Utah Brewery Map

Friday, December 29, 2017

New Beer Friday: Adiós 2017

What a weird year 2017 has been, there's been no shortage of strange shit and many of us wondered if we were living in some kind of alternate reality. However, there was one thing that wasn't out of Bizzaro-Land; Utah had a record breaking year in regards to brewery expansion. 2017 saw the  addition of A.Fisher Brewing Co., the RoHa Brewing Project, RPM Brewing Co.and Kiitos Brewing Co. to our brewery count. As I see it, Utah now has 28 breweries (counting two independent brew houses for Roosters and Proper and three for the Wasatch/Squatters group). 2018 will likely see an additional three or four new breweries added to the roster. I don't have to tell you that a vibrant beer scene will help take Utah's beer culture out of the 1970's while greatly improve the outstanding local beverages we currently enjoy. Happy New Beer Friday and please have a happy and safe New Year!
  
Strap Tank Barrel Aged Stout: This is a barrel strength stout. Meaning it is not blended with a fresh batch of the base beer. This gives the beer more "umpf" and body. The beer is jet black, with a chocolate colored head. the nose has chocolate, booze, bitter coffee, woody highlights, and tangy cream sweetness. The flavors are rich and robust, with a smooth milk chocolate highlighted by campfire smoke. All of this on a bitter roasted coffee backbone, with woody and boozy highlights. Some crème notes, too. It has a rich, chocolate and vanilla aftertaste, with whiskey highlights in there, too. Smooth, slow finish, with a nice warmth and lingering chocolate. 9.6% ABV. Available for enjoyment at the brewery today. To-go sale coming next week. Congrats on UTah County's first barrel aged beer! 

Avenues Proper Coffee Pale Ale:  Brewed with La Barba Ethiopian coffee beans and American hops. The idea here is to find a good combination of a fruit-forward coffee bean that wouldn't be overly acidic to pair with fruity American hops and bready malts to try and coax some flavors out of a coffee beer that you don't normally see. I havn't had a chance to try it yet but it sounds very intriguing. 4.0% ABV. Only at Avenues Proper.


Kiitos Wheat Ale: Kiitos is flexing a little muscle with this beer. Though it's only 4.0%
ABV, it's made using 75% wheat malt. If you've ever brewed with large amounts wheat and rye; you know it's a sticky mash. Kiitos' brew system allows them to utilize these water retaining grains with high efficiency. Basically, what I'm saying is that you won't find many 75% wheat beers in the market. This one is clean and bready with nice cereal and cracker qualities. Give this one a shot. Available at Kiitos. 

Moab FMU Double IPA: Generally FMU means "Fuck Me UP" and while that may not be Moab Brewing Company's intent, it is becoming common vernacular in regards to high ABV beers. This Double IPA boasts a shload of throughout and packs a 9.6% ABV. I'd give this a rating of, "meh". This feels more like a thin barley wine. It's sweetness overpowers much of the hop profile, though it does finish quite bitter on the back of the tongue. Available at most DABC stores.
  
Oskar Blues Barrel Aged Ten Fiddy: Some bourbon, vanilla, oak, chocolate, caramel and a bit of coffee in the aroma. Lots of chocolate malts and some vanilla, caramel and coffee. Some roasted malts. The Bourbon isn't too overpowering. Smooth, silky texture. A very nice brew!
12.9% ABV. Available at your better beer bars.

Base Camp 5th Anniversary: This beer is basically an olde stock ale. It's kind of a baby barley wine. This was aged in multiple wine and "spirit" barrels. The malts are sweet and the barrel aging adds nice vinious tartness that is light and pleasant. It does feel a bit thin though. Non the less it's an enjoyable beer. I found it at Beer Bar. 7.9% ABV.

Stone Vengeful Spirit IPA: : A tropical and citrusy nose with mandarin orange, mango and pineapple along with malt. The taste is similar with orange and and mango off the top. The pineapple is a bit more restrained by the malts and the fruitiness as whole. pineapple. The finish is light and bitter. A nice and easy IPA with good fruit flavors and nice balance.7.3% ABV.

Deschutes Abyss - Tequila Barrel: The nose has a noticeable tequila that works well with the dark chocolate, coffee notes and licorice. I can't tell if I'm getting agave or not, but there is a vegital like sweetness off the top of the taste. This Abyss variant is a little lacking in the distinctiveness of the tequila barrel. And frankly I don't know if tequila is the best fit for an Imperial stout like this. What are your thoughts? 11.9% ABV. I found this at the Bayou.

Cheers!

Thanks to the Columbia Daily Tribune for letting me alter their cartoon.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

New Brew Soon for You: Talisman - RoHa

In an attempt to keep it clear; in regards to previewing new beers vs. announcing their arrivals, I'm going to implement the New Brew Soon for You title. Often people think some of these preview blurbs are the official release for these beers. Hopefully this new strategy will keep it clear. Capisce?
 
You have a new IPA coming soon from Talisman Brewing soon. The Ogden brewery will be offering this rotating India Pale Ale called Adventures in IPA that will feature a different hop bill every quarter or so. Props to Talisman for keeping things interesting in regards to their IPAs.  

Also in the new brew soon for you column we have a collaboration beer with Salt Lake City's Local 81 Firefighters and the RoHa Brewing Project. The Maltese Cross is will be made especially for these firefighters (and for charity), this beer is specifically designed to be enjoyed after those long 48 hour stints that our local heroes endure, all to keep us safe.

Stay close for the release on both of these "New Brew Soon for You beers and others as soon as the hit.

Cheers!

Images found at Shipcomplient.com

Thursday, December 14, 2017

New Beer Friday 12/15/17

Desert Edge Smoky The Beer.: This is a Robust style porter brewed with a small amount of smoked malt for a lightly smoked porter. The flavor and aroma are coffee like roasted malt and light smoke. Low hops and bitterness. Medium dry finish. Come in out of that filthy air and have a pint or two! 4.% ABV

Strap Tank Benny: Missed. Sorry not tried yet. It's described as being a historic-ale collaboration between Strap tank and Benjamin Franklin. Using his original recipe, we sourced a diverse array of local, raw & malted grains instead of the usual malted barley. The result is hazy & unfiltered, but silky-smooth with notes of molasses, local Bagley honey and fresh baked bread. 4.0% ABV. Only at Strap Tank.

Fisher IPA;  A straight forward IPA with a good dose of mosaic hops to make it nicely citrusy. Not over the top at all. You need this! Available tomorrow in crowlers only at 10am. 7% ABV Only at Fisher

 Ballast Point High West Victory at Sea: Big roasted barrel whiskey barrels dominate with some caramel rounding it out.ts nd  barrel ans whiskey flavors takes control. 12.0% ABV. Available at Beerhive, La Ferrovia

Leinenkugel Snow Drift Vanilla Porter: Missed out on this one. 6.0% ABV available at DABC stores.

Lagunitas Willet Coffee Stout: The whiskey here is on the sweet end, which gives it a nice vanilla-like flavor. The coffee is subtle - not like Epic's BBB. 12.6% ABV Avaiable at Beer Bar, Beerhive, La Ferrovia.

RoHa's Grapefruit Back Porch Pale Ale: This version of Back Porch is is "dryhopped with rehydrated grapefruit peel. Tons of Grapefruit all around in this limited edition beer. 4.0% ABV. Available at RoHa.

Also, Vernal's Not your Mama's Imperial Milk Stout is now avaiable along the Wasatch Front at DABC Stores. If you havn't tried this yet I highly recommend it.

The nose is sweet with light chocolate and coffee notes - like a rich coffee drink. The taste with huge sweet lactose and chocolate followed by some balancing roasted malts. After you get past the lactic sweetness the coffee notes become more assertive. The end has some bitter cocoa and hint of black malts. Damn! I was really taken aback by how damn drinkable this 8.5% beer is. It's so drinkable and smooth on the palate, you'd swear it was in the 6% range. 

Cheers!

New Bayou App Lets You Order From Your Smartphone

The Bayou has just released the latest version of their iPhone and Android app. With the latest of The Bayou app you can now order beers right off your phone. You simply obtain a order code from your server, enter it into your phone and then click "Order Beer" on whatever beer you wish.  When you are ready for your check you can hit "Request Receipt" on the app and have your ticket brought right over.

With 490 beers currently in the app, this new ordering method should make ordering your next beer as easy as clicking a button.

Other new features are phone notifications for new beers and weekly firkins as well as other news. The app size was dramatically reduced (we are talking 10's of MB smaller) and there is apparently more robust error handling which should help out those of you with spotty connections.

They also figured out why some people were having problems loading beers into the app.  It was all due to issues between AT&T and The Bayou's DNS server.  They got that sorted out and AT&T people should no longer have any problems going forward.


I think this is pretty cool, I can't wait to give it a whirl!

Cheers!

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

New Brews Coming to You 12/12/17

I  have more previews this morning of what's coming soon to Utah's beer world.

First up, we have this new seasonal from Bohemian Brewing Company. The Brew Ski Mountain Lager is a 4.0% ABV beer made for Utah's Solitude Mountain Resort. As you can see the label features a bright depiction of Solitude's terrain, while inside of the can you get a German-style lager with mildly sweet malts and floral Bavarian hops. This beer is expecting to hit taps and store shelves very soon. Stay close!

On the heels of Uinta's popular Lime Pilsner you can soon expect to get your hands on a little Mango Lime Pilsner. This 5.0% ABV beer is not hiding what it is and looks to be a beer that fits better on the beach that on the groomed slopes. Don't let those marketing guys fence you in! If the beer is good for skiing, then buy it. Coming soon.

Cheers!

Labels found at shipcomplient.com

Thursday, December 07, 2017

New Beer Friday 12/8/17


Talisman Gingerbread Imperial Stout: This sounds amazing! An Imperial Stout with gingerbread? It's described as having a subtle gingerbread cookie taste with malt sweetness and a boozy finish. 10.5% ABV. Available at Talisman Brewing

Squatters London Fog: Squatters take on the famed tea latte is an English Golden with Earl Grayer tea infused at flame out and a dry addition post fermentation. Served on Nitro.

Kiitos Citra PaleAle: Nobody has had this. It supposed to debut today.... race ya! 4.0% ABV. Only avaible at Kiitos. 

Ommegang Winter is Here: This is a witbier with subtle clove, wheat crackers and a good dose of herbal hops. At 8.3% it's way heavy on alcohol and is guaranteed to turn the heartiest soul into a white walker. "My watch has ended". Available at DABC Stores.

pFriem Pilsner: Bloody Hell! what a nice pilsner. This one doesn't often hit markets outside of Oregon. Subtly sweet malts, dry crackers, toast and a healthy dose of grass and herbal hops make this pilsner sing! A must try. ABV is slightly high for style. Available at Beer Bar.

pFriem Oud Bruin: This sour brown ale is lightly tart with nice malty character and ample sourness to give it a great fruity profile without the addition of fruit. Not the best Oud Bruin I've had, but it's really enjoyable. 8.7% ABV. Available at Beer Bar.

pFriem Pumpkin Bier: Missed out on this one. It's described as fluffy pumpkin pie. 6.9% ABV.

pFriem Flanders Red: As sours go, Flemish Reds usually fall on the opposite sides of Oud Bruins. They are far more tart and less balanced. This is not that ; it actually has balance, which leads me to think that this beer is too young or slightly out of style. That being said, it drinks incredibly well. Try it now and try it again in a year to see if it changes. 7.0% ABV. Available at Beer Bar. Available at Beer Bar.

I know I missed something, please share the beer love.

Prost!

Wednesday, December 06, 2017

Roosters' B Street Brewery Breaks Ground Tomorow

Last year I was happy to bring you the news that Ogden's own Rooster Brewing Company would be creating a production brewery/pub to service it's growing outside accounts. Today I am once again happy to bring you the news that Roosters B Street Brewery is set to break ground tomorrow Thursday, December 7th.

With this new dedicated facility and canning line, Roosters B Street Brewery will increase their current brewing capacity ten-fold. “The two small breweries in Ogden and Layton have been at capacity for the last couple of years,” said owner Pete Buttschardt. “In order to keep the shelves stocked and expand, we’ve been working to create a dedicated production facility and move to canning. This new location really matches our brand and our vision. We couldn’t be more excited for what this means for Roosters Brewing Company.”

The Roosters B Street Brewery will be located in the new “Trackline” development located off Avenue B in Ogden. Located adjacent to the Ogden River Parkway, the site features a mile of spur trail leading straight to the new brewery which is perfect for Roosters cycling-forward brand appeal.

The brewery is expected to be completed in the summer of 2018 and will feature a quick bites menu and tap room.  In addition to the nearly 13,000 sf of brewery, dining and tap room space for Roosters, the campus will feature an additional 6,000 sf of available space for retail and manufacturing, as well as an outdoor amphitheater and dining area.

Roosters Brewing Company originally opened its doors in 1995 on Historic 25th Street, featuring elevated pub fare and a gathering space for community and visitors. Since then, Roosters opened a second location with a brewery in Layton, launched a bottled high-point label available in Utah DABC stores and most recently, ventured out of state with bottled products at retail locations throughout Wyoming.

Of course all updates will happen here as soon as they're relevant. Congrats to Roosters in this newest chapter in Ogden's brew scene.

Cheers!

Friday, December 01, 2017

New Beer Friday 12/01/17

I tried to get a handle on most of these beers yesterday, but I'm only one man. This is likely the largest New Beer Friday ever, so I'm going to try to keep it brief.

Kiitos' India Pale Ale: A straight-up west coast style IPA. Full of citrus peel and pine. On the drier side. A very nice high point beer - out of the gate for Kiitos. 6.1% ABV. available at Kiitos

Kiitos' Double IPA: This is likely being canned as you read this, so I've not tried the finished product yet. Since they nailed the IPA, expect nice things from this double version. 8.5% ABV. available at Kiitos

Kiitos' EPA - Chinook: This single hop Extra Pale Ale has grapefruit peel with a bit of pine. The malts are light - super tasty. 4.0% ABV. available at Kiitos

Kiitos' EPA - Mosaic: This single hop Extra Pale Ale has tangerine and bit of tropical fruits. Same malt bill as above. Very tasty. 4.0% ABV. available at Kiitos

Kiitos' Blackberry Sour: Very tart, yet the berries still seem to pop! Plus it has a vey nice scarlett hue. So nice. 4.0% ABV. available at Kiitos

Kiitos' Coconut Stout: Very tasty. The coconut is subtle and it play very well with the roasted malts in the stout. Damn tasty! 4.0% ABV. available at Kiitos

Kiitos' Holiday Ale: This is basically gingerbread beer, so proceed with this impression. I think it delivers as described. 4.0% ABV. available at Kiitos

Epic's Chapulin Gose: If the whole cricket thing freaks you out, please don't let it affect your impressions. I got nothing from this beer, but a lemon tartness and salt. A very nice gose. 4.3% ABV. available at Epic.

Epic's Pulp Addiction: One of Epic's more subtle interpretations on the East Coast IPA. Sweet, juicy and semi-dry. Very nice! 7.3% ABV. available at Epic

Uinta’s The Friesian: Not very Belgian-like. Super roasty with a good dose of hops. Some Brett funk with subtle tartness. If you can hang on until March 2018, I think this will be much better. 10% ABV. available at Uinta.

Desert Edge's Bears Ears Amber: This is an unfiltered American amber ale brewed with centennial hops. The aroma is malty caramel and citrus. The flavor is toasty malt and caramel balanced by a citrusy hop character. 4.0% ABV. available at D.E.

Cascade's Figaro: Dusty dry sourness with raw cheese and fruit. A tasty wild ale. 9.5% ABV. available at Beer Bar.

Cascade's Manhattan NW: Missed out on this one. 10.3% ABV. available at Beer Bar.

 Cascade/Terreux's One Way or Another:  Missed out on this one. 7.9% ABV. available at Beer Bar.

To ØL's Fuck Art Winter's Coming: Yes, this the actual name of the beer. Sadly I have no notes on this one. 8.0% ABV. Available at the Bayou

Trois Dames' L’Amoureuse Blanche: Missed out on this one. 8.0% ABV. Available at the Bayou

Haandbryggeriet's Bestefar: Missed out on this one. 9.0% ABV. Available at the Bayou

 Sorry the notes are brief, but this was too much beer for this beer dweeb on a school night.

Prost!

Thursday, November 30, 2017

New Kiitos Tap Room To Open with New High Points

Kiitos Brewing Company would like to announce the opening of their new taproom and beer shop. Beginning tomorrow (Friday, December 2) The taproom located at 608 w. 700 s. in Salt Lake City, will open with 10 beers on tap, including: EPA - Chinook, EPA - Mosaic, Blackberry Sour, Coconut Stout, Holiday Ale, Blonde Ale, Amber Ale, Pale Ale and Coffee Cream Ale. Kiitos will also offer up a guest tap, that will be announced later.

Also, Kiitos will be introducing two new high point IPAs. Called Simply; India Pale Ale and Double IPA. These will dial in at 6.1% and 8.5% respectively. They will also be packaged in 16 ounce cans. For the time being, these are only available to take home and not for on premises drinking. The Tap room is scheduled to open at 11am.

What a great way to start December!

Skol!

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

More New Beers Are Coming

Not to be outdone, there are a couple more breweries with new suds on the horizon to make your tongues squeal with excitement.

First off: we have this new American Pale Ale coming from Epic. The RiNo APA is Epic's latest pale ale in their portfolio. The term RiNo (River North) pays homage to the bustling neighborhood that Epic's Denver brewery calls home. Epic was one of the first businesses to take a chance on this old industrial part of town, it's now one of the hottest districts in Denver. RiNo APA is described as a "juicy' pale ale that will come in around 5.8% ABV. This beer will take over from the discontinued Element 29 Pale Ale that left us too soon. More info to come.

Another new to beer (coming to store shelves that is) is RPM Brewing Company's P1 Pilsner. The P1 name comes from the racing acronym for being first - pole position qualifier or race finisher - designated as P1. Like its namesake this beer goes down fast and utilizes premium fuels. You can catch a taste of the P1 right now at The Garage Grill (RPM's restaurant) located at 1122 e. Draper Parkway, Draper. As soon as their cans hit store shelves I'll fill you in. Look for more RPM cans in the near future.

Prost!

Labels found at Shipcomplient.com

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

New Local Brews Coming Soon

It's beer preview time again or "beerview" if you will. First up we have new packaging for a beer that definitely gets the award for most clever name. Bohemian's Czechulator. This beer originally hit back in December of 2016 and it's due once again for it annual appearance. The nose is nutty, chocolate, clean notes of malty sweetness. Some toffee and caramel in there as well. The flavor starts off similarly with some notes of traditional chocolatey, nutty, and toffee malts. As the flavor develops on the palate, though, I get some berry sweetness towards the end. The ABV on this beer is getting a boost this time around, look for a new 8.7% (up from 7.6%) lager when it hits shelves in the coming weeks.

Next up is a brand new offering from Uinta Brewing. Crisp Apple Ale pretty much nails it with the name. It looks like it will have a tart dry apple flavor and will come in 12oz cans. There's no ABV listed so it may or may not be at 4% ABV. I have no idea when this will be released, so stay close.

Cheers!

Labels found at Shipcomplient.com

Friday, November 24, 2017

New Beer Black Friday II

The best thing about New Beer Black Friday is that you don’t have to get your ass up early and wait in line for it! Well, maybe if you want some of 2 Row’s BA Dark Alley tomorrow you will. 

It looks like Goose Island Bourbon County and Bourbon County Coffee hit DABC store shelves today. Very limited supply.

Talisman's Chocolate Stout with Orange Zest: Not tried this one yet. It's described as a chocolate stout with orange zest. - strong dark chocolate notes from a heavy dose of cocoa nibs complimented by citrus from the orange zest. Delicious and creamy. 4.0% ABV.  Available exclusively at the Cinnebar Snowbasin Resort and also available for growler fills at Talisman's beer store.

2 Row 's Barrel Aged Dark Alley: This newest incarnation of Utah's beastliest beer (15% + ABV) goes on sale to the public tomorrow morning (Saturday 11/25/17). However some bar have already picked some up and have them for sale right now, so if twenty-four hours is too long to wait? you have that option today.This version of 2 Row's Imperial Barrel Aged Stout is aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels. You should probably get in line now, it will sell out fast.

Fisher's Pale Ale #6: Not Had this one yet. 4.0% ABV. Only at Fisher Brewing

Double Mountain's Hop Lion: Not tried this one yet. 6.7% ABV Available at Beer Bar

Double Mountain's Peche Mode: Not tried this one yet. 8.7% ABV Available at Beer Bar

I'm sure I've missed something, hook a brother up and share the New Beer Friday love!

Cheers!

Monday, November 20, 2017

A Peek at Strap Tank's Debut Packaging

A few weeks ago I was able to a preview of the labels that Strap Tank Brewing is going to be using for their up and coming Barrel aged beers. We now have a look at the bottle and the new non-barrel aged versions of those beers.

As you can plainly see, the Springville brewery is not shying away from their motorcycle roosts or going cheep with the packaging. These bottles will clearly be different from anything else in out market.

The barrel aged bottles are 750 ml. and the standard bottles will be 11.2 oz. You'll likely see one or both of these next month when they hit the market. Stay close for their release dates.

Cheers!

Friday, November 17, 2017

New Beer Friday 11/17/17

Happy Friday! There's a great mix of new flavors this week, along with some popular returning favorites.

2 Row's Secret Haze: This new hazy IPA from 2 row is made with Australian Vic Secret hops. You get a massive punch of citrus juice and pith up front and a good dose of bitterness in the the finish. Another impressive IPA from 2 Row. Available at 2 Row, Beer Bar 9.5%

Kiitos' Coffee Cream Ale: It has a light straw colored appearance, with a nice aroma of coffee. The tastes is semi sweet with light coffee flavors that finish a little nutty. 4.0% ABV. Available at Beer Bar

Firestone Walker's Luponic Distortions Revolution #7: The nose has citrus and floral notes with melon and berries as well. The flavor is bitter with citrus-like hops and cracker-like malts. Hints of white grape and herbal notes round out the back. The finish is crisp and dry. 5.9% ABV. Available at DABC stores and various bars around the Wasatch Front.

Anchor's Our Special Ale 2017: I haven't tried this one yet. This Christmas beer changes every year. 6.7% ABV. Available at DABC stores and various bars around the Wasatch Front.

Magners Irish Cider: I haven't tried this one yet. 4.5% ABV. Available at DABC stores and various bars around the Wasatch Front.

Strap Tank's Hank Honey Wheat:  Made with local Bagley Honey and Spanish Fork grown Wheat. I haven't tried this one yet. 4.0% ABV. Available at Strap Tank.

 Melvin PilsGnar: If you're into pine, this beer is for you. It's piny, pine, pine with sweet malts backing it up. Hint of sulpher as well. Nice lager. 5.0% ABV Available at the Bayou.

Returning Favorites 

Red Rock Secale: Love this beer. Toffee, spicy rye and sweet whiskey. So yummy! Available for purchase tomorrow at 11am. 8.5% ABV. Available at Red Rock.

2 Row's Breakfast Stout: Much improved from the first batch. The coffee is in full force now with nice cocoa notes as well. If you've tried them both, please share your thoughts. 8.0% ABV. Available at 2 Row, Beer Bar.

Roosters' Rosemary Porter: Pours a dark ebony brown with a sturdy finger of foam. The nose is of roasted malts and rosemary. The taste starts with roasted malt and caramel. next comes the rosemary and hints of cinnamon. the end has a slight piney bite. The finish was a little on the dry side. Mouthfeel is on the thin-side of medium. A unique, but tasty spiced porter. 4.0% ABV.

Cheers!

Friday, November 10, 2017

New Beer Friday 11/10/17

Happy New Beer Friday! with the colder weather upon us, the big, full bodied beers are hitting the market. Hold on to you chair, there a shload of new stuff this week. Let's get to it!

Epic Triple Barrel Big Bad Baptist:  The aroma is intensely roasty, with notes of bourbon, dark roast coffee, baking chocolate, fudge and toasted coconut. Alcohol perfume is evident as well; it creates a countering effect that keeps the bouquet from becoming too dessert-like. The taste is immediately bold and rich. Medium sweet dark chocolate and roasted barley jump out at first. Big cold-brew coffee flavors push aside the roasted malts and assert a rich and spicy blast that is equal parts fruity and floral. At the midpoint, the bourbon barrel begins to play its part, adding oak, toffee and vanilla along with a bit of booziness. Toward the end of the palate, coconut custard becomes apparent, as it creates a toothy Mounds Bar sweetness that plays well with the coffee and bourbon thump. The end of this roller coaster relies on a bit of oak and the slightest hint of floral bitterness to wrap it all up in a nice bow. The finish is roasty and slightly dry, as lingering acidic tones from alcohol and coffee parch the tongue. 12.7% ABV Available at Epic SLC starting today.

Desert Edge's Munich Dunkel Lager: The Munich Dunkel is a deep amber colored German lager. This beer is full of rich, toasty malt flavor with a low bitterness and medium dry finish. 4.0% ABV. Available at Desert Edge.

Desert Edge's 7 Devils IPA: This is a session IPA brewed with large amounts of Idaho 7 hops. These hops have bright citrus, and resiny pine aromas. Light malt with high bitterness and a dry finish. 4.0% ABV. Available at Desert Edge.

RoHa's Pumpkin Black: Smells of cocoa and pumpkin spices. The taste follows with milk chocolate, nutmeg and allspice. Very dessert-like with a fair amount of body for a 4.0% ABV beer. Available at RoHa Brewing Project.

Oskar Blues' Death by Coconut: Dark brown with a soapy tan head. The nose has huge coconut that drowns all other aromas. The flavors starts with coconut then transisitions into a nutty, chocolate flavor. Toasted grains and caramel round out the back end. It's sweet, but not overly so with a rich body that is full and pleasant. I'm glad the brown ale here didn't get completely stomped on. 6.5% ABV. Available at Dick 'n Dixie's.

Laughing Dog/Boneyard Bloody Brews: This beer has a nice opaque cardinal red color and an aroma of tomato and a hint of pepper and vinegar. The taste is primarily dill pickle juice, garlic, tomatoes, salt, vinegar and a hint of beer. Think bloody marry with a bit of fizz. A tasty alternative to beer. 4.0% ABV. Available starting this weekend at various grocery and C-stores around the SLC area.

Stone's Saison du Buff: There's a strong aroma of herbs, lemon and penolic yeast.The taste is  starts with peach, spices and citrus peel. The malt s are tame while the fruit and spices are more assertive.  Big hops inhabit the beer throughout and hang on through the finish. 6.8% ABV. Available at Beer Bar, Beerhive, Bayou

Stone's Stygian Descent: Pours black with a tan head. The nose has roasted malt, vanilla, dark fruit and spices. The taste has a touch of bourbon/vanilla sweetness is present as is some dark fruit flavors (figs/prunes) and then the hops hit on the end. The beer is medium but is smooth thanks to the barrel aging. 11.6% ABV Available at Beer Bar, Beerhive, Bayou

Stone's Fyodor: Not tried this Bourbon Barrel age Imperial stout yet. 13.5% ABV. Available at Beer Bar, Beerhive, Bayou

Stone's Xocoveza Charred: Notes of cocoa and chicory. The taste starts with cocolate, coconut and caramel. Some char as well. Nice vanilla notes along with  almond and coffee round it out. Finishes dry and warming.This is quite delish! 10.0% ABV.

Stone's Mikhail Odd: Not tried this Espresso Imperial Russian Stout aged in bourbon barrels. 13.9% ABV. Available at The Bayou.

Have I given you enough?

Cheers!

Thursday, November 09, 2017

Boneyard's Bloody Blend

The maker of one of Utah's most popular locally made bloody marry mix has teamed up with Idaho's Laughing Dog Brewing Company to produce a chelada beer that's worth checking out. Boneyard's Bloody Blend has been making their special bloody marry blend since 2012. It's a spicy and savory tomato based concoction that the manufacturer recommends you enhance with Clamato and vodka.

For the Bloody Blend none of that is required. Laughing Dog has provided their cream ale as a base for this bloody beer which has a nice opaque tomato red color and an aroma of tomato and a hint of pepper and vinegar. The taste is primarily dill pickle juice, garlic, tomatoes, salt, vinegar and a hint of beer.

This a primo breakfast or hangover drink. Bloody beers are also a nice change of pace when you want a beer but "don't want a beer". I urge you to put your beer geek attitudes aside and check this 4% ABV bloody marry meets beer concoction out as it will be hitting grocery and C-stores around the area in the coming days.

Cheers! 

Wednesday, November 08, 2017

Vernal to Introduce Winter Warmer

Vernal Brewing Company will be introducing a new beer for the Holidays. Simply called Winter Warmer, this new beer from Utah's Eastern most brewery will live up to it's name offering up a glowing 8% ABV that will wrap itself around a brew full of wintertime spices.

This will likely be packaging in the next few weeks. I'll have the where and when - when it become available. As cold as it is this morning, we could all use a little winter warmer right now.

Cheers!

Image found ar shipcomplient.com

Tuesday, November 07, 2017

Strap Tank to Introduce New Barrel Aged Series

It looks like Springville's Strap Tank Brewing will be making good on it's promise to deliver new high point beers. I recently came across these to new labels that preview what is in store for you in the coming months.

The first beer up will likely be a Barrel Aged Saison. It's been quietly resting in wood since July and will dial in at a hefty 11.6% ABV. Stay close for more news on it's release.

The second beer in their barrel aged series will be a Barrel Aged Stout. Though not as big as the saison it will come in at a respectable 9.6% ABV and will hit a little further down the road.

From what I've noticed, the Strap Tank crew doesn't do anything half-
assed. Their beer, brewery and packaging is top notch and I can't wait to try these new additions to our beer market.

Some of you guys tend to get a little over excited when I do these these previews so let me restate,  this is a preview. I promise I will spread the word when these beers get close to their release dates. What do you think about Strap Tank's new direction?

Cheers!

Labels found at Shipcomplient.com
Image courtesy Strap Tank Brewing

Monday, November 06, 2017

Please come to the 2017 Utah Beer Blog's Holiday Bottle Share

Sorry, we've already maxed out on the invites. There are always cancellations. Feel free to request being put on the cancellation list. 

It's time for the biggest damn bottle share of them all - the 2017 Utah Beer Holiday Beer Tasting. It started back in 2009 when a handful of local beer nerds decided that our cellars were too fat with brilliant beers and came to the realization that we must share them. Our aim was simple - bring a bottle to share and get to know the rest of our beer community. I don't think any of us were prepared for the enthusiastic responses we received to our invitation - the scope and generosity of those who attended blew us away.

We took last year off for various reasons, now it's time to put out the invitation once again for my favorite party of the year. It's now time for the 8th 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. 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 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. That being said, it is in poor taste to show up with a six pack of grocery store beer and ignore it while you enjoy the rarer beer on the table. you know who you are.   

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.

The Holiday Tasting will be 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.

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.

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.

Plan ahead for your ride home. In previous years we've been hit with serious stormy weather, while it made for a beautiful Holiday evening, it created some difficulty getting people out the door and to their home's safely.

So, here's the info your gunna need.

Please RSVP to utahbeer@gmail.com (we filled up in 8 hours last time)

Absolutely no one under 21.

What: 1-2 bottles for tasting and sharing - tasters glass or stemware.

Please bring a food item to share. Anything is appreciated.

Where: Draper, Utah

When: The evening of Saturday December, 9th

Questions and RSVP: utahbeer@gmail.com

Don't hesitate to RSVP or ask questions! We usually fill up on the day of the announcement. Again, this post is the only invite to the gathering. Can't wait to see you!

Cheers!

Friday, November 03, 2017

New Beer Friday 11/3/17

Talisman's Barrel Aged Robust Stout: This special release is aged in Sugar House Distillery's Malt Whiskey barrels. Look for deep roasted notes with with oak and whiskey accents. 9.5% ABV. Available starting today at Talisman's bottle shop.

Breckenridge's Agave Wheat: Lemon and orange aroma with grassy fruit. The taste is lightly malty with crackers and grass. It's clean, highly drinkable and simple. 4.0% Available at grocery and c-stores.

Bohemian's Dukel: Dark brown in appearance. The nose is roasty with banana. The taste is mostly roast with a bit of malt a a hint of banana like esters. finishes somewhat dry. This is a little overly roasty for style. It could use a little more yeasty banana/clove balance. If Dunkels aren't your thing this one may be perfect for you. 4.0% ABV. On tap where you see Bohemian seasonal taps - cans coming soon to   grocery and c-stores.  

Shades of Pale's French Saison: This saison is on the hoppy side. Along with the yeast phenolics, there a nice fruitiness that come from the hop selection that includes Saaz, Amarillo, Cascade and Mosaic (dryhop). quite tasty. 4.0% ABV. Available at Shades of Pale.

Epic’s Common Interests: Light-straw color with just a hint of green in the highlights. Sweet honeydew rind, clean earth and oak hit the nose. The first sip is bright with citrus-tartness, lime and pith, that fades quickly to a cooling ripe-melon-sweetness with hints of cereal grain

Robinson /Iron Maiden Trooper Hallowed: decent aromas of caramel toffee and faint phenols,a bit of caramel apple comes to mind.Phenols are a little more pronounced on the palate wich is quite yeasty,caramel comes thru more as I drink more along with dried fruits.

Elysian’s Night Owl: Not tried this pumpkin Ale yet.

Tenaya Creek’s Gypsy Fade IPA: This Cascade hop driven beer takes you back about fifteen years with pine and a tinge of citrus. Straight up! 6.0% ABV. Available at The BeerHive.

Cheers!

Wednesday, November 01, 2017

Previewing Ogden River Brewing Company

Attention Ogden-ites, you may be seeing another new brewery in 2018. Ogden River Brewing is a passion project from avid home brewer, Pat Winslow. Pat is an award winning home brewer who is also certified in craft beverage management from Portland State University.

Pat envisions a brewery that will feature "Barrel Aged Beer, Sour Beers and one offs." not to mention the classic beers all people crave. Pat will also make handcrafted root beer,  ginger ale, cream soda, cold brewed coffee and kombucha!

The breweries tap room decor will include photographs and memorabilia touting the rich history of Becker Brewing and Malting Co. founded in 1890. Speaking of Becker Brewing. Pat has acquired property at 1921 Lincoln Ave. This is the exact location of Becker Brewing and Malting Company, which operated on the banks of the Ogden River for 75 years. Becker Brewing opened in 1890 and even survived prohibition before its closure in 1964.

Pat is looking towards Utah's craft beer community for help in getting Ogden River Brewing off the ground. A Kick Starter campaign has been set up to help aid in the brewery's construction. Their goal is nearly half way met, but they could still use some help to get them the rest of the way. If you would like to contribute I have the link right here for you. 

There are special perks for contributors, that include access to beers, brewery events and personalized brewery swag. This is the type of thing where craft beer enthusiasts really shine. Updates for ORB can be found at their social media accounts.

https://www.instagram.com/ogdenriverbrewingco/

https://www.facebook.com/OgdenRiverBrewing 



Cheers!

Monday, October 30, 2017

The New Buzz in Epic's Forthcoming Collaboration Beer

I don't think that anyone have ever accused Epic Brewing Company to lack in innovation. To back up that statement, I'm pleased to bring you this preview of this new collaboration beer between Epic and Mexico City's Cerveza Cru Cru. This gose style beer is made with some unique ingredients. It features a couple of Mexico's lesser known delicacies; Chapulines (dried crickets) and Maguey Worm Salt (agave worms).

Believe me, the Chapulin Gose's formulation was a nightmare to get approved by the Feds, due to it's unique additives. I'm pretty sure there will be a lot of 'buzz' in regards to this beer when it hits the market. Needless to say, this will not be a vegan/vegetarian friendly beer. Plan on it being packaged in 22 ounce bottle. No word yet on it's exact release date, so stay close. Chime in! Will you be checking this one out when it hits?

Salude!

Image found at Shipcomplient.com

Friday, October 27, 2017

New Beer Friday 10/27/17

Happy New Beer Friday. I found two beers this week; one of them is a seasonal from the RoHa Brewing Project. Let's hope we see more seasonal beers like this!

Guns and Oil - American Lager: A very clear, golden yellow with a nice sudsy cap of foam. The aroma is bready with some floral hops. The taste is honey-like with clean grassy, bitter hops. Light body and crisp. I wasn't too sure about this one, prejudging it by the name and packaging but it's a solid lager. Worth your quatloos. 4.6% ABV. Available at DABC stores.

RoHa - Autumn at the Project: This hopped up Red Ale is an homage to Autumn. Depending on viewing angle and the light coming through, this beer appears red, pink,  orange, purple, magenta, or brown, just like the leaves of fall. It has a crisp malt character and higher hop flavor and nose, and warms you up. First tapping is today. 4.0% ABV Available at RoHa

What did I miss? Please share.

Cheers!

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

The Utah Brewers Guild Needs You!

We are about to enter a critical time in Utah's craft beer evolution. The coming legislation from Utah's law makers over the next couple of years will have a massive impact on how Utah's beer industry will evolve over the foreseeable future.

I'm not trying to be overly dramatic when I say, the coming changes to Utah's beer laws will be the biggest since the end of prohibition. In all likely hood we will see the end of 3.2 beer, draft restrictions along with the implementation of new taxes. The Utah Brewers Guild is striving to get ahead of coming cluster f*** to help bring Utah into the 20th century. Yeah, I said 20th century.

Recent fund raisers have given the guild's coffers enough money to hire a dedicated lobbyists and to promote a positive perception about our beer industry's presence in the public eye. Another part of the Guild's budget has been set aside for an executive director to head the UBG. The current body is comprised of representatives from many of Utah's breweries. Their days are already full with their respective day-to-today operations and have limited time to devote to these critical, impending issues.

So the Utah Brewers Guild is looking for someone to take the reins and help move the guild forward into the new age of Utah beer. This isn't a voluntary, donate your time position. There is a part-time compensation package included; that could even become full time down the road.

The Utah Brewers’ Guild (UBG) is a 501 (c) 6 non-profit trade organization founded to provide a unified voice for Utah craft breweries and to help promote and educate its members and the local community regarding craft beer and the craft beer industry.

Here is the job listing. If you love craft beer and know your way around nonprofit management and/or the craft beer industry you could help us all have a better craft beer life. Please pass this along to any interested individuals.

Cheers!
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JOB TITLE – Executive Director
REPORTS TO – Board of Directors
Hire date: 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible for achieving the Mission Statement of the Utah Brewers Guild (“UBG”) and executing the goals of the Strategic Growth Plan as set forth by the Board of Directors.

This position is expected to implement the structure, process and financials to lead the organization to performance excellence and is responsible for managing all elements of the UBG including staff, fundraising, membership, financial, events, media and marketing, support of legislative activity and administration duties. This position will require passion for the industry, working in a fast-paced environment, coordinating many different concurrent projects and developing a staff that is efficient, motivated and works together as a team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Report to Board of Directors as directed, including;
    • Bi-monthly updates to Board
    • Presentation at all Board of Directors meetings
    • Organize and participate at all Board of Directors meetings
    • Facilitate and guide Board elections process
  • Maintain and manage a fully operational office
  • In the future, responsible for management and development of staff. Responsible for building, leading and managing a growing team of UBG employees
  • Administrative
    • Oversight of all UBG documents, reporting requirements and various accounting/filing requirements
    • Maintain UBG records and files
    • Maintain and manage UBG insurance and legal needs
    • Responsible for all contracts with independent contractors and vendors
    • Oversee and manage all website, data base systems and records
  • Financial
    • Oversee financial reports (budget, cash flow, balance sheet, P&L, etc.) and report to the Treasurer and/or Financial Committee on monthly basis
    • Develop an annual budget in conjunction with the Financial committee and full Board.
    • Responsible for meeting annual budget
    • Meet revenue goals, manage A/R and A/P
  • Membership
    • Responsible for maintaining accurate and current membership lists
    • Responsible for growing all levels of membership
    • Initiate, develop and implement fundraising programs
    • Regular outreach and communication to membership including meetings and phone calls and online Forum  
    • Develop new and innovative membership benefits
  • Support Political Affairs
    • Support and assist in execution of political awareness campaign including legislator and policymaker outreach, beer tastings and informational events inside and outside of Utah
    • Develop programs, documents and initiatives that support political affairs mission
  • Communications
    • Work with and manage PR, media outreach, etc
    • Oversee and manage web site. Update content monthly. Develop new web site content on quarterly basis.
  • Events
    • Member events: coordinate and execute in conjunction with the Events Committee all elements of various UBG events including all General Meetings, workshops and Regional Meetings
    • Fundraising events: responsible for executing all current UBG fundraising events and developing new events to generate revenue
    • Political contact events: create and assist in execution with Legislative Committee a series of regular meeting events that entice state legislators, regulators, and other key strategic organizations, to get together with craft brewers such as a monthly happy hour, an annual “day on the hill,” tours and town hall meetings at local breweries, beer and food dinners for staffers, etc.
  • Industry Development
    • Interface with economic development opportunities
    • Interface with regional and state guilds and the Brewers Association
    • Orchestrate and manage annual Economic Impact Studies
    • Develop new and maintain relationships with industry counterparts and trade associations, including UT Tourism Association, chambers of commerce, restaurant associations, beer wholesalers association (UBWA), UT Manufacturers Association, Economic Development Corporation (EDC SLC and UT), etc

REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Publisher, Excel, Adobe Acrobat.
  • Some experience with Quickbooks. Must be able to understand and work with financial reports and create and manage a budget.
  • Must be proficient at public speaking.
  • Must have knowledge of the beer and alcohol industry including a basic understanding of the regulations governing all types of alcohol.
  • Must be adept at networking. Must be comfortable meeting with and engaging with local leaders, policymakers, legislators, state officials.
  • Must have proficient sales abilities
    • Must have experience with sales processes, tracking and use of sales tools
    • Need to be creative, innovative and enterprising to develop and lead fundraising efforts.  
    • Must have experience creating, maintaining and following through on sales lead programs
    • Must be comfortable and adept at working with brewers, suppliers, retailers, distributors, craft beer enthusiasts and others in the industry to sell membership and UBG ideals.
  • Basic level of media experience
  • Will be required to attend various UBG events and meetings throughout the state. May be required to travel to occasional seminars and conferences outside the state.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES
Valid Driver’s license required.
Will need to pass Cicerone Level 1 and Utah S.M.A.R.T. Program certifications within 90 days of start.

QUAILFICATIONS
Experience working in the nonprofit management and/or craft beer industry preferred. Must be self-motivated, highly organized, detail oriented and demonstrate initiative to create, develop and manage multiple projects. Will need to demonstrate initiative and provide follow-through in all areas of responsibility. Must work cooperatively with staff and Board of Directors. Must display excellent verbal and writing skills and be an excellent “people person” and communicator. Must also be able to motivate and manage multiple staff employees. Positive thinker and quick learner is a must.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions, large events and driving. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, but can be occasionally moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

COMPENSATION

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Submit detailed resume and cover letter electronically to [[[JOBS@UBG.COM]]]  
No phone calls please.