Beer & Air

If you like clean air and beer(shit who doesn't). You may have to sacrifice a little bit of one for the other. Retail prices for beer at supermarkets and other stores were up 3% in May from a year earlier, the biggest increase in 2½ years, according to the latest data from the Labor Department. Those going out on the town will also pay more for suds. Prices for beer consumed away from home were up 3.8% in May from a year earlier.

The gains are in part a result of rising costs for malting barley, one of the main ingredients in our beloved beer. So, "why is barley suddenly so expensive"? Well a booming ethanol market is to blame. "But Mikey, they don't use barley in the production of ethanol". That's correct my friend, corn is the main distillate for ethanol. All those farmers and ranchers that use corn for their livestock feed are finding that corns availability isn't what it once was and are now looking to other food sources(Wheat and barley) to supplement the needs of they're livestock.

We pay a lot for beer as it is in Utah. And I know that it'll get worse before it gets better. I Just hope paying a little more in this case is a sign things are improving on some environmental front.

More Headaches

The other week I wrote about a report that the DABC was going to be changing the pricing structure at the state owned liquor outlets. Be prepared for some new headaches in the way the same ol' taxes are collected. The Trib has a detailed explanation of the ensuing, added confusion to come. Good Luck out there.

Brewer Wanted

Bohemian Brewery has an opening for a Brewer at their brewery in Salt Lake City, Utah. Practical brewing experience in a professional environment or comparable industrial experience is welcome. The position includes duties in all departments of the brewery, from brewing, cellar operations and packaging to warehouse. Bohemian Brewery is an equal opportunity employer. Interested applicants please fax their resumes and cover letters to the following number:, or send via email to

jpetras@bohemianbrewery.com or pete@bohemianbrewery.com .

www.bohemianbrewery.com

Tapped for a Tap?

Need a Kegorator? Well I sure as shit do! The problem at my camp always seems to revolve around the lack of pesos in the "keep Mikey in beer fund". So if your "tapped" for a tap I've found nice people who want to help. Well... at least one of us. The happy people at Keggerators.net are giving away a fine single dispensing keggerator to one lucky contest participant. The contest runs from June 1, 2007 - August 1, 2007 and all you have to do is explain why you deserve it. I think it'll look great in my living room, next to my easy chair.

Utah Breweries Crack The Top 50

If there's anything to be said about my rants on Utah beer, it's that I'm a little touchy on the perceptions people have about our local suds. Whether it has to do with measuring alcohol by volume/weight, or the good ol' "Oh, I thought your state was dry" shtick. I do my best to get out and preach the good word.

Now, it's common knowledge that Utahan's consume less beer than any other state or province in North America. It's sad but true. But even though we consume less than others, statistics recently released by the Brewers Association, show that two of Utah's breweries rank 47th & 49th out of just under 1400 craft breweries in sales. Nearly 80% of all craft beer sales come from these 50 companies. Those aren't bad numbers for a state that's mistakenly known for it's "shitty" beer.

Wasatch(Brewers Co-op) and Uinta's respective sales match their awards and accolades totaling into the triple digits.

Please Stop Helping!!!!

It has been brought to my attention, that in an attempt to make beer, wine and liquor seem cheaper; the D.A.B.C. is going to start adding the state tax at the cash register instead of including it on the shelf tag. Hmm. Well, look at it this way. At least now you'll know how much they're actually screwing you.

Damn.....

Sadly... this is still not the case in Utah.

Highlights & Lowlights

It was a blast at this years Mountain Brewers Fest. The Utah delegation showed up in full-force. Here's a few of your representatives.
And by the way, big thanks goes to Rob for being the D.D.





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Time for a Change?

After three decades at the helm of Utah's D.A.B.C. Ken Wynn is stepping down. Wynn's decision to leave comes after Gov. Jon Huntsman decided not to reappoint three commissioners on the board when their terms expire at the end of this month. Huntsman's office said the three had served multiple terms and it was time for change.

Wynn began his reign at the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in October of 1977. Apparently, Wynn has been considering retirement for some time. Co-workers suspect the upcoming changes have something to do with his decision to leave now.

DABC Operations director Dennis Kellen is considered the front runner to replace Wynn.

To be honest, don't know much about Ken Wynn. As far as Utah's draconian Liquor laws are concerned; I don't know if he's been part of the problem or part of the solution. I do know that during Gov. Huntsman's run for office, he pledged to bring Utah's awkward and antiquated liquor laws to a more sensible level. Perhaps this is a step in the right direction. If you know of Ken Wynn or have any info on how he's affected the state's liquor control laws, please post a comment. I don't know whether to be elated or concerned.

photo: Deseret Morning News

Bless These Beers

Last weekend Utah breweries and brew-pubs took the NABA's Mountain Brewers Festival by storm. Judges from all over the country, participated in blind tastings, awarding 18 medals to the most misunderstood beer producing state in the nation. Here's a list of Utah's winning beers.

Gold

Hoppers Grill & Brewing Company

This is the Pilsner

Gold

Red Rock Brewing Co.

Munich Dunkel Lager

Gold

Uinta Brewing Company

Kings Peak Porter

Gold

Uinta Brewing Company

Cutthroat Pale Ale

Gold

Moab Brewing Co.

Scorpian Pale Ale

Gold

Uinta Brewing Company

Gelande Amber Lager Californnia Common

Gold

Moab Brewing Co.

Squeaky Bike Brown

Silver

Roosters Brewing Company

Diamond Back Ale

Silver

Uinta Brewing Company

Bristlecone Brown Ale

Silver

Uinta Brewing Company

Blue Sky Pilsner Canadain Style golden

Silver

Wasatch Brewing Co.

Polygamy Porter

Silver

Moab Brewing Co.

Black Raven Stout

Silver

Wasatch Brewing Co.

1st Amendment Lager

Silver

Red Rock Brewing Co.

Redrock Wit Beer

Bronze

Desert Edge Brewery

Inversion Ale

Bronze

Red Rock Brewing Co.

Reve

Bronze

Red Rock Brewing Co.

Organic Zwickel Bier

Bronze

Wasatch Brew Pub

Wasatch Summer Brau

So support your local brews! Also, here's a link to the rest of the winning beers.

The First Wildfire of the Year

Two months ago Utah had no locally produced organic beers. Now we two. Yesterday Four + Brewing Company debuted they entry into the live healthier market with they're Wildfire Extra Pale Ale. Brewed with 100% Organic malts, WILDFIRE is light golden in appearance with Simcoe and Amarillo hops. Imparting a slight “mango essence” to both the nose and taste without minimizing its hoppy goodness and refreshing taste.

This newest of Utah brews, has been in the works for over a year as the brewers have been hard at work fine-tuning the recipe while the Brewery underwent the rigorous compliance issues that accompany becoming Organically Certified. It hits the shelves of your favorite stores this week and is already available in select bars & restaurants on draft.

While organic beer sales are still minuscule in the overall beer industry, they are rising fast. North American sales of organic beers grew from $9 million in 2003 to $19 million in 2005, according to the Organic Trade Association.
Organic beers are even drawing the attention of the nation's largest breweries.

Before a product can be labeled “Organic”, a Government-approved "certifier" inspects the farms where the ingredients are grown to make sure that the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies, such as Four+ Brewing, that handle or process organic ingredients before they get to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified as well. Four+ Brewing received its organic certification in February of 2007.

Click the title for a video link.

Organic Beers Be Here!

It might seem that Squatters brew-pub get a lot of "pub" here at Utah Beer. That's probably true. They always seem to be trying something new. So, what's so note-worthy now?

Squatters Organic Amber Ale, the state's first and only certified organic beer. Squatters already has an amber ale on it's menu(Emigration Amber Ale). This is an organic version.

The ale is brewed from organic pale and caramel malted barley and aromatic hops. The taste, is a caramel-like maltiness with a hint of sweetness. Organic certification requires high levels of cleanliness and sanitation. Which as any brewer knows is paramount to brewing anyway.

But it also requires strict segregation of ingredients "from grain to glass." The barley is grown from organic seeds, using natural methods of pest control such as lady bugs and composting rather than chemical fertilizers. Organic ingredients must be stored separately and tanks at the brewery must be meticulously cleaned. Jenny's organic beer will be available in bottles and draft in the next few weeks.

And while were on the subject. I spoke with Will Hamill from Uinta Brewing Co. They are also debuting they're own organic certified beer. Available soon.

What are you Drinking?

Last month at the Craft Brewers Conference in Austin, Tx. A survey was released in regards to what kind of person buys craft beer. The report delves mostly into socio-economic backgrounds, styles and brand loyalty. It's not surprising that money is a factor on who buys what. Since craft beers cost at least a few bucks more than most macro brews, it’s not surprising that the buyers of the craft labels skew toward higher-income households. And that they’re more-likely to be college-educated.

However a higher level of education doesn't necessarily translate in to brand loyalty. “People are loyal to the "craft" category but trade between brands,” Nick Lake of ACNielsen told brewers. So, what are craft beer drinkers buying, style-wise?

According to Information Resources Inc. American pale ales are the most popular craft style at supermarkets, with sales of $79 million last year. Next are seasonal brews, at $65 million, amber ales at $51 million, wheat beers at $39 million, India pale ales at $28.6 million, strong lagers at $23 million and light beers at $20.7 million.
Pilsener, the most popular style produced by the major breweries, and are ranked only 15th among craft beers, with only $4.5 million in sales. However, even this category is on the rise, up 45 percent over the previous year.

Good Beer, Good Movie, Good Times

Utah's only beer friendly cinema has changed hands. Brewvies owner David Movitz has sold the business to Randall Miller, the previous owner of Starship Theatres. "I didn't want to sell, to be perfectly honest," Movitz said Monday afternoon. "I owed some back money to the landlord and the tax commission. We fell behind. I felt pressured" to sell. Movitz and Matt Pernichele opened the downtown Salt Lake City cinema pub in 1997, modeling it after similar venues in Portland, Ore. The tavern has since become a popular gathering spot for people over 21 who come to play pool, eat, drink beer and take in a film on one of the two screens. "I plan to keep Brewvies relatively the same but plan on some remodeling and upgrades," Miller said Monday. "Brewvies is an institution." Drink and movie price specials during the week make it an affordable draw. Non-matinee tickets go for $6, and all Wednesday showings are $3. Movie-going customers can order food and drink at a counter and then get an assigned number. Once inside the theater, whose seats are backed by a ledge on which to set refreshments, a small electronic sign on one wall lights your number when the order is ready.
Brewvies has 23 employees, who Miller plans to retain. The theater has been closed since last Friday and is set to reopen sometime this week, Miller said.

You, Barley wine. Me, a Drunk from Outta Town.

click to enlarge

You can tell that it's a slow news day in beerdom when the "I saw you" post rears it's ugly head. The pic above is the current cover of Beer Celebrator Magazine. If you look where I've circled you'll see a happy and quite inebriated Del Vance. You might know Dell from his book Beer in the Beehive or as that guy who pukes in your ficus at your Holiday parties. Anyway, leave it to Del to crash the Beer Celebrator's 19th Anniversary Party. Not only did he get in, but he got front and dead-center for the group photo. If your sensing sour grapes, you right! I was supposed to go on that fucking trip.
That should be me there!!!
Your a bastard Vance!!!
I hate you!!!
Cheers.

Another One

A couple years back I shot a feature on Uinta Brewing. It was for a show called "The Insider's List" that airs on The Fine Living Network. Check out the brewery when your in town.

When Hobbies & Carear Colide

If your board and I mean really board. I've got something here that'll suck-up a little time from your day. I shot this story a few years back with Sandy Riesgraf for Fox13 News at Nine. It's about Jenny Tally, head brewmeister at Squatters. We received a Beer Journalism Award for it at the GABF in 2005. There are two parts. Enjoy.

More to come.

Oh for the love of.....

(AP) It will be a little while longer before anyone receives a license to serve beer in Syracuse. The City Council tabled proposals to grant two licenses because a referendum petition could reverse the city's decision to allow restaurants to sell alcohol.
The applicants for class B beer licenses are Wingers and Glen Eagle Golf Course. Wingers could locate in Syracuse as part of a movie theater complex planned for the town center. Glen Eagle Golf Course already operates within city limits.
Petition sponsors say they have collected 1,200 signatures, more than the 944 required to hold a referendum. They seek to reverse a February decision in which the council voted three-two to allow eateries in the city to sell alcohol.

Whisky's A-Go-Go

This really isn't beer related, but it's local and pretty damn cool! For the first time since the start of Prohibition, a Utahn will be producing home grown hooch from the states first legal distillery. Quaking Aspen Distillery is planned to be based in Park City at 703 Park Avenue. The spendy real estate consists of an old garage and two old homes. The distillery will occupy the garage and one of the old houses.

Quaking Aspen's owner David Perkins has some pretty great plans for the P.C. distillery, like a top to bottom renovation of the property and a tasting room for patrons to sample the various spirits produced. I have a feeling the tasting room is just a 'pipe dream'. Unless the state decides to give special dispensation to Mr. Perkins, which I seriously doubt they will. The state enjoys it's monopoly on liquor and would never endorse a private party being responsible for taxing themselves.
Sorry, I'm off topic.

According to the Deseret News David has got a temporary "still" set up in Salt lake so he can perfect his recipes 'till Quaking Aspen opens. No news yet on when that may be. Photo above: coutesy Deseret Morning News.

What's in a Name?

What's in a name? Everything! The name your given projects an image; the second impression people are left with that establishes who or what you are. The same goes for the beer you make. A shitty name makes for lackluster interest. A glorious name can make the nastiest mug of piss a monstrous hit. This label for example "Cereal Killer" what a great name for a high gravity (strong) beer. Or Polygamy Porter. Wasatch Brewery is still making tons of dough on that clever little gimmick.

I found a handy resource that'll help jump-start your creative juices, and get you on the way to finding the perfect moniker for your special bathtub intoxicant. The Random Beer Generator just requires you to click on the generate button and your off. Your friends will think your the smart-ass they always new you could be. Slainte.