The Zion Curtain Part 6

I mean for Christ's sake, look at that thing up there! It shouldn't be this hard to get rid of a simple regulatory nightmare that the majority of Utahans don't want. But here we are, years later - still talking about this massive, international embarrassment, the Zion Curtain.

Many have tried, all have failed. Even it's creator, former State Senator, John Valentine actually said at one point on Radio from Hell that, "he didn't really like it". Maybe it's 6th time in front of public opinion's firing squad will put it out of it's misery.

The man who has stepped up to lance this boil on the state's ass is Republican Senator, Kraig Powell of Heber City. He quietly filed HB339 yesterday. Buried in the bill are lines that appear to tear down “separate preparation areas,” as they are officially known. Instead, restaurants will be required to post a sign notifying the public that they serve alcohol, as well as create a bar or lounge area that prohibits minors.

Hmm, imagine that. A way to shield a sheltered child's fragile psyche from the mind bending images of liquids being dispensed into a container before they've even entered the establishment. It's nothing short of astonishing! I'm in awe that an alcohol eschewing family would even dare try to spend their wholesomely earned shekels in such an "anti-family values" establishment. This could save people a lot of time, while earning a shload of celestial kingdom points.  

Will common sense win out over an uneducated and uniformed minority? Who knows. It all depends on if Utah's real lawmakers on Temple Square give it their blessing.

We've all spent too much time on this mess. Please hammer your representatives and senators today. Tell them to "tear down this wall"!

Cheers!

The Third Beer o' Xmas 2012: Red as Hell Ale

For the Fourth Beer o' Xmas that the Beer Gnerd pushed on thee, we have Radio From Hell's Red as Hell Ale. Can't have a Xmas themed "anything" without something red, right? And this English style red will do nicely.

Pours a deep clear amber color with a short finger of tan foamy head. The nose is of caramel and a bit nutty. The taste starts with caramel and toffee with an earthy/grainy, nuttiness rounding out the middle. A mild floral/earthy hop presence brings up the end, balancing things off really well. This is an nice English style ale with just a hint of American influence. Quite tasty!

Cheers!

Radio from Hell Ale

There are a lot of podcasts and radio shows out there that are dedicated to - or feature beer. But as far as I know, there's never been a beer made specifically to honor a radio show.

Well, Squatters has done it. In conjunction with X96's Radio from Hell Show the Utah Brewers Cooperative has developed a new beer that is described by hosts Kerry Jackson, Bill Allred & Gina Barberi as "Utah's first breakfast beer" (Radio from Hell is a morning show).

Red as Hell Ale, is coincidentally an American Red Ale. If your not real familiar with the style, these beers tends to focus on the malts, but hop character can range from low to high. They're mostly balanced ales, with toasted malt characters and a light fruitiness.

This brand new release will debut on February 7th, at 8am at The Beer Store (1763 s. 300 w.) The Radio from Hell Show will be broadcasting there show from there all morning.

The beer has an ABV of 5.5% and comes in a capped 750ml bottles. The price is a very affordable $3.99 per bottle and will be available at all Squatters location, The Beer Store and select liquor stores.

I for one, am very fond of the Radio from Hell Show. The fact that they're partnering with Squatters, shows that craft beer in Utah is officially in the mainstream and not just some foody anomaly. Can't wait to try it!

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 9/2/11

Whew... man, what a crazy beer week. I don't know if you noticed, but you don't fuck with a Utahans beerfest. Christ, many of you brought your "A" games to the forum along with throwing stars, nunchakus and baseball bats when it came to the Utah Beerfest analysis.

You were also full of piss and vinegar when it came to Senator Valentine's pious bullshit on X96's Radio From Hell Show. After all the frustration & irritation of the past week, we're gunna make sure it ends right.

This weeks new beer selections are as yummy as they are different.

First off is Full Sail's Elevation IIPA: The nose is very floral and grassy with a mild sugary sweetness. The taste starts with citrusy grapefruit up front, floral and perfumey hops take over coming in behind the initial citrus hit. Smoothing sugary sweetness underneath the hops and into the finish. Not the best or the worst IIPA I've had but it's a limited edition, so it'll likely not be available again.

Next is Deschutes' Black Butte XXIII Porter: This is "the shit". Pours brown with hints of tinted ruby red on the sides. The nose is slightly vinous with notes of cocoa, vanilla and oak. The taste starts with intense cocoa, roasted malts, molasses and oak. The end is full of vanilla, cinnamon and bourbon. The finish is bitter and boozy. The flavors are spot on for the style. Everything is nicely balanced. A great beer that will just get better with age.

Both are in select liquor stores around the state.

Also, Uinta is still waiting on the state to approve their Jacked Imperial Pumpkin Ale. As soon as it gets the green light we'll let you know.

Cheers!