New Beer Friday 2/4/11

Pyramid's Outburst Imperial IPA: Big aroma of citrus pops out of the glass. Taste is a mix of citrus and pine hops, and moderate caramel malts. A bit of mango and sweet resiny malt comes through as well. It carries an assertive bitterness through the finish, but it is still balanced for a double IPA. (DABC)

Meantime London Porter: Isn't exactly new to the Salt Lake market, however when it does rear its head it disappears pretty fast.Aroma is chocolate malt, coffee, roasty. Good medium body with easy drinking roasty malt, chocolate and sweet creamy roasty finish. (Bayou)

Epic Brewing: Fest Devious Release 4 is a Märzen that's been lagering for quite a while. Nose is of toasted malts and caramel. Starts with sweet caramel and lightly toasted malts with a soft bready vanilla notes near the end. This is the last release of this beer until Fall 2011. 6.1% ABV

Cheers!

Glutten Free Made Locally?

There are not a lot of beer options out there for people who suffer from Celiac Disease. Basically it's an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in various grains.
Many have known the pleasures of beer, but have had to give it up due to their condition.

There are a few options available locally, they include Redbridge, Green's: Discovery Amber Ale, Endeavor Dubble Quest Triple & Bard's Tale Dragon Gold Beer.

It's tough to make a good gluten free beer. Beer is Grain, so finding substitutes for the traditional grains can be difficult. No one locally has made a gluten free beer yet, but that may change.

The guys at Epic have began test brewing a gluten free beer. Made with some of the more uncommon gluten free malts grains and a lot of Brown Rice. This is just in the testing stages, so nothing has been developed yet. We'll keep our gluten free friends of the blog updated on it's progress.

Also, you may have noticed there's a new poll up. As far as I know the beer styles listed in the poll have not been made in Utah. Of those styles which would you like to see pop-up next at your favorite brewery? Note: The poll was published before today's article on Epic's gluten free endeavor and does not represent a bias on my part.

And while I'm on the subject of polls. Some of you that represent breweries have tried to influence some of these polls by soliciting for votes in your favor. It was my hope that these polls would be a helpful tool for you guys to get an informal idea of what the local craft beer market is looking for. I not saying, don't participate just let your non-bias customers voices be the prominent ones. Daddy, still loves you....

Cheers!

Drinking Made Easy: Salt Lake City

Drinking Made Easy is a television show that airs on HdNet. It follows comedian Zane Lamprey and his friends, Steve McKenna and Marc Ryan as they travel across the country discovering local pubs, watering holes, breweries and distilleries that are unique to America's cities.

Tonight (2/2/11) Drinking Made Easy will be profiling good ol' SLC/PC. From what I understand Zane will be exploring the stigmas and myths of Utah's adult scene as well as visits to some of best watering holes in the area.

I personally don't receive HdNet and if your on Comcast you don't either. But if your a DIRECTV (Channel #306 and #1079) or a Dish Network (Channel #362) subscriber your in luck.

If your one of these lucky few, you have an assignment. Please watch the show and report back on how it was. I'm a big fan of Zane's and hope he represents us well.

This isn't the first time I've pimped Zane Lamprey. If you've been reading Utah Beer for a while you may have heard me mention Three Sheets. It's another show that is hosted by Lamprey and one that Mrs. Mikey and I personally love. Three Sheets is like Drinking Made Easy but on a global scale.

Three Sheets makes it's return to the telly next Tuesday (2/8/11) on Spike TV. Spike is available on most cable and satellite systems. Three Sheets is well worth your time. please check it out.

Cheers!

An Epic Rating

Individually, we beer geeks may not know it all, but when we get together we have the ability to provide keen insight into a beers true merits.

Every geeky imbiber has his or her biases. People like-what-they-like for whatever their reason and sometimes it can be hard to get a good gauge on something new because of it.

Ratebeer.com has been around for nearly a decade and in that time it has become one of the great beer resources on the planet. Beer aficionados of all levels come together to share their love of beer and give their impressions. Bias are weeded-out and as far as informal polling goes, it's as accurate as a resource can get.

Based on it's near decade of data, RateBeer gathered it's information and came up with a list of the world's best beers and best brewers. Utah's Epic Brewing came up big, being named as one of the top new brewers in the world 2010. Being beat out by only Hill Farmstead Brewery of Vermont and Stillwater Artisanal Ales out of Maryland.

It's a big deal to be in the top five and even a bigger deal when one of those breweries comes from the lowest beer consuming state in the union. It's one more reason to look to our local craft brewers first while looking to make your tongue happy. Congrats to The Epic crew!

Also, Ray's fundraiser is officially rescheduled for Wednesday, February 9 at 7:00pm. It's at the Wasatch Brewpub. $10 door cover and $3 Drafts w/ proceeds going to Ray! There will multiple local live music guests and a drawing. Hope to see you there.

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 1/28/11

It's Friday and I can tell that your gunna need a beer after after work. We have two new options for you today, but beware... they may hit you like the Death Star. So like Luke, be prepared.

Sierra Nevada's Hoptimum: The nose is of grapefruit rind and pine. Sweet malts are barely detectable underneath. As expected the taste starts nice and bitter with the juicy pine and grapefruit. next comes a good balance of sweeter malts. The finish is dry and resiny. The taste doesn't quite live up to the nose, but it's still quite the hop-head's dream. 10.40% ABV. At the Bayou, Beerhive and select Liquor Stores


Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout: The nose has subltle espresso coffee bean notes, with a hint of berries. The taste starts with hints of hints of chocolate, vanilla and espresso beans. The malts are most prominent in the end playing-off of the hops even through the big roastiness. Alcohol is slightly warming. The finish is on the boozy side with bitter espresso flavors. A Super smooth beer considering all that's going on in there. 9.20% ABV. At the Bayou, Beerhive.

Also due to the chaos of the Sundance Film Festival, Ray's fundraiser has been moved back a week. We'll pass along the exact date asap.

May The Force Be With You!

Finally, Another Barleywine!

Back in the 90's there were very few high alcohol beers being made in Utah. They either came from Uinta or Wasatch and they numbered two or three. In 1998 Uinta Brewing Company brewed Utah's first really "big" commercial beer. The Anniversary Barleywine. Uinta's Barleywine reined supreme for over a decade being Utah's strongest beer and as the only Barleywine made in the state.

In recent months challengers have come along (Uinta among them) to knock off the award winning Anniversary Barleywine as Utah's "biggest beer". But no one has made a true Barleywine until now.

On Monday Epic Brewing release Utah's newest Barleywine. Barley Wine Release One is a 10.1% ABV American Style Barleywine. This first edition was brewed late last year and was aged for a couple of months in Highwest whiskey and rye barrels to give just a hint of barrel aged depth to the Barleywine.

Pours a reddish-brown with a big fluffy beige head. The nose is malty and boozy with pine and citrus. The taste starts with raisin, pumpernickel and some sherry notes. Resiny hops come next revealing a touch whiskey. The finish is sharp with alcohol and bitterness lingering on the tongue.

Definitely an American-style BarleyWine due to its punchy hoppiness. This newest offering is good fresh and young but six months to a year will add to it's complexity. $8.29 each 22 oz. bottle.

Also from Epic. Release #2 of the Impy Stout was released yesterday (1/25/11). It's 9.2% ABV is a little less boozy than release #1 and seems to be less on the fruity side. A different yeast was used and they upped the dark malts in the grain bill. Look for it at some State Liquor Stores sometime in February.

Epic also has 20 barrels of Imperial Stout aging in a mix of Stranahans and Highwest Whiskey Barrels. The final product could be a blend or go 100% barrel aged. Don't look for this one anytime soon.

If your local liquor stores aren't carrying any of these or any other local releases please ask the managers polity to bring some in for you.

Cheers!

Golden Halo

On the heels of a very successful re-release of Paardebleom We have another new release from RedRock Brewing.

Golden Halo is the newest bottled offering from Beer Yogi, Kevin Templin and his talented brew-crew consisting of Chris, Joe, Eric, Kyle and Isaac (hope I didn't miss anyone). Golden Halo is described as having a lightly malty palate with some subdued fruitiness. Hop character is moderate to agressiver, leaving a light to medium bitterness in the finish. A balanced beer, An ale with the cleanness of a lager.

Available today (1/25/11) at RedRock's Downtown location and Wednesday in Park City. 500ml bottle at 8.0% abv. As always call before you make the trip.

We're still in January and we've already got five new bottled beer releases from our local brewers. It's gunna be banner year!

Cheers!

Hide your kids, Hide your wife and Hide your husband. Cuz they’re rapin' errbody out here!

Today Begins the 2011 Utah Legislative Session. And already select lawmakers are set on making your lives more difficult for years to come.

A Legislative Audit Committee is proposing a 3 million dollar budget cut for the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control. The DABC, says that if lawmakers approve the cut it will mean the twenty liquor stores that now stay open until 10pm will now close by 7pm. This means no liquor stores in the entire state would stay open beyond 7pm.

If that's not bad enough, in addition to the new hours four or five stores would likely close for good.

Some of the more rational State Lawmakers say that it doesn't make much sense to cut the budget of an agency that generates 290 million dollars a year and pumps 105 million of that back into the State School Lunch Program and the General Fund.

It's time to start rattling the cages of your Senators and Representatives. I've provided links to lawmakers. Don't bitch and moan if this goes into effect and you know you didn't write one single email or make a phone call.

Cheers.

New Beer Friday 1/21/11

There are only two this Friday. To be honest I don't know how long this first beer has been out, but it's new to me.

Samuel Smith's Organic Raspberry: This a murky reddish-pink color with a foamy pink head. The nose smacks of raspberry. The taste is pretty basic sweet tart raspberry with barely perceivable malt. The carbonation is nice. This is a nice beer, a little too sweet for me. But I like Raspberries. At select Liquor Stores.

Straight Up Saison: is Epic's newest release. Their Sour Apple Saison has been a huge hit. This as the named entails is a "straight up" Farmahouse Ale. Pours a hazy light straw yellow with a fluffy white head that settles to a finger sized cap. The nose is of lemon/citrus with clove and yeast funk. The taste starts with nice tart citrus zest. A hint of banana comes next with the slightest touch of a tart funk. Slightly sweet but finishes fairly dry.

And just a little something to wet your whistle. Uinta has a new beer on the way. I can't talk about it too much, but it's fair to say this one will stir up a lot of buzz in Utah. The style of beer is a fairly new one. Big in the Northwest. More to come.

The New Paardebloem is a Dandi

In 2009 RedRock brewing Co and New Belgium Brewing joined forces to create a truly unique beer that was inspired by true old world techniques. This was an old school attempt at making beer without using any hops. Instead Dandelions and other herbs or spices are used for bittering. Hence the name Paardebloem(Flemish for dandelion).

Chris McCombs of New Belgium Brewery. Spent some time in Salt Lake over the Holidays to assist on the creation of the newest batch. This newer version of Paardebloem has all the old world charm with a little something extra. Peaches.

Kevin And Chris acquired 45lbs. of fresh organic peaches to enhance the flavor profile of this news creation. The result is a blond ale brewed with toasted pilsener malt, flavored with fresh picked dandelion greens(50lbs)and grains of paradise.

Paardebloem batch #2 is slightly hazy and light gold in color with peachy/lemony nose. It has a unique floral bitterness with a big malty backbone. There is a touch of sourness along with some nice peppery notes This provides a nice balance for the big spicy/sweetness the ale carries. As the ale warms the toasted grains become more apparent and the sweetness from the ale become a little less pronounced.

The sourness in batch two is less pronounced but Kevin the "Beer Yogi" says, this beer is active with Brettanomyces. The longer you cellar it the more pronounced the unique tartness will become. I.E. get extras for cellaring.

The ABV is at 9.2% and sells out the door for $13.99. Most importantly there are far more bottles of this batch available, 1600 bottles. Only 150 bottle were available the first time around. Paardebloem will be available today(1/19/11) after 5pm. (call first) at RedRock Downtown and will also be at RedRock Junction, The Bayou and Beerhive in the coming days.

RedRock isn't done. Another new bottled release is due out next week. Stay tuned.

Cheers!

photo: Chris McCombs & Kevin Templin

Fundraiser for Ray

Twelve days ago our friend Ray Madsen received serious head injuries in a brewing accident at the Wasatch Brewpub. Ray is currently recovering at home.

The Wasatch Brew Pub will be hosting a fundraiser for Ray, to help defray the costs of his expenses. The Fundraiser will be held on Feb 2nd. at Wasatch. There will be local live music and silent auction. A $5 cover at the door will all go to Ray!

If you can't make it and would like to help, you can send a check to Wasatch.

Attn. Ray Madsen Fundraiser!
Wasatch Brew Pub
Po box 459
Park city, UT 84060-0459

More details to come...

Captain Cooker Article

Had that Manuka Beer yet from Squatters? It's nearly gone if you haven't. Anyway it's getting attention even on the other side of the globe.

I just thought I'd throw this article at you, it's from The Nelson Mail out of New Zealand. It's a brief article about the beginnings the Captain Cooker Manuka Beer.

Cheers!

Union Station Fermentation

There is a new home brew option for residents of the northern Wasatch Front. Ever since Grains, Grapes & Grounds closed their doors a few months ago (still open on-line) residents of Davis, Weber and Box Elder Counties have had to order on-line, or drive to Richmond or SLC to get their home brew supplies.

Union Station Fermentation officially opened for business last month. Nigel and Shoshanna Itson relocated to Utah and fell in love with Historic 25th Street. They loved the look and the historic feel of Historic 25th street and decided this is where they wanted to open Ogden's newest Tuscan-themed Home Brew Shop.

Union Station Fermentation has all of the supplies needed to make beer, wine and soda. "We have 20 different malted grains available for home brewing," Itson said. "A lot of people prefer to make their own beer and wine these days."

But fermented beverages aren't the only items that make this shop unique. "Our cheese kits are very popular," Nigel said. "You can make your own mozzarella cheese in about 30 minutes with our kits. All you need to add is a little milk."

I've always wanted to try my hand at cheese, I look forward to checking it out.

Union Station Fermentation is open Tues-Fri from 10-7 and Sat from 9-8. They are located on the North side of 25th Street, next to Great Harvest Bread Co.

If your a home brewer in the northern part of the state, it's in your best interest to support business like these.

Cheers!

Oaky and the Bandit

Yesterday the Boys at the Bohemian Brewery had a few firsts. They made their first high point beer and they subsequently bottle their first beer. Until now, they've only canned their beer.

The beer in question is an oak aged black lager. Oaky & The Bandit has been aging in oak barrels for about a year. What makes this beer unique is that it's an aged lager. Typically you don't see many lagered beers aged for this amount of time. Most aged beers tend to be ales.

The Bohemian is trying to recreate what a dark Munich style or Schwarzbier lager aged and cellared in oak would have tasted like a couple hundred years ago. Reto-lagers are becoming the Bohemians trademark style. Remember that 1842 Pilsner? That was about as old school as traditional lagers get.

The body remains light since lager yeast was used. The carbonation is fine producing a wonderful head. The oaky notes compliment the coffee and roasted malt flavor profiles.

There's a very limited production run on this beer. 400 22oz bottles sealed in wax and individually numbered. These bottles are available for purchase at the brewery and possibly at a few select locations around town. Get a bottle while you can. Available later this week.

Prost!

2011 the Year of Bottle Shock

A few month ago we told you about the DABC's plans to start placing their high volume beers with local distributors. The move is designed to elevate storage space problems that face the DABC during it's warehouse expansion.

While this seems like a great first step (and it is) to getting high ABV beers out of the states control and getting into the private sector, it will create ripples that are already beginning to affect the consumer.

Look for prices on some of the most popular domestic and import brands to skyrocket in the coming weeks. You may see prices increase as much as $3.00 a bottle in some cases. Keep your eyes on Chimay, Sierra Nevada, Sam Adams, Full Sail, etc.

This will only affect state controlled beer, not grocery store brands, including locals. This may be a good opportunity to get reacquainted with with some of our tasty Utah brands.

The distributors are in it to make money, I get. But there's gotta be a way to ease the consumer into this transition without completely molesting the local beer consumer. Sorry for the bad news.

On the bright side, there is a new poll up....

Beer Buckles

You know we're all about buying local here at Utah Beer. We are also big advocates of keeping your trousers up while your out "bump'n around" in public. So as a public service I have something that meets both criteria while keeping the world a prettier place.

My friend, Dani has a new concept in high (or low) fashion accessories called Beer Buckles. The concept is simple. Dani will create a custom belt buckle from your favorite beer, wine or spirits label for a reasonable charge, all the while you do society the courtesy of keeping your ass-crack in check.

The buckles vary in size and shape and it's recommended that you keep in mind the size of the artwork that you want to use. We don't want you walking around with a Turkey platter latched to your belt, like some kind of cosmic rodeo clown... or do we?

Dani is able to obtain many labels, but if you have a special label that you'd like to sport you can mail it to her.

Right now Beer Buckles is on the Facebook, you know that thing on the Interweb? Or you can get a hold of Dani at beer.buckles@gmail.com. Please help our "Sista in Suds" help you.

Cheers!

Root Cellar

If you've never known the joy of a soured beer, your truly missing out. They can be complex, refreshing and sometimes down right puckering.

Sour beers are not only difficult to make properly but they can prove to be a detriment to a brewery's other non-sour products. If the slightest cross contamination were to occur, hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses could be inflicted on a brewey. That's why many local have shy'd away from getting into the sour beer game. Complete segregation is required and not many have the space available.

Odds are if your looking for world class, true cutting edge sour beers, made locally. It's likely you'll find Squatters on the label.

Squatters' next big thing is here and trust me, it not going to disappoint. Root Cellar is a beer anomaly. It defies categorization. It started out as a Strong Ale, then was laid down into Justin Winery's Obtuse Port barrels for 5 months.

Flavors of plum and caramel malt sweetness layer with oak and port to create a wonderful winter warmer. Sourness, developed during aging, brings forth both softness and complexity to this bottle conditioned American Wild Ale. "Brilliant"! is all I can say.

Root Cellar will be released tomorrow (1/8/11) out of Squatters' Bottle Shop for $9.95/750ml bottle. 8.4% abv.

On a sadder note our brother in beer, Ray Madsen was injured yesterday when a grundy tank at the Wasatch Brewpub ruptured on him causing a serious amount of head trauma. Ray is stubborn and is said to be up and about. He's scheduled for surgery sometime today.

Pray, chant, cast spells, smoke something, Drink something.... do what ever you do - to help ensure Ray's quick recovery.

Cheers!

2010 Utah Beer Year in Review - Part 2

Thanks for hang'n-in-there.

July: started on a down note... sorta, as we said good by to the infamous Bar X. Known for it's long tenure downtown as a one of the last "No Women Allowed bars". Bar X is said to be reopening very soon under new management. The Oxfordshire Triple B quietly entered the market and "Markets" in Utah. The Triple B is a true session beer in the purest terms. It's 3.7% ABV is dinky even by Utah standards. However it gives you an sense about the nature of real British ales. The Hogle Zoo's "Zoo Pub" began a (hopefully) long tradition as well in July. Zoo Pub offered up 15 different beers for adult patrons after Zoo hours. July ended with Squatters' Big Cottonwood Amer Ale. This was the first of their Small Batch Series and was quite a hit. Me want more, please!

August: The Chubby from the Utah Brewers Cooperative was introduced. A five liter keg for Wasatch and Squatters Brands over 4.0% ABV. Desert Edge Brewmaster Chris Haas introduced his Beer Bike to Salt Lake Streets. A way for him to enjoy biking while delivering his kegs. The 38th Annual Snowbird Oktoberfest began in August as the second annual 2010 Beehive Brew-off.

September: Hoppers released Stein Knocker Lager in bottles. Made with all German grain and Spalter Select Hops. The City Weekly Utah Beer Festival proved to be more than one city could handle. The festival drew crowds so large, many had to get refunds because the lines were so long. Squatters' new Bottle Shop opened and Epic's Fest Devious series was released for the first time.

October: Due to the reconstruction at the DABC warehouse the DABC's smallest product department (beer) needs to find a temporary space. The solution? They're putting the higher demand beers with the distributors. Could this become a permanent thing? RedRock Brewing released , Griswald's Big Holiday It's bigger version of their Holiday staple Griswald's Holiday Ale. Bohemian Brewery began canning it's Cherny Bock Schwarzbier also in October.

November: Epic released their newest barrel aged Beer, Brainless on Cherries. It's the latest version of Epic's Belgian Style Triple Ale, which was aged in oak barrels with local cherries. A unique New Zealand beer recipe made it's way to Utah. Manuka beer made from a plant that is unique to New Zealand With assistance from NZs Mussel Inn, Squatters was able to obtain an herb rarely seen or tasted in North America. Moab Brewing announced a 5000 square foot expansion of their Moab facility beginning in Late December 2010. They'll be moving their bottling operation back to Moab and will also be canning their beer sometime this year. Squatters released Mo'Town Brown the second in their Small Batch Series.

December: we began the month with the mother of all beer tastings. The Holiday Beer Tasting was a huge success and brought together beer folk from four states. Finally, RedRock's Elephant Double IPA proved it's staying power and was made available to the masses. Elephant is now in many Utah Liquor stores and expanding.

We look forward to another great year in 2011. I can't wait to see what comes next.

Cheers!

2010 Utah Beer Year in Review

Welcome to 2011 and the Utah Beer Year in Review. Over the next few days I'm going to try and give an overview of the highs and lows of the 2010 Utah Beer scene.

January: We started out with a big stumble as Utah ran out of liquor licences. Last year Law-makers stated that there would be no new licences to be made available. This legislative session it's defiantly going to be looked at.

February: Uinta's Bourbon Barrel Barleywine second release made it back to Utah liquor stores with more hoops headaches. Deschutes' Abyss made to the state for the first time and the DABC celebrated by requiring the beer faithful to perform circus tricks for it as well. Squatters' 529 debuted. The most unique beer made in Utah to date. blending the oak aged 529 with a two month old 529 to marry the acidity and malty sweetness to produce one quaffable sour ale.

March: Started with the release of Hoppers Brewing's first bottle release, Double Black. Brewmaster & Secret Agent Donovan Steele first "high abv" beer came in at 6.4% abv. Dono calls this lager a Schwartz-Bock due to it's higher than normal abv for the style. The Wasatch brew pub got licencing to sell their High ABV brands out the door. Epic Brewing fired-up their brew kettle for the first time and started making beer on March 26. And Ommegang Abby Ale found it's way onto the shelves of the Foothill Liquor Store. No one has taken advantage yet of the open door this created for distribution. Hint-Hint.

April: We launched the Utah Beer forum. If you haven't used it, please check it out. Polygamy Porter, Black Forest Schwarzbier and Cutthroat Pale Ale won medals at the 2010 World Beer Cup. The inaugural "Tour de Brewtah" charity ride, which will brought together bicycles and beer to raise money for Utah charities was a huge hit. Look for it to be bigger and better this year. Roosters celebrated 15 years in it's historic 25th street Location And Epic beers went on sale for the first time.

May: The Fisher Family and Red Rock Brewing Company hosted the Albert Fisher Beer Garden on the mansion grounds. To celebrate the Historic Fisher Brewery. it was a great opportunity to get to know this great piece of Utah's beer history while enjoying great German food and local craft beer on the beautiful riverside mansion property. Uinta Brewing Released their Crooked Line series of beers. Debuting with Labyrinth Black Ale, Cockeyed Cooper Bourbon Barrel Barley Wine and Detour Double India Pale Ale.

June: Moab Brewing turned Fourteen. Utah Brewers killed-it at 2010 NABA Competition. Apa Sherpa broke his own record climbing on his Twentieth ascension on Mt. Everest and took Bohemian Brewery's Pils and Viennese with him. A first for craft beers! Wasatch released the little slammers and Squatters Provo Girl got a new look.

To be continued.

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