It's Tastes Like Sum'r in a Can!

Well, Uinta's canning line is at full steam now and it looks like it's time to start expanding their line once again. The newest beer to be released in cans is Sum'r. You won't miss this one on your grocery store shelves this spring/summer, that bright green can will scream at you from down the isle.

Sum'r has a slightly fruity, herbal nose with a crisp and malty front leading into a mild lemon/herbal hop flavor and mild bitterness. Finishes crisp as it began, dry and very clean.

Sum’r cans will be available in 6 packs as well as together with Wyld Extra Pale Ale in Uinta’s new canned Duo pack and are planned to hit the market in about  a week or two.  Sum’r will also be available in Uinta’s proprietary 12 oz. Compass Bottle.

Cheers!

"The King is Dead, Long Live the Kings"?

In what has become one of the states most prolific brewery booms in Utah's recent beer history, this weekend is set to make way for two new brewhouses, ending the short reign of Bonneville Brewing. It was looking like Vernal Brewing Co was going to be the next brewery to open, but it looks like a last minute decision will have both Vernal and the Avenues Proper Restaurant & Publik House opening on the same day. 4/27/13.

It won't be a hard decision for most because they are about a three hour drive apart, regardless it will be a good day for Utah's Beer lovers.

We'll throw some info at you, as it comes along.

Also, Bonneville Brewing will be having their grand opening this Friday evening. There is no excuse not to have a nice local craft beer this weekend.

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 4/19/13

 
Tenaya Creek Imperial Stout: The nose is of dark roasted malt, cocoa, and dark fruits. The taste is similar with a medium coffee bitterness cocoa & liquorice. A nice Impy that is tasty and quite smooth.



Tenaya Creek Red Ryder: Toasty ye is up front. Its spicey & peppery. Vanilla, cola and grass come next with a  lemony bitter finish. Mild lingering caramel and bitterness. As it warms, it takes on a raisin bread character that's actually quite excellent.

Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shutdown: The taste starts out with bready and sweet caramel malts. There is also a sugariness. After that it becomes all about the hops. very strong on the grapefruit, pine, orange, and just a touch of pineapple. the alcohol comes through, but isnt too strong.


All are at the Beerhive

Cheers!

Rumor de Jour: Shipyard/Seadog Brewing

It's rumor time again! Yup, it may be one of the more useless functions of what we do here at Utah Beer, but at least it keeps us in good conversation.

Today's rumor has to do with Shipyard/Seadog Brewing out of Maine. The East Coast breweries have been around since the mid 90s and a "little bird" tells me they may be entering the Utah Market soon.

Not sure what labels we'll see, they will most likely be bottled beers. The breweries tend to specialize in English style ales. I've sampled some of their beers at a couple of beer festivals and they're solid beers, great additions to the market.

Take it for what it's worth, some of these rumors pan-out and some will just annoy the shit out of you, 'til the next one comes along. No! I have no new info on Goose Island. I'm sad too....

Cheers!

Vernal Brewing Company to Open Soon

In one of the shortest reigns as "new kid on the block" Bonneville Brewing will soon acquiesce it's title to Vernal Brewing Co. The Bonneville gang will be celebrating their grand opening on April 26, at the same time Vernal Brewing will have their soft opening on The 25th-28th. VBC is urging interested patrons to make reservations, but I don't think they're required. Reservations will be taken online @ vernalbrewingcompany.com

Also in local beer news. On April 13 & 14, 2013, more than fifteen beer judges and six beer stewards, participated in the 3rd Annual Denver International Beer Competition in Broomfield, Colorado.

The judges awarded a total of 91 medals in 48 style categories, plus Best of Show.
Here are Utah's 2013 medal winners. The full list is here.

Gold - (American IPA) Hopulent IPA Mosaic, Epic Brewing Company
Bronze - (Black IPA) Black Imperial IPA, Moab Brewery
Bronze  - (California Common) Rocket Bike Lager, Moab Brewery
Bronze  - (Strong Scotch Ale) Scotch Ale, Moab Brewery
Silver - (Tripel) Tripel, Moab Brewery

Can't say I'm surprised about the Mosaic Hopulent, that beer is the shizzle. And it's nice to see Moab getting some well deserved hardware.

Cheers!

New Beer Friday: 4/12/13

It's been a pretty bleak week for the local beer scene, but we've found a few new beers floating around out there to help get you weekend started off right.

Boulevard Brewing's Coffee Ale: Don't be fooled, this is not a stout or porter this beers base is might lighter, but it doesn't affect the overall body to much. The nose is freshly brewed coffee.The taste starts with sweet coffee & strong bitter chocolate notes. Toffee notes come next with some light herbal hops rounding out the back end. Finishes like a lightly sweetened Iced Coffee. It's 9.3% abv is very well hidden could be trouble if your not careful. @ Beerhive

Some people have reported seeing a 4% version of Henry Weinhard's Woodland Pass IPA. I havn't seen it or tried it. One reviewer described it as, "sweet with a wood taste and a strong tea flavor. Mildly grassy with a mild grapefruit flavor". If you've seen it, let us know where. @ Grocery?

If I've missed anything, please spread the "beer love"!

Cheers!

Fresh Cask Friday: Pale Ale

Secret Agent and Hoppers Brewmaster, Donovan Steele has a new fresh cask for you today, and this one is all hopped up!

Dono took his Pale Morning Ale and has dry hopped it with Cascade and Sorachi Ace hops. These are in addition to the Cascade, Citra and El Dorado hops that were added late in the boil of the base beer. This is a single cask and will be tapped around 5pm @ Hoppers.

Also in the news today, former Squatters Brewmaster Jennifer Talley, who had moved to Washington to take over as brewery production manager at Redhook Brewery is leaving there to take on the role of lead brewer at Russian River Brewing. Talley will be starting in May and eventually will be taking over the brewery’s barrel program. Jenny's technique used in many of Squatters' barrel aged beers came from a close relationship with Russian River Owner, Vinnie Cilurzo. I guess it's just fitting that she'd end up there. Congrats Jenny!

Cheers!

Special Edition of Epic's Copper Cone

On the heels of a successful special release of their Hopulent IPA (made with Mosaic hops), Epic Brewing has a new special edition of one of their more popular beers that they hope will catapult it into legendary status.

Epic's Copper Cone has been one the breweries brightest stars since it first came out a few years back, it's bright pine and citrus profile was an immediate hit with beer lovers, now with the help of an experimental hop, the brewers are hoping lightening can strike twice.

Experimental hop 01210 (yes that's it name) is the the latest addition to the brew. Nicknamed "Lemon Drop" by the brewery it imparts a lemon/lime quality to Copper Cone, along with the grapefruit profile of Simcoe and Summit hops. the result is a fresh tasting, summery pale ale that's deep malt profile complements the rind-like bitterness well.

Look for Copper Cone release 41 & 42 on the label, which should be on sale today. The Epic guys are also telling me they're thinking of using "Lemon Drop" in a coming batch of Hop Syndrome as well. That sounds like a perfect pairing!

Cheers!

Utah Barley's Angels April Event

RSVPs are now being accepted for the Barley's Angels Squatters Food Pairing. The Event titled An Evening With Squatters will be held at 5pm on Sunday, April 7th and will feature a variety of specially prepared dishes & beers designed to enhance your dining experience.

The Utah Chapter of Barley's Angels is a women's only organization designed to promote and encourage Utah's female beer enthusiasts. The event will be limited to 150 ladies, so don't wait too long. To RSVP please call 801-719-0525 or email Barleysangelsutah@gmail.com

Cheers!

 Photo: Carla-Boecklin

New Beer Friday 3/29/13

Fans of Wilds Ales rejoice! The Bayou just received a shipment of new imports that are guaranteed to ignite your pucker, perfect for the start of Spring.
 
  Reinaert Flemish Wild Ale: The nose has floral notes with some nice barnyard funk as well as leather notes from the brett. The flavor is very dry. I get a lot of yeast and funk as well as some lemon and orange citrus notes. There is also some grass in the finish. Medium mouthfeel and medium carbonation. A nice, slightly funky wild ale. @ Bayou

Bellegems Bruin: The nose is bright with grapes and vinegar. The taste starts with a vinegar tartness and gives way to a grape and slight tart cherry taste. The backend has a nice malty base. The mouthfeel is sparkly and acidic. Overall a very solid with nice sour taste and aroma. @ Bayou.

Redline Irish Red: From Bonneville Brewing, this traditional Irish Red is bready with hints of roasted malt with a slight fruity & nutty finish. a perfect example of the style. @ Bonneville Brewery & Allstar Lanes

Cheers!

Bonneville Brewery Visit

Mrs. Mikey & I went west to Tooele County to visit Bonneville Brewing and I have to say, we were quite impressed with the remodel and overall quality of the restaurant and the beer. The Menu was top notch all the dishes looked fantastic and the beers were more than solid. Head Brewer, Dave has eight beers on tap right now including an Irish Nitro Stout and an Irish Red Ale.

Our only complaint, too many people drinking Bud Light. I hope the staff pushes the house beers over the macros, because it's the locals that will make Bonneville a success, not occasional visiting beer gneards like us. Here are some of our photos from last night.

Cheers!

 

Bonneville Brewing Co. Opens it's Doors

Even though Bonneville Brewing Co. has been brewing beer for the last few months, their brewpub has been sitting empty, undergoing a huge remodel to redefine the space that used be the Tracks Brewery.

After many months and countless dollars, Tooele's newest brewery is ready to open it's doors tonight at 4pm. This will be a "soft opening". Employees, equipment & situations will all be new, so if your thinking of venturing out to Tooele over the next few days please remember to bring your patience and help the staff get though their growing pains. Congrats to Utah's newest brewery!

Cheers!  

Photo: Dave Watson - Head Brewer

2013 Tour de Brewtah

Bicycling enthusiasts, it's time to start thinking about getting registered for the Fourth Annual Tour de Brewtah. If your not familiar, the "tour" it's a chance to explore SLC's beer community while getting a ride time through the downtown area. This year's registration will take place on March 25th beginning at 8AM and be done through the Tour de Brewtah website.

The ride will start and end at the Gallivan Center on Saturday, May 4th, 2013 and will offer a a couple of different routes. The Theme of this year's event? May the Fourth Be With You!

Yoda Route will be Gallivan Center >> Squatters >> Desert Edge >> Beerhive/Bohemian >> Gallivan Center (Shades of Pale/Zion Canyon)

Darth Vader Route will be Gallivan Center >> Red Rock >> Uinta >> The Hotel/Roosters >> Gallivan Center (Shades of Pale/Zion Canyon)


This year they are also working on a limited space Skywalker VIP route as well, which will include Epic beers, and local food pairings. Info to follow.

Wave times will be 11am, 12noon, and 1pm.

The cost of the ride is $45 and includes a beer at each stop, commemorative pint glass and snacks along the way. Availability is limited, so don't delay.

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 3/15/13

The Utah legislature never disappoints in the controversy department and this year was no different. Liquor issues will always be a divisive topic on capitol hill as long as the state insists on your your mother.

SB248 was one of the hottest topics that concerned our beer community this year. A bill that was slated to be a good thing for Utah's growing breweries was perverted by the Beer Wholesalers Association and caused proponents of Utah's small breweries to riser up in protest, in one of the biggest reversals that I can remember that was fueled by public outrage.

The bill was defeated by the majority of Utah's craft beer community, it has also fractured our tight knit beer community. Nobody really won here. It did however shine a light on the lack of political unity that exist among our brewers, vintners & distillers. They must all get on the same page so this crap doesn't happen again.

Every year our growing participation in the political process makes the beer community stronger. Personally, I'd like to thank all of you who took time out of your days to make your voices heard. It's one of the reasons I'm still able to do this shit.

Now on to New Beer Friday!

First we have Bonneville Brewing's  first seasonal. Irish Red is described as bready and malty with a touch of floral English hop character. Finishes dry with a hint of roast.
It will be only at the West Jordan and Tooele locations of AllStar Bowling. The brewpub is still a few weeks away from opening.

Ruby River Chocolate Coffee Stout: It is a traditional dry stout fermented out and conditioned with 3.5 lbs of Ghana coco nibs and 2 lbs of local coffee grounds that really give it an awesome flavor and aroma. @Riverdale & Provo Ruby River Locations

Epic Hopulent with Mosaic Hops: This version of Hopulent is a little different as you may have figured. The nose is sharp with citrus zest and big, bold pine. The taste is fruit salad. With orange, lemon, and grapefruit - all fresh and in your face. Some floral hops flesh things out, until the unassuming caramel malt supporting act kicks in. Me thinks it's the best version of this beer. @EPIC

Cheers!

Cartoon: Pat Bagley

While at the Grocey Store...

It seems that when we discuss new beers that have entered the market the topic usually turns to, "what liquor stores are they at"? Today is one of those rare occasions where you don't have to find a liquor store, they're at your good ol' grocers.

Deschutes River Ale: Bready & grassy undertones, & ending with citrus, faint mint, an herbal and mild biscuity finish.

Phoenix Ale Brewing Hoppy Valley IPA: Hop forward, with grapefruit and citrus flavors, a hint of pine and a tiny bit of malt on the finish.

Unsacred Unfaithful IPA: Floral & grassy light biscuit, not much malt body 

Unsacred Rimando's Wit: Estery, some citrus, wheat, a bit of spice.

Unsacred The Vision Lager: Slightly grassy & grainy, with some sourness.

Unsacred Priesthood Pale Ale: An earthy pale with mostly pine & hints of citrus

Boulder Brewing Singletrack: Sweet, clean, buttery base supports a very citric and American (odd) hop. The nutty note is there as well. Only a slight cardboard finish as a minor flaw.

Boulder Brewing Buffalo Gold: Sweet pale malt, grain, mild floral hops, and slightly metallic.

Cheers!

Bohemian Munich Dark Lager

A lot of B.S. has occupied our time over the last few days, you could probably use a beer, something new? We have what the doctor ordered. Bohemian Munich Dark Lager is Bohemian Brewing's newest seasonal. This classic lager traditionally hails from the Bavarian city of Munich. It pours a brilliant dark brown with flavors of toast and sweet malt. A touch of hops adds the perfect balance for a crisp, smooth finish. Only Available at The Bohemian Brewery.

Prost!

 

 

When We Don't Talk, We All Lose

Due to the lack of a free market where alcohol is concerned, the beer industry in Utah and it's consumers are likely to take a big hit from legislation that pits brewery against brewery.

Last year Uinta Brewing & the Utah Brewers Cooperative reached the state's ceiling on how much beer they were allowed to make and still be considered a small brewery. If they were to reach "large" brewery status, the required markup on their beers would skyrocket. This would slash profits and raise the price of their beers. SB248 was written to raise the ceiling from 60,000 barrels if beer to 100,000. Not a bad thing, right?

Well, it would be great if there wasn't a provision in the same bill that also requires all small breweries to retain the services of a distributor even if their operations are too small to justify the expense. Most of Utah's small breweries (Desert Edge, RedRock, Moab etc) self distribute. Their accounts are too small or too few and the added cost of a third party basically means they'll have to stop sending their beers to bars or pass the price hike on to you. 

You see? Everybody looses here. The 2013 Legislature is in its final days, rewriting SB248 to fix all of its problems is likely not realistic. It has already passed in the Senate and is awaiting a vote in the House. It doesn't look good. 

Utah's unique laws and culture create a alcohol community that cannot prosper if it's splintered. Nobody outside of Utah's alcohol manufacturing industry is more passionate about locally made beer than me, so when I beg all of Utah's breweries, wineries & distilleries to get their asses in gear and unify into a cohesive guild or interest group, I do it ensure that complete F'ups like this become a thing of the past.

New Beer Friday 3/8/13

Deschutes River Ale: Havn't had this yet, but it's described as starting with bready & grassy undetones, & ending with citrus, faint mint, an herbal and mild biscuity finish. This is the 4.0% beer that Deschutes has been promising. @DABC. If you see it, please tell us where.


Returning
Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot: The Nose is of pine, citrus,and earth. The taste starts with pine & citrus notes up front, being quickly met by a strong malt backbone. The finish is nutty & hoppy, a typical Lagunitas hop finish. It's listed as an "Imperial Brown Ale" but tastes more like an Imperial Red. @ Beerhive

It's also Fresh Cask Friday! Donovan has two casks today. One is a Scottish, Bruce's 80/- Scottish with Coriander Seed. Golden Promise barley and caramel malts. The other is a Spring Wheat Ale. A nice easy drinking cask wheat. Some great clean flavors and finished with Tettnanger hops. @Hoppers

Another version of of Bruce's 80 will be offered on tap Friday the 15th & which will also be on cask on Saturday the 16, 11 am instead of Friday, due to St. Patrick's Day. This one aged with Scotch Oak.

Cheers!

Valentine Has Finally Lost His Mind!

You can never really predict the absolute idiocy that exists in the mind of Sen John Valentine. This guy is dangerous, he is so far removed from reality and wields so much power that he is one of the most dangerous & delusional people writing our laws.

John Valentine heads the powerful Business and Labor Committee & is the author of most of Utah's liquor legislation, The Zion Curtain or "Beer Burka" as we like to call it; that's him, that his brilliant idea.

Now Sen. Valentine has a new piece of legislation that he's inserted into SB261. This new proposed law states that, any person in a restaurant cannot stand while drinking an alcoholic beverage. You must be seated! I don't have to tell you that this guy holds enough influence to make this crap reality. Please, please, please contact your Representative & Senator and shut this thing down!


Here's the bill it's located on line 1539.


In better news Desert Edge's Powder Keg Bourbon Porter is on right now, it disappears in days so you'd better get on it before it's gone.


Cheers!

Drioma Russian Imperial Stout

The newest addition to the RedRock Brewing line of bottled beers is out and it's a big imperial beast named, Drioma.
Drioma is named for the Slavic spirit of the night. Appropriate, 'cause this bitch is dark & dry like Russian winter night.

Looks like motor oil with a nice light brown head. The nose is huge with roasted malt & baker's chocolate. The tastes starts with big roasted notes with espresso and dark chocolate. A nice bed of toffee & caramel come next with a strong burst of pine in the finish. This Russian Imperial is stout is dryer than some, but it's huge roasted character & fresh hop bite make a nice, highly drinkable stout. A chocolate chip cookie would be the perfect partner for this beer. 10.1% ABV, available at RedRock locations now and finer beer bars in the coming days.

                    
Today is also supposed to be canning day at Uinta. If all goes well, we may have fresh canned Wyld, Baba, Hop Notch or Cutthroat by the end of the week. Call the brewery for availability at their bottleshop. 

Cheers!

New Beer Friday 3/1/13

These quietly slipped in the other week, one is completely new to the market.



Portland Brewing Rose Hip: Pours a bright golden color with a thin cap of head. The nose is of roses and cereal The taste starts with dry with spicy esters and a touch of citrus. An earthy/bready base comes next with the florals and grass rounding out the end.Kinda saison-esque. @ DABC


Full Sail Pale Bock: Pours a clear gold with a short, fizzy white head. the nose is sweet malt, honey, fruit notes and grassy. Taste is slightly bitter grassy notes with grains, fruit notes, sweet malt, a touch of honey and biscuit. Body is medium and crisp with a slight fizzy carbonation. Soft dryness as well. Ends with more caramel, honey, sweet malt, grains, grassy hops and soft bitter hops. @DABC

Cheers!

A Great One-Two Punch

A preview of Uinta's new Duo twelve pack for their cans. Thoughts? Two of my favorites!

Cheers!

Vernal Brewing Co. Preview

Eastern Utah's newest brewery is making great progress. The Vernal Brewing Company is expected to open within the next couple of months, brewing and bottling beers as well as it's new family-friendly restaurant with patio seating.

A unique feature of the brewery will be the garden area, the brewery will grow its own hops, vegetables and fruits for the restaurant. VBC has also secured a liquor license (the brewery will have a full bar), allowing diners to be served in the restaurant. The beers they make will all be named after local landmarks or features, giving the Uintah Basin beers that residents can call their own.

Here are some early images of what you may see on VBC labels. Thanks to Beer Correspondent, Allen Parker for the info & above image.

Cheers!

Stinger Cider

Local ciders are coming on strong! A few weeks ago we told you about a new cider coming out of Cache Valley called  CaCysir, from Slide Ridge Farms. Now, The Hive Winery has a two new offerings in the wings called Stinger & Stinger Dry. Stinger is still about two months away, they're still waiting on federal Label approval. We hope to have a review for you soon.

The Hive Winery reports they will have a first run of about 243 bottles of Stinger and 81 bottles of Stinger Dry. 

Cheers!

Uinta Birthday Suit Sour Brown

Last year to help celebrate Uinta Brewing's 19th Birthday, the brewery released Birthday Suit Sour Cherry Ale. This year Birthday Suit is back for Uinta's 20th, but this year it's a Brown Sour Ale.

This beer is said to have more balance than the previous version with more malt sweetness. It will go on sale today at the brewery (2/25/13). Call before making the trip. Can't wait to try this one!

Cheers!

New Beer Friday: 2/22/13

This weekend's storm may have us all on interlodge alert. If that's the case, it's a good thing that there are some great new beer options to help us get through our cabin fever.

Bohemian Brewery Dunkelweizen: Bohemian’s latest seasonal is a Dunkelweizen,
or dark wheat beer, brewed with yeast from the Bavarian monastery of Andechs. The banana and
clove characters of the yeast meld perfectly with the bready, sweet caramel of the wheat malts to create
this delicious wheat beer.

These Samuel Adams beers have been floating around for the last couple of weeks.

Samuel Adams Latitude 48 IPA 2013 - Mosaic: The nose is of  pine, tropical fruits &berries. The taste starts with some initial citrus notes then trabsition to a smack of pine and earth. Some nice caramel and toffee flavors round out the end and go well with the hops. Bitterness is moderate with a slightly sticky finish. A surprisingly nice IPA.

Samuel Adams Alpine Spring: The nose is of grass, lemon, & white pepper. The taste starts with an  herbal bitterness against some clean, almost honey-sweet malt. Light sulfur notes round out the finish. Quite a nice Zwiklebier.

Cheers!

Phoenix Ale Brewery in Utah

Heads-up! I'm about to beat my session beer drum again. But this time I have a very good reason. Your probably sick of my "session ales are catching on around the country" schtick, but recent news about Deschutes releasing their session ale called River Ale that will be released on March 4th and our news for today reenforces my argument.

The Phoenix Ale Brewery, Arizona's newest brewery announced last week that it was shipping their Session IPA called Hoppy Valley to the Utah Market in the coming days.

I've never tried it, however it had better be good. Some of you may think Utah's low point beers are flavorless, but wait till you've tried them from breweries that have little experience making them. Seen that flavorless Full Sail session pale ale latley? me either. As soon as they hit the market we'll let you know. And if you see them first, spread the word!

Cheers!

Epic's Brainless on Raspberries

The Latest addition to Epic's Brainless Series is out! Brainless on Raspberries slipped on to shelves Friday morning and immediately started flying off the shelves.

Dark fuchsia in color, it has a nose of earthy raspberries. The flavor is similar. Starts out grainy and earthy. You definitely get the spices and esters of the base Belgian ale. Next comes the dry, subdued raspberry notes that have an almost vinous quality. It works well with the earthy and grainy notes. With all of this going on, hops are still potent enough to be detectible in the finish giving it a herbal-sulfur quality. Finishes with a mix of berry tannins and spicy esters. Alcohol is well hidden but sneaks up on you.

Depending on who you talk to it's either too sweet or not sweet enough. I guess that's the way it is with fruit beers. From my perspective I found this latest offering to be somewhat dry, which made it quite drinkable. Nice addition to the "Brainless line".

Here's what other local said. 

Cheers!

Birthday Suit: Sour Brown Ale

In celebration of their 20th Anniversary, Uinta Brewing Company introduces 20th Birthday Suit, a Sour Brown Ale.

Following the release of their 19th Birthday Suit in March of 2012, Uinta began research and development on this year's Sour Brown Ale.  Birthday Suit will be packaged for the first time on Valentine's Day and will be bottle conditioned before being released to the market.  Just in time for their 20th Birthday.

Birthday Suit is scheduled to hit shelves in Utah in late February and nationwide in mid March, 2013. Birthday Suit Sour Brown is a limited, single release brand, only 2,000 cases were produced for distribution. 

This bottled conditioned American Style Sour Brown Ale flaunts significant acidity balanced by flavorful Abbey and Chocolate malts and a modest amount of hops. A distinct tartness on the palate combines with notes of toffee and earthiness. 20th Birthday Suit Sour Brown Ale has an ABV of 7.4%.

Keeping with Uinta's Crooked Line tradition of supporting local art talent, Birthday Suit's label art was produced by Travis Bone, a local show print artist (Furturtle Show Prints).  Travis is also the creative force behind the art adorning Uinta's Cockeyed Cooper bottle as well as the label art from 2012's 19th Birthday Suit.

Cheers!

Is the Zion Curtain Going Away, Again?

Looking over some of the liquor related bills before the legislature, we identified some language that appears to suggest that the state may be finally doing away with the dreaded and embarrassing restaurant barriers known as the "Zion Curtain".

The stricken language on page 26 of HB0228S01 appears to show that it's being removed from the current law. I'd like another pair of eyes to look it over, to see if my interpretation is correct.

Also, please take a look at H.B. 240. It appears to do away with the food requirement for pre-dinner drinks and adds the language "intent to buy food".  Looks like legislators are seeing the light.

Finally, there is proposed legislation that has not been published yet that may do away with the "no beer samplers" regulation, titled: Alcohol Beverage Control Act Sampling Amendments. We'll let you know what this bill says as soon as we see it published. 

While these modification appear to be good news, there's still the chance of a lot of bad coming before this legislative session ends. That's just the way it is.

Don't forget to buy your sweetie a beer today! If you don't have a sweetie then you can buy me a beer. Hell, even if you do have a sweetie, buy me a beer. Trust me, my wife won't mind. I think....

Thanks to Dave Cole for the info.

Cheers! 

Photo: New York Times 

State Set to Raise Beer/Alcohol Prices

In my anticipation of an annual ass smacking from legislators, I apparently misread the proposed bill. it does not appear to include "heavy beer" only a slight increase for "low point beer". My apologies.

I just found a proposed bill thats waiting for a committee hearing. HB-136 is designed to raise the cost of heavy beer sold by the department in an amount

not less than 64.5% above the landed case cost to the department. 

If you like Wine, Spirits or Flavored Malt Beverages the cost is proposed to go up no less than 90%.

Get on the horn to your Representatives  & Senators now, and start rattling their cages!

Here's a link to the full bill. 

http://le.utah.gov/~2013/bills/hbillint/HB0136.pdf

Pic of the Day

Looks like things are moving along. Thanks for the photo Dave!

RedRock/New Belgium Collaborate on Lips of Faith

Last October, RedRock Brewing pulled of a big win at the Great American Beer Festival, coming away with a Gold Medal for Paardebloem, a barrel aged ale made with dandelion greens, in the Experimental Beer category. We talk about Paardebloem often around here, but it's not wildly known that our favorite local, dandelion ale is and has always been a collaborative effort between RedRock & New Belgium Brewing.

Usually Chris McCombs, the plant manager at New Belgium Brewery comes to Salt Lake to take part in the brew, this year there's been a change. Due to Paardebloem's recent high praise at The Great American Beer Festival. New Belgium has decided to brew the collaboration Dandelion ale again and make it part of their Lips of Faith series. A few years back NB released a version of this ale but it was never bottled or barrel aged. This time it's due to go "big time".

"Beer Yogi", Kevin Templin - Asst. Brewer, Chris Harlin & Brewers Liaison,  Erika Palmer are in Fort Collins, Colorado this morning assisting in the creation of approximately 23,000 Hectoliters of Dandelion Ale.  NB will be releasing their version of Paardebloem on April 1st and RedRock will release with in two weeks of that date.

RedRock will reportedly get some of New Belgium's version for sale at their restaurants & some of RR's will go to Fort Collins. This ale never disappoints, we'll keep you in the loop as the dates get closer.

This will hopefully pave the way for New Belgium to enter the Utah Market. Hey, weirder things have happened...

Cheers!


Photo courtesy: B. Doran & SLUG Magazine
Chris McCombs & Kevin Templin (left), Chris Harlin (right) 

Fresh Cask Friday: KellerAlt

Today at Hoppers we have a single firkin for Fresh Cask Friday. 'Out of Bounds KellerAlt' is Brewer & Secret Agent Donovan Steele's traditional styled Altbier made with German Munich and pilsener malts. This particular version was, late hopped with German Hallertau Mittlefruh. Fermented initially at 58 F and left unfiltered for a secondary re-fermentation in the cask. It has a nice copper amber color, rich full flavor, 40+ IBU's, natural carbonation, and served directly from the cask.

Next week look for another version of the Altbier, this time with a bit of wood aging.


Last night's Barley's Angels Chocolate/Beer Pairing was a huge success. The all female event had ladies packed into the Beerhive's basement while wishful men sat sulking upstairs, cursing their damn y chromosomes. Some of us "tripods" muddled through as we had secret agents sneaking up samples of the cacao delights. Nice job on a great event ladies!

Cheers!

No More Beer Samplers

Take a look at that fine photo above. It's a ski (or part of one) that's been converted to display the fine beers that Squatters offers in a sampler form. Squatters has been offering this sampler of their low point beers since as a long as I can remember and to my knowledge it nor any of it's like counterparts around the state have cause any problems with consumers or the DABC.

But because of some tee teetotalers inability to pen a law that he couldn't possibly understand, this simple concept has become illegal because it was omitted in a piece of legislation that actually legalized the sale of wine samplers. That's right wine samplers are now legal but beer is not. Makes perfect sense to me.

This is what I'm talking about when it comes to making your voice heard. Bullshit like this will keep happening as long as Utah's free thinking adults keep hoping things will get better, without participating.

This new regulation may or may not go away, It's up to you. What are you going to do about?
More info here. http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile2/55686909-218/beer-samplers-utah-brew.html.csp