Thanks!

Having such a narrow topic as "Beer in Utah" makes for some tough writing some days. After doing this for five years, I often think about "hanging-it-up". Then I look back on the years previous posts and find that there is a shload of things going on in Utah's Craft Beer community and I find new inspiration.

This whole Beer Blog thing started out as a little self administered therapy. So I just wanted to take the time on this the last day of 2010 and say, thanks for another great year, thanks for the new friendships and thanks for sharing in my treatment.

Cheers!

Deschutes Red Chair

Looking for a something special to ring in the new year? Dechutes' Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale, a winner of multiple awards, including. World’s Best Beer, World’s Best Ale, World’s Best Pale Ale, World’s Best Standard Pale Ale, and The America’s Best Standard Pale Ale.

It has a plush body with satiny caramel flavors derived from seven varieties of malt. Yet, despite it all, it remains a hop-forward ale with that distinctive citrusy punch. Minus any mouth-puckering bitterness.

Available at most liquors right now.

Cheers!

Better Late, than Never

Christmas may be gone, but as the title says, better late than never. Don't fret though - there's still New Years Eve.

We first told you about late comer, numero uno back in early October. This collaboration between Weihenstephan, one of the world's most important breweries and Samuel Adams has been eagerly awaited by many in Utah and it doesn't disappoint. Taste wise - that is.

The bottle presentation is beautiful. Poured from 750mL corked bottle. Infinium is quite dry with crispness o' plenty. Starts with bready hints along with some slightly ripened, vinous notes. Slight banana and some pear come next with apple and grape rounding out the middle. The finish is definitely very Champagne-like and dry. Mouthfeel is crisp and dry with a medium-light body. There is slight heat from the alcohol but the carbonation cuts-it a bit, just like it would in a sparkling wine.

Be prepared for some bottle shock, as Infinium will set you back a few Hamiltons. Available at the Bayou and soon to allocated liquor stores.

The next "tardy beer" is Anchor Brewing's Our Special Ale. This Holiday institution goes back all the way to 1983 and has had a different recipe every year. Some years have been better than others. I think this year is one of the good ones.

The nose is dry and roasted with some toffee, raisins, figs, caramel and fruit esters. The taste starts dry and bitter. Then the spices kicks in: They give way to notes of passion fruit, oranges, figs, root beer and a hint of chocolate. The finish is lightly dry with some roasted malt, dried fruits and mixed exotic spices. The 5.50% ABV is almost sessional. Wide release.

The last of the "hind tit" beers is Boulevard Brewing's Harvest Dance Wheat Wine. Yup, a Wheatwine. The Wheatwine is akin to a Barleywine in strength, but contains a large portion of wheat malt; upwards of 50%. The wheat provides a soft and fluffy mouthfeel.

This beer has a fruity nose with sweet malt notes. The flavor starts with a complex blend of sweet, bready malt, next comes vanilla, oak, and a slightly vinous backbone. Rounding slowly to a long, dry, oaky finish. The ABV is 9.10% and is served from 750mL corked bottle. At the Bayou and some allocated liquor stores.

These are all great choices to help ring in the New Year. If you find any of these at area liquor stores, please comment on where you found them.

Cheers!

An Elephant Hits the Town

RedRock's Elephant Double IPA is proving to be a huge hit. If you like IPA's and you havn't tried it, this one is a must have. It is now available in many Utah Liquor stores and is expanding. Here are some of the new places where it's available.

Store 24 - 1160 Patterson St in Ogden
Store 31 - 14445 S Minuteman Dr in Draper
Store 38 - 1550 Snow Creek Dr in Park City
Store 16 - 125 W 9000 South in Sandy
Store 25 - 3255 E 3300 South in SLC

As always, if there's a beer you want and your local store doesn't carry it, politely ask the manager if they could get some in for you. And if that doesn't work, keep on them....politely.

Also Squatters has a new seasonal. Midnight Pale. It is an American Dark Pale Ale (Cascadian-esque) with a good dose of Amarillo and Cascade. It's quite yummy, highly recommended.

I hope that whatever you plan on doing tomorrow that you safe and happy and are enjoying a great local beer.

Cheers!

Sierra Nevada Estate Homegrown Ale

The Bayou got in a limited amount of Sierra Nevada Estate Homegrown Ale.

This beer is made with organic wet hops and barley grown at the brewery in Chico and is one of the few estate-made ales produced anywhere in the world.

The Estate Homegrown Ale has a spicy nose with earthy, grapefruit-like hop notes. The taste is the same. Layered with spicy aromas and barley with mild sweetness and smooth, toasted flavors.

Not as hoppy as some Sierra Nevada beers but still quite good.

Comes in a 25 oz. bottle and is 6.7% abv.

Cheers!

The Gift of Beer

With the Christmas rapidly approaching, you may be in need for a great gift for that beer minded person on your list.

May I suggest Desert Edge Brewery's Growler Gift Baskets. The basket comes with one 64 oz. refillable growler bottle, three growler refill gift cards and two Desert Edge Brewery logo glasses, all neatly packaged and ready for purchase for only $34.95.

Beats the Hell out of Fruit Cake any day!

Cheers!

Epic's Imperial Stout #2 and a New Poll

On November 25 Epic Brewing released their first Imperial Stout. Twenty days later the second release of one of their newest beers is already in the tank.

For Batch #2 of the Impy Stout, the grain bill was "Upped" with more roasted and dark malts. Which works for me. Stouts of this gravity need all the dimensions they can get. The Hop bill has also been modified with increased Nugget and Chinook hops.

Last year at this time there were no Impy Stouts, now there are three. Squatters Outer Darkness, Epic's Imperial Stouts and I'm counting Uinta's Labyrinth as an Impy even though it's labeled as a black ale.

I've created a new poll to see who is the local Impy King thus far. No cheating! If you haven't tried them all yet, you have two weeks to get your shit together and vote.

Cheers!

Thank You!

I just wanted to send out a big THANK YOU to all of you that were able to attend the Second Annual Utah Beer Holiday Tasting.

You were all so generous, not just with you beer but your food and great conversation. I was sad the night had to end as early as it did. Just as well... Mrs. Mikey was about drop kick one of her Jimmy Choo's up my back door. Something about me having a "wee bit too much"?

Anyway, like most of you I was able to sample a lot great stuff and I'm sure what I was able to sample was less than 10% of what was actually there. I love it when people come up to you and say, "Oh my gawd... you gotta try dis" over and over.

We actually had three other states representing besides Utah. Great craft beer lovers from Nevada, Idaho and Arizona all brought some of their local flavor to the party and really proved this wasn't just a Utah thing.

Thanks to all the Utah Brewers for "doing what you did". It's always great to pick your brains, and I know many of the attendees loved getting to know you guys better.

That's all I got. I you have any great photo you'd like to share please upload them to the Utah Beer Facebook page or you can send them to utahbeer@gmail.com and I'll post them on the blog. Thanks Again.

Cheers!

Lagunitas Beers Return

Lagunutas Brewing entered the state a few months ago via the Bayou and Beehive with a few labels. Today we are finally getting an expanded glimpse of their regular line-up. Here are some of the new Lagunitas beers to enter the market.

Lagunitas IPA: Made with 43 different hops and 65 various malts. Beautiful citrus taste with a solid sweet malty backbone. Heavy hop rind lingers on the tongue for a little while.

Lagunitas Imperial Stout: Starts with cocoa and coffee. Raisin and fig with light coffee and chocolate comes next. Finishes with dark malts and a slightly nutty taste.

Lagunitas Pils: A nice sweet malt flavor with a bit of a grassy noble hop flavor. There's a bitterness towards the end that is quite nice.

Lagunitas Pale Ale: The taste starts with sweet flavors of caramel and citrus. There's a decent hops presence that comes in next with a hearty malt character that provide a decent balance.

Lagunitas Censored: Sweet toffee and caramel malt up front. The toasted malt flavors intensify in the middle with some emerging spicy/floral hop notes. Finishes with lots of sweet, amber malt and a mild pine hop smack.

Lagunitas Maximus: Sweet citrus hops explode on the tongue balanced with the caramel malt base. Grapefruit and bright tropical fruit flavor dominate much of the palate with only a slight caramel flavor peaking through.

Available at the Bayou & Beerhive

Cheers!

Strange Brews

You know what i love about this time of year? The great beer selection. Everyone has great seasonal offerings in addition to their regular line up.

I'm was at the grocery store the other day and I came across a couple of the more unusual offerings.

Ed Hardy, former tattoo artists and current clothing designer has decided to get into the beer business. His first attempt is a uninspired, lackluster lager made in Mexico. It's your basic adjunct lager. Macro beer taste at micro beer prices. I can't believe they have balls to sell this shit for eight and a half buck a sixer.

The other strange brew is Beer. Yup it's called Beer. Beer Light to be exact. With such an inspired name I can only imagine that it lives up to it's name. I didn't get an opportunity to try it. It only comes in a Thirty-pack of cans. I apologize for my lack of commitment.

The one good thing I can say about Beer Light is it's price. At 16 bucks for thirty beers, that Porsche will be in your garage much sooner than you thought.

One beer that's not for sale in grocery stores, but is available today is Hoppers The First SnowAle. Available at Hoppers for $7.50 in 25 oz bottles and at the Bayou later in the week.

Cheers!

Raspberries Baby!

I imagine that your starting to get a sense that there's a theme going on here. This is a great time of year for beer and I have no intention of denying you a single pint of Holiday goodness.

Today's offering is from Desert Edge Brewing and it sounds heavenly. Holiday Raspberry Stout is a chocolate stout with 145 lbs of fresh raspberries added. The addition of the fresh berries provide the beer with a slightly tart fruit flavor which is countered by a slightly sweet stout.

I imagine if you like chocolate and raspberries this one will leave you all gushy.

Available at the brewpub. 4.0%

Cheers!

A Shload of Holiday Beers

Yup, I said Shload. From the ancient Messobeertanian language meaning "pant loads".

The following beers hail from all over Europe and the U.K. and are available right now at the Bayou.

Some are new, some are making a encore appearance. One thing is for sure they don't last long. You will not find such a varied selection anywhere in Utah.

Ølfabrikken Kloster Jul: Denmark
(The Beer Factory) is a small experimental brewery on the vibrant Danish
beer scene. Kloster Jul is a hoppy Christmas Ale brewed with large quantities of American Chinook hops and wonderfully spiced with coriander and cinnamon. 8.0%

Mikkeller Santa's Helper: Belgium
11% Belgian quadruple style ale. Delicious with big flavors of cookie dough,
chocolate, figs and spice. The addition of actual cocoa powder makes this one incredibly special. 11.0%

De Ranke Pere Noel: Belgium
The De Ranke brewers make small batches of what many consider the best specialty beers of Belgium. Their beers are robust and flavorful, and famous for their massive hoppiness. Pere Noel has a gorgeous cellar aroma with a distinctive hoppy dryness. A true Champagne of beers. 7.0%

Serafijn Christmas Angel: Belgium
A tiny Belgian brewery wedged into a crowded garage on a quiet street in a small Flemish town. Started by an ex music teacher, Achilles Van de Moer, makes simple, honest beers and takes as his symbol the Seraph, a six winged high angel of heaven. A hearty amber brew, well balanced and warming with just the right spirit. 8.0%

Jenlain Noel: France
This holiday beer comes from Brasserie Duyck, in the tiny agricultural town of Jenlain, in the northeast of France, quite near the Belgian border. Famous for their Saison style Farmhouse ales, Jenlain's holiday beer has a rich full sweetness with a tinge of orange peel. A great dark holiday ale. 6.8%

Deschutes Abyss: USA
Ranked #4 on BeerAdvocate.com's Top Beers on Planet Earth. The Abyss has huge depth and an amazingly rich and complex character. Full of licorish, molasses as well as coffee and roast, this 11% alcohol beer is one not to miss. 11.0%

Deschutes Jubel 2010: USA
This remarkable beer has been brewed only twice. Once in 2000 and again in 2010. Originally created when a clumsy burglar didn’t realize the weight of his stolen keg of Jubelale. He dropped it outside to freeze in the season’s subzero
temperatures only to be discovered the next morning by Gary Fish, Deschutes Brewery's owner. More than half the liquid in the keg had frozen and the remaining beer was a very cold, highly concentrated “Jubelale on steroids.” It was so good that the brewers set about recreating it (minus the freezing part) coming up with an annual “Super Jubel” that is aged in Oregon oak pinot barrels. 10.0%

Struise Tsjeeses: Belgium
A deep blonde abbey style tripel that has been aged for 8 months over different stone fruits. 10.0%

Thirez Bière de Noël: Belgium
A beautiful red/gold wheat beer, with quite subtle allspice and orange peel added. A slightly tart and quite refreshing festive brew. Champagne for the true beer lover. 6.0%

Bad Elf: UK
Old England meets the new world in this strong, warming winter IPA. 6.0%

Very Bad Elf: UK
Special Old Ale brewed from a 1795 recipe using speciallygrown
ingredients. 7.5%

Seriously Bad Elf: UK
An English Double Ale with a bit of Belgian character. Unique for the U.K. 9.0%

Criminally Bad Elf: UK
A boffo Barley Wine. Same basic recipe as Thomas Hardy's Ale. 10.5%

Insanely Bad Elf: UK
Billed as an Imperial Red Ale this is a gorgeous and tasty beer. 12.0%

Warm Welcome: UK
A stronger brown ale with more hops than you'd expect. 6.0%

Santa's Butt: UK
Strong porter. The original name for porter was Entire Butt, meaning the whole barrel. 6.0%

Pickled Santa: UK
Amber, spiced Christmas Ale. 6.0%

Lump of Coal: UK
Liquid consolation for a depressing holiday. Considering how bad you have been... This Bittersweet chocolate stout is more than you deserve. 8.0%

Reindeer's Revolt: UK
A golden amber, hop accented, English “winter warmer” brewed without spices. 6.0%

Other Domestic Craft Holiday Beers.

Wasatch Winterfest

RedRock Griswald

Hoppers SnoAle

Anchor Christmas

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice
Big Sky Powderhound

Deschutes Jubelale

Full Sail Wassail

Full Sail Wreck the Halls

Mactarnahan's HumBug Holiday Porter

Samuel Smiths Winter Welcome

Sierra Nevada Celebration

Thanks for bringing 'em in, Mark!

Cheers!

The Dark Side of Epic

Epic Brewing has debuted two new beers to help satisfy your dark half.

The first release is Epic's Imperial Stout. This is a big 10% brew. It is full of dark roasted malts, big coffee, chocolate notes and glowing alcohol warmth.

Epic's second release is a little more subtle. The Smoked Porter comes in at a mellow 6.1%, has nice chocolate and espresso notes with a moderate amount of smokiness.

These beers styles tend to do better with age. The Smoked Porter is drinking pretty well right now, but the Impy Stout could use some time in the bottle to mellow a little bit.

Regardless these are two great additions to the Holiday line-up. With all these great new local releases from the various breweries, there's no reason not to be drinking great local beers this holiday season.

Cheers!

The First SnoAle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Manuka Beer Made in Utah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Brainless on Cherries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 11/19/10

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

$2 Pints at Roosters

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

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

Xmas comes early. Cheers!

Bohemian's Pumpkin Lager

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

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

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

Only available at the Brewery Restaurant.

Cheers!

Revenge of the Holiday Beer Tasting

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

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

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

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

If a fraction of those who attended last year return, it looks like there will be a decent turnout. If you have a tasters glass or a piece of stemware please bring it, you'll be glad you did. Plastic cups will be provided but I'd hate for anyone to have to use them.

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

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

We'd ask that this be limited to "Beer People". People who know beer or are interested in learning more about craft beer. Please feel free to bring a guest if you don't want to come solo. But please don't bring cousin Ted because "he's fun and knows how to get his drink-on".

Speaking of "Beer People". Some of our local craft brewers will be in attendance as well as industry professionals. It'll be a nice opportunity for you to get to know them - and they you.

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

Please RSVP to utahbeer@gmail.com

Absolutely no one under 21.

So here's what we have.

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

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

When: Saturday December 11th at 7:00pm

Questions & RSVP: utahbeer@gmail.com

Cheers!

The Holidays Start Early

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

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

Cheers!

Fifth Element Wins Gold

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congrats Squatters Brew Team!

Mo'Town Brown

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

KSL Teaches Kids to Make Alcohol?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discussion is already underway in the forum.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Big Things in Moab

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Photo: Bryan Serafini

New Beer Friday 10/29/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Epic Expands

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Cherney Bock Comes Home

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

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

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

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

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

Prost!

Griswald's Big Holiday

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Beer Leaving the DABC?

I have good news and bad news for you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discussion?

2010 Outer Darkness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 10/15/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Nice Cans!

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

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

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

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

2010 Canfest Winners

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

More Märzens

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

It pours a warm orange brown color with a firm, creamy white head. The nose is full of clean toasty malts with a bit of subtle nutty character. The taste starts with lots of crisp, smokey malts, biscuit tones and a good citrusy hop twang. Vanilla, orange peel and a spices lingering towards the finish. The bitter hops meld with a slight malt smokiness into the after taste. Very well balanced and highly drinkable with an ABV of 5.5%. This is a great example of what Oktoberfest biers are all about.

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

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

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

Prost!

Infinium Ale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prost!

2010 RedRock Oktoberfest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prost!

New Beer Friday 10/01/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Beers for Bikes

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

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

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

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

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

Radius is Back

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

RedRock Beer School

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Medal Winners for You!

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

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

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

Cheers!

Mirror Pond Pale Ale
Deschutes Brewery

Apricot Ale
Pyramid Breweries

Pale 31
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Red Nectar
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Hazelnut Brown Nectar
Rogue Ales

Samuel Adams Honey Porter
Boston Beer Co.

Squatters Wit
Utah Brewers Cooperative

King's Peak Porter
Uinta Brewing Co.

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

DBA
Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

Estate Homegrown Ale
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Bachelor ESB
Deschutes Brewery
Bend, OR

Redrock Nut Brown Ale
Redrock Brewing Co.

Wasatch Summerbrau
Utah Brewers Cooperative

Squatters Hells Keep
Utah Brewers Cooperative

Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout
Rogue Ales

825 State Stout
Epic Brewing Co.

Redrock Black Bier
Redrock Brewing Co.

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

Michelob AmberBock
Michelob Brewing Co.

Miller Lite
Miller Brewing Co.

Old Milwaukee
Pabst Brewing Co.

Miller Genuine Draft
Miller Brewing Co.

Hamm's
Miller Brewing Co.

Old Style
Pabst Brewing Co.

Fest Devious from Epic

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!