured from a bottle(bought at the brewery) a very clear amber-tinted golden color with a thick, frothy two fingers of head. The nose was of orange zest, yeasty breads and coriander. The taste started with orangey twang that transitions to a malty wheat backbone. Yeasty notes come next with a finish that was spicy and lemony. The mouthfeel is nice and creamy. Nicely balanced. Reminds me of a wit, but looks nothing like one. It's 4.0% abv makes it great summer-time, session beer just in time for the warm weather. It's available in stores now and should be on taps soon(if not already). Cheers!

Beer TV is a Go!

Last December we told you that Squatters brewmaster Jennifer Talley was recruited to be the host for a new television program devoted to all things beer. Apparently the beer gods have smiled upon her an deemed it good, because the green light has been given and On Tap is a go!

Jenny says; On Tap is expected to begin airing in the first quarter of 2009 on PBS, with filming to begin within the next few months. On Tap will present an inside look at how artisan microbrewers and their beers are taking the world by storm. Jenny, armed with 16 years of brewing experience from our very own Squatters brew pub will scour the country talking to brewers, chefs, and every day schmucks like us, for an inside glimpse on how beer is claiming it’s place at tables around the world.

Here's a glimpse at the trailer. Cheers!

Mountain Brewers' Beer Fest!

The Mountain Brewers Festival is a mear month away. If you love beer, and have never been your really missing out. Located under the Big Top at Sandy Downs in Idaho Fall, Idaho this annual event gives attendees the opportunity to sample hundreds of different beers from over eighty breweries!

Tickets in the Salt Lake area can be found at most local breweries and brew pubs.
The ticket price - $20 in advance, $25 at the door - includes admission, unlimited three ounce samples and live music.

There's also a food court featuring a variety of treats to gnosh upon.

This is a damn fine event. It's proximity to northern Utah and it's affordability make this an awesome weekend get away. Check out the link for lodging info or call the Beer Fest Hotline: 208-528-MBBF. Send a reply and let us know if your attending. It would be great to put faces to the posts. Cheers!

Unibroue Édition 2005 still alive & well in SLC

Generally; when a fine, limited edition beer comes along they tend to disappear before you ever knew they were around. This is not the case with Unibroue's Édition 2005. I don't know how or why, but for some reason there are still quite a few of bottles of this remarkable ale floating around the "SLC". If you find yourself downtown near the the Wine Store, grab a few if you can.

The 2005 comes in a handsome 750 ml. bomber with a wire cage and a cork. Pours a cloudy reddish brown with three fingers of foam. The nose is spicy, with flowers, yeast, fig and sweet malts. The taste started simple with sweet red apple and spicy doughy cinnamon. Dark Rum and raisin come next with herbal hops rounding out the finish. Everything balanced out nicely. The alcohol is well hidden, which improves it's drinkability nicely.

Viva La Raza!

Cinco De Mayo is just days away. And to mark the occasion RedRock Brewing is debuting a limited edition Mexican Style Lager. "Malt Master" Andy Shaw graciously donated the grain from his huge Malting facility in Idaho Falls. The lager(Viva La Raza) is made with the same malt that Corona and Modelo use in their beers. Viva La Raza gets it's unique light flavor from 6 row barley and flaked corn. I haven't had a Mexican Lager in quite some time, sounds like the right occasion.Also, while there grab a pint or eight of their Silver Medal winning Nut Brown Ale from the World Beer Cup last month. Cheers!