The Big-Ass Summer Solstice Beer Powwow!

 First off I'd like to thank all of you who were able to attend last winter's Holiday Tasting. It was a huge success! So huge in fact that I have no recollection of it. If it weren't for photo documentation I never would have known it had taken place.

Since I don't remember anything about last winters Holiday Tasting I'm playing my "party host" card and I'm declaring a "do over". So,  if your like me, or just like sharing good beer I'd like to invite you back to the "Ranch" for a Summer Solstice-ish  Beer Tasting.

That date is Saturday June, 22nd (day after the Summer Solstice). The same rules apply. Bring a nice beer, cider or mead. It can be in a bottle, can, jug, keg or jeroboam as long as it's "special" to you and you think it would be nice to share. It doesn't have to be rare - expensive or outrageous. Just something that you enjoy.

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

If you have a tasters glass or a piece of stemware please bring it, you'll be glad you did. Plastic cups will be provided but I'd hate for anyone to have to use them.

The Big Ass Summer Solstice Beer Powwow will be held at the previous location & the address will be given out only to those who RSVP.

As this will be an outdoor event the cap on participants has been raised, but it's not a free for all. The number of people attending will be limited due to the size of the venue. So get your RSVP in ASAP.

We'd ask that this be limited to "Beer People". People who know beer or are interested in learning more about craft beer. Please feel free to bring a guest if you don't want to come solo.

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

If you'd like to bring stuff for grilling, or anything else, we'll make grills available to you some beer & snacks provided.

So, here's the info your gunna need.

Please RSVP to utahbeer@gmail.com

Absolutely no one under 21.

What: 1-2 bottles for tasting & sharing - tasters glass or stemware - some beer & snacks provided.

Where: Draper, Utah

When: The afternoon (and in to the evening) of Saturday June 22, 2013

Questions & RSVP: utahbeer@gmail.com

Don't hesitate to RSVP or ask questions! We usually fill up within a few days & this post is the only invite to the gathering. Any questions?

This Powwow is also an excuse to bid a fond Bon Voyage to our friend Douglas Byrd. Doug is one of the most passionate, pain-in-the-ass beer gnerds I've ever come across, trust me I've met many. Doug keeps track of every goddamn beer that has been or is currently being made in Utah. Doug will be moving to beer heaven, Portland, Or to shape young liberal minds later this summer.

I hope to hear from you all. Cheers!

Proper Beers

The Avenues Proper Restaurant  & Publick House is a great place. The food & beer are top notch, but there's been one problem. No house beers! That changes today. Head Brewer Rio Connolly, has finally finished his debut beers & they're available today!

The Proper Beer (English golden ale) There are many types of Golden Ales, but the British interpretation on the Golden Ale is easily the boldest, hoppiest blond ale rendition. Some of these can almost be considered American Pales they are so hopped up - very crisp, refreshing, with relatively low alcohol compared with their North American counterparts.

Patersbier (Belgian single) or "fathers' beer" is a lighter version of an Trappist Ale that is traditionally only made for the monasteries monks. There's no single style of Patersbier it can be a "session-ized" style of many styles.

Slaintè Stout (dry Irish stout) these tend to have light-ish bodies to keep them on the highly drinkable side. They're usually a lower carbonation brew and served on a nitro system for that creamy, masking effect (as is this one). The bitterness comes from both roasted barley and a generous dose of hops, though the roasted character will be more noticeable.


The new beers should be on as soon as lunch time.

Cheers!

The Bier Brauen Home Brew Competition

Homebrewers, add another event to your calendars, the second American Homebrewers Association sanctioned home brew competition in the state is in the planning stages so listen up! Most, if not all of you are aware of the Beehive Brew-off, which is slated to occur on August 3 - 4, 2013 at The Bayou (Registration for the Beehive Brewoff will open June 1, 2013 and will close on July 30th, 2013).

This new competition called the Bier Brauen and it's part of Grace Lutheran Church's annual Oktoberfest celebration, on Friday and Saturday, September 20th and 21st. Event organizers will be accepting home brew entries from September 1st through September 14th at Grace Lutheran Church, 1815 East 9800 South in Sandy. The awards ceremony will be Saturday night (21st) at 6pm when the beer will be flowing and the German band is crank'n.

The emphasis will be on German-style brews, but many other beers will be accepted for judging as well. The limited categories that are in accordance to the BJCP 2008 Style Guidelines, are as follows.

Light Lager (1D and 1E only)
Pilsner (2A and 2B only)
European Amber Lager (3A and 3B)
Bock (5A, 5B, 5C and 5D only)
Kolsch (6C only)
English Pale Ale (8A, 8B, and 8C)
Stout (13A, 13B, 13C and 13E)
German Wheat and Rye Beer (15A, 15B, 15C and 15D)
Belgian and French Ale (16A, 16B, 16C and 16D only)
Dark Lager (4B and 4C only)
Amber Hybrid (7A and 7C only)
American Pale Ale (10A only)
India Pale Ale (14B and 14C only)
Specialty Beers (23A)

For more info contact Kevin Bartel; Bier Brauen Coordinator

Grace Lutheran's Oktoberfest is obviously a family friendly event. There will be a huge kiddie carnival, German food and beers, the band and a German marketplace. The day is set to wrap up with a professional fireworks show.


Michael Jackson mentioned in his New World Guide to Beer, that Martin Luther preferred homebrew over beer from commercial breweries, finding the latter to be “a curse for Germany.”

"Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep, whoever sleeps long, does not sin; Whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!"
-Martin Luther

Hmmm, sound like he's talking about me.....except for the no sin part.

Prost!

New Beer Friday! 5/17/13

Nothing really new today, but one of my favorite Epic seasonals, Hop Syndrome returns today. Release #11 is a little different this time. It's hopped with whole leaf Aramis hops that lends a spicy aroma. The addition of  Lemon Drop hops add a light fruitiness and accentuate the clean pilsner finish, or so I'm told. Available at Epic's bottle shop today.

Deschutes' Fresh Squeeze IPA may or may not make an appearance at the Beerhive today. Del said, his distributor had some and it's on it's way to him, but this beer is not currently in production, so I don't know what the Hell to think, if it does show up we'll let you know. He also mention a shload of Lagunitas seasonal have returned and should be available late this afternoon.

And a reminder of today's Craft Beer Week Events:

 RedRock Brewing Co.
*May 17th - Bar X has the Golden Ticket" featuring 4 Gold Medal Winners. Nut brown, Swartz Bier, Pilsner and Paardebloem. @ Bar X. 6:00- 12:00

Bohemian Brewing Co.
May 17th - Patio Party @ Woody's Tavern in Moab

Cheers!

Mountain Brewers Festival 2013

Beer festival season is upon us, and there is no better way to get things rolling here in the mountain west than the North American Brewers Association's Mountain Brewers Festival. Droves of Utahans flock across the Idaho boarder ever year for this annual event that many consider Utah's best beer festival.

If you've never been, just ask someone that has attended, you'll find a festival with a small town feel with big time brewery representation. Look for 70 plus breweries pouring a variety of their beers with many food vendors and it all goes to charity.

The festival takes place June 1st from 12-5pm at Sandy Down Race Track in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Tickets are available online or can be purchased locally at Uinta, Roosters & Bohemian Breweries. $25 Advanced | $30 at the gate. Note you'll need cash or check to purchase tickets at the three Utah breweries.

We recommend getting a hotel for the night, there are many affordable hotels, motels & campgrounds in the area. we're happy to answer any questions about the fest.

Cheers!

Craft Beer Week in Utah 2013: Barley's Angels at Uinta

Ladies, The Barley's Angels have asked me to remind you that their Craft Beer Week event at Uinta Brewing is "a go" and it looks like a full evening of craft beer goodness.

The night will consist of a tour and tasting on Tuesday, May 14, starting at 6:00 PM. The cost is $10 prepay/$12 at the door" (Prepay via PayPal here). To RSVP please call 801.719.0525 or email BarleysAngelsUtah@gmail.com.

Remember this is a 21 and older event for ladies only, no tripods allowed! I'm talking to you Ray. Utah's Barley's Angels chapter also has a new website, check it out here.

As I stated above, today begin American Craft Beer Week. Here are some of today's event that are open to all chromosomes or click here for the entire weeks schedule.

RedRock Brewing Co.
May 13th- 6:00pm National Toast to Craft Beer @ Downtown Brewpub

 Bohemian Brewing Co.
May 13th - Heffeweizen Release Party @ Bohemian Brewery

Epic Brewing Co.
May 13th - 6:00pm - Craft Beer Week Kickoff Party at The Beerhive. Join the Epic Brewing staff to kick off American Craft Beer Week. Staff will be on hand to discuss thier philosophy on craft brewing and what makes our beer unique. Try a new style and learn more about your favorites. 

Uinta Brewing Co.
May 13th - 6pm - Uinta Can release party @ Gracies

Cheers!

Photo: Carla-Boecklin

Utah's 2013 Craft Beer Week Events

Gather around children, we have the skinny on all (well, most of) the beer goings-on here in Zion for Craft Beer Week 2013! CBW is celebrated May 13-19 and it brings craft beer connoisseurs and beginners alike together to toast the more than 2,400 small and independent American craft brewers who continue to make the U.S. the world’s most diverse brewing destination.

Here are the happenings that I was able to dig up for next week (starting Monday). If there is anything I've missed please add it to the comments section of this post or shoot me an email.

RedRock Brewing Co.
May 13th- 6:00pm National Toast to Craft Beer @ Downtown Brewpub

May 14th - Blind Horizontal IPA Tasting with 4 of Salt Lakes favorite Chefs. Chef Ryan Lowder of Copper Onion, Chef Zane Holmquist of Stein Eriksen's Lodge, other two chefs TBA. The chefs will be blind folded and will rate 5 IPA's from RedRock, Squatter's and Wasatch Brewery. Q&A from chefs. 6:00 at the BeerHive. downstairs.

*May 15th - Hops Storm @ The Bayou. IPA Jr on a Randall TBA.

 May 16th - 10pm RedRock Brewery & Bohemian Brewery Sponsor "Strange Brew" @ Brewvies.

*May 17th - Bar X has the Golden Ticket" featuring 4 Gold Medal Winners. Nut brown, Swartz Bier, Pilsner and Paardebloem. @ Bar X. 6:00- 12:00

 May 17th-May 19th - Living Traditions Festival Downtown.

*time to be determined



Bohemian Brewing Co.
May 13th - Heffeweizen Release Party @ Bohemian Brewery

May 14th - Food/Beer Pairing @ MacCool's in Layton

May 15th - Seasonal Release Party @ Slackwater Pizza in Ogden

May 16th - Bar X Tap Takover & Meet the Brewers Party -

Movie Night @ Brewvies, "Strange Brew", 10pm

May 17th - Patio Party @ Woody's Tavern in Moab

May 18th - Ameri"Can" Craft Canned Beer Festival in Scottsdale, AZ. Noon - 6pm

May 19th - Closing Party & Brunch @ Bohemian Brewery



Epic Brewing Co.
May 13th - 6:00pm - Craft Beer Week Kickoff Party at The Beerhive
Join the Epic Brewing staff to kick off American Craft Beer Week. We will be
on hand to discuss our philosophy on craft brewing and what makes our beer
unique. Try a new style and learn more about your favorites.

May 14th - 5:30 - 7:00pm - Sip and Savor, Bambara Beer Dinner
Featuring small plate pairings of French inspired cuisine and Epic's Belgian
beers. Limited seating available.


May 15th - 7:00-8:00pm - Lumpy's South Beer Class
Our brewers will be discussing the brewing process, different beer styles,
and how to best serve and appreciate craft beer. Discover new pairing ideas
and learn what makes each beer unique.


May 16th - 6:00pm - National Toast & Rock - Paper - Scissors Tournament at Dick N' Dixie's
Raise a toast with the rest of the nation's craft beer lovers and sign up
for the Rock - Paper - Scissors Tournament. Tourney starts at 8:00 pm. Peruse a large selection of Epic beers between bouts.

May 17th - Hop Syndrome Lager Release
Just in time for grilling season, Epic is releasing Hop Syndrome Lager. A
deliciously hoppy lager that is clean and spicy with hints of fruit. It's sure to quench your summer thirst. Available in the cold case on Friday.


May 18th - 12:00 - 6:00 - In-depth Brewery Tours
If you haven't gotten a behind the scenes look at Epic Brewing now is the perfect chance. We will be leading in-depth brewery tours describing the brewing process, ingredients, and equipment. Limited to groups of 10 and running every hour. Call ahead to reserve a spot.


May 19th - 12:45 pm - Salt Lake Bees vs Nashville Sounds
Brewmaster Kevin Crompton will be throwing the first pitch at the Spring Mobile Ballpark. Salt Lake Bees vs Nashville Sounds. This will be worth the price of admission just to see if Kevin can get the ball into the catchers mitt without killing himself or anyone else.

5:00pm - First Pitch After Party at The Bayou
Join the Epic Brewing staff for a post-game party at The Bayou. If you
haven't had the chance to meet the makers of your favorite brew come on by
and share a pint.

Uinta Brewing Co.
May 13th - 6pm - Uinta Can release party @ Gracies

May 14th - 6pm - Uinta Can Release Party @ Green Pig.
6pm: Utah Barley’s Angels Event @ Uinta Brewing Co.  https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/140571342794835/

May 18th - Uinta Can Release Party @ No Name Saloon 5-9pm.
Beer Dinner and Pairing @ Harmons SLC





Squatters Pubs
Craft Beer Week Brewmaster DinnersMay 15 – Squatters Brew Pub-Downtown SLC147 WEST BROADWAY . SLC . UTAH . 84101 - CONDUCTED BY BREWMASTERS DAN BURICK & JASON STOCK.
6:00- 9:00 p.m.

May 16 – Squatters Roadhouse Grill-Park City1900 PARK AVENUE . PARK CITY . UTAH . 84060 -CONDUCTED BY BREWMASTER JASON STOCK.
6:00- 9:00 p.m.
First Course
Ginger and Carrot Soup
Paired with Squatters Full Suspension Pale Ale

Salad
Arugula with Roasted Red Peppers, Blueberries & Goat Cheese
With a Reduced Balsamic dressing
Paired with Squatters American Wheat Hefeweizen

Main Course
Steak and Shrimp. Hand cut Niman Ranch top sirloin with panko crusted jumbo shrimp, asiago potatoes,
asparagus, red peppers and jalapeno mint jelly.
Paired with Squatters Organic Amber Ale

Dessert
Black and Tan Brownie
Paired with Squatters Captain Bastard’s Oatmeal Stout

$50 per person + Tax + Gratuity
($34 Food/$16 Beer Pairings)
Reservations: Lauren Boyack
party@squatters.com or 801-328-2329 x 238


Wasatch Brew Pub
Craft Beer Week Brewmaster DinnersMay 14 – 250 Main . Park City
6:00- 9:00 p.m.
CONDUCTED BY BREWMASTERS JON LEE & MATT BEAMER


First Course
Ginger and Carrot Soup
Paired with Wasatch White Label Belgian-Style White Ale
Salad
Arugula with Roasted Red Peppers, Blueberries & Goat Cheese
with a reduced balsamic dressing
Paired with Wasatch Apricot Hefeweizen

Main Course
Steak and Shrimp
Hand cut Niman Ranch top sirloin with crunchy coconut shrimp, asiago
potatoes, asparagus, red peppers and jalapeno mint jelly.
Paired with Evolution Amber Ale

Dessert
Black and Tan Brownie
Paired with Wasatch Polygamy Porter 
$50 per person + Tax + Gratuity
($34 Food/$16 Beer Pairings)
Reservations: Lauren Boyack
party@squatters.com or 801-328-2329 x 238

If your going to be out of town and want to find out what's happening nationally, follow this link.

You thought I forgot that it's New Beer Friday, didn't you? Bohemian Brewing has something new to help ring in the warm weather

Noble Hefeweizen is a Bavarian-style hefeweizen. White wheat and Munich malts give this beer a rich, sweet body while staying light and easy to drink. But the star of the beer is the traditional yeast, originating from the Bavarian monastery of Andechs, adding banana, clove, and bubble gum characters. It's going to be hot this weekend, sounds like the perfect beer to enjoy in the sun!

Cheers! 

Paarde-Deux

The long drought in between Paardebloem releases has finally come to an end and this year we get a double-whammy of dandelion delightfulness!

If your new here or are unfamiliar,  Paardebloem (Flemish for dandelion) was originally conceived of in 2009, by RedRock's "Beer Yogi", Kevin Templin & New Belgium Brewing's Chris McCombs.

In 2009 the beer world experienced a bit of a hop shortage. Popular hop varietals were tough to get or were becoming pricier than normal. Paardebloem was born from a need to brew convention beers with old world techniques. One of those techniques was using dandelion greens for bittering.

The beer was made, New Belgium called their version Dandelion Ale & RedRock went with Paardebloem. That wasn't the only difference, RR's went into barrels with funky bugs for  many months & NB's was Kegged fresh. Four years later we have two different blended beers that are the same... Makes sense?.... Right?

This evening (after 6pm) at all RedRock locations you'll be able to sample both versions of the collaborative beer that's finally a true collaboration. New Belgiam's is part of their popular Lips of Faith series & will be exclusively sold at RedRock for "in house" consumption.  This is the first time a NB beer has been for sale legally in Utah. Hopefully it's a sign of things to come.

Don't be that Douche or Douchette that misses out on this great thing that's happening in right in your own backyard or you'll be sad lil' beer geeks when they're gone.

Op uw gezondheid!


Photo: (left) McCombs, (right) Templin
Courtesy: Erika Palmer 

New-ish Beer Friday 5/3/13

The following are technically previously released beers, but have been modified for a special release or  have been reformulated for abv adjustments.

Let's start with Shades of Pale Brewing. Not often does this brewery make appearances on New Beer Friday. They make three beers and they do them very well. Now they're releasing beer number four, that some of you may have tried in early 2012.

Ready to Fly Amber Ale was originally brewed to help promote the documentary “Ready to Fly” and to help raise awareness and support for Women’s Ski jumping. I fell in love with the beer and begged for it to go in to full production.  I guess it sometimes pays to be a pain in the ass. Ready to Fly will debut tomorrow at the Tour de Brewtah & will be poured at the Gallivan Center.

Starts with spicy malts, hints of graham cracker. The hops are piney with citrus notes beneath. it has a really nice balance. It's Amber Ale, not trying to be a Pale Ale. Very nice. Bottles should be hitting the SOP bottle shop within the next couple of weeks, draft will be available at various locations starting next week.  Check the SOP website for details on where to find Ready to Fly.

Desert Edge Citra in Red: If your a fan of Citra hops this beer will make you squeal like a school girl at a Bieber sighting. The fruitiness from the malts pairs perfectly with the citrus bitterness in the hops. The result is a quenching full flavored red ale that's like fruit salad in a glass. Haas, I would be very happy to see this on the menu every day. @ Desert Edge, Beerhive.

The Hive Winery is releasing Stinger and Stinger Dry, Utah’s first hard ciders. Made entire with Utah grown apples custom pressed by Rowley’s Red Barn Cider in Santaguin and hand worked and aged in small batches. Stinger will be available to purchase tomorrow, Saturday May 4^th at The Hive Winery. Currently this cider is only available at the Winery or at MacCool's Starting May 5^th. Coming out in 22 oz bottles and carrying a 6.95% ABV.

Going Away: Squatters' Nitro Cream Ale will no longer be in their regular line-up. Look for rotating beer on their nitro tap handles.

Also, congrats go out to some of our local home brewers for placing in the first round of the National Homebrew Competition. Winners of this round qualify for entry into the NHC Final Round competition in June during the National Homebrewers Conference. Here are the local award winners. I hope I didn't miss anyone. Here's a link to all winners.

Category 2 : Pilsner
2nd Place: Travis Grimm of Sandy, UT - Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society (ZZ HOPS)
3rd Place: Brian Coleman of Draper, UT

Category 14 : India Pale Ale (IPA)
2nd Place: Chris Detrick of Salt Lake City, UT with Shawn Margetts, Daniel Schulz  - The Brewing Network

Category 22 : Smoke-Flavored and Wood-Aged Beer
2nd Place: Chris Detrick of Salt Lake City, UT - The Brewing Network

Category 1 : Light Lager
1st Place: Michael Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT   Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society (ZZ HOPS)
2nd Place: Michael Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT   Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society (ZZ HOPS)

Category 15 : German Wheat and Rye Beer
2nd Place: Michael Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT   Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society (ZZ HOPS)
3rd Place: Michael Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT   Zion Zymurgist Homebrew OPerative Society (ZZ HOPS)

Category 8 : English Pale Ale
2nd Place: Tracy Johancsik of Murray, UT

Category 9 : Scottish and Irish Ale
2nd Place: Mike Mirabella of Salt Lake City, UT
  
Category 13 : Stout

1st		Chris Detrick of Salt Lake City, UT	The Brewing Network
2nd		Chris Detrick of Salt Lake City, UT	The Brewing Network

In an added note: Chris Detrick's & Uinta's Pro/Am beer from last year's Great American Beer Festival is finally going into production soon. Cahoots Double Rye IPA will be part of the Uinta's Crooked Line & should hopefully be available sometime June.

Cheers!

On Draft Today

There are couple of new drafts out right now that are primed to get into warm weather mode. Hear are some short descriptions.

RedRock Honig Helles: This brilliantly bright lager was made with guest brewer Andy Shaw, head brewer at Snow Eagle Brewing in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The nose is of sweet malt, more bready than caramel, with some hop presence beneath. The taste is basically "Honey Cereal". It's toasty with a honey sweetness. Hops are floral and grassy in the finish. A perfect summer brew. I've been really impressed by RedRock's lagers lately, definitely worth a try. Made with honey malt.

Squatters Pineapple Express: Not exactly sure if there's pineapple in there, but it does have hints of tropical notes. The nose is light grapefruit and honey. The taste starts off with mild bitterness moving to moderate bitterness. There’s a sweetness in the background that keeps the profile balanced. a little thin, but refreshing. The nitrogen conditioning create a creamy mouthfeel and really brings out the hops.


Cheers!

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!