What do you get when you couple three Kentucky brothers and two native Utahns?
Answer: Park City’s local brewery. Not your first assumption? It wasn’t ours either. Yet this team of five down-to-earth, outdoor enthusiasts couldn’t be a more perfect fit for the job. The brewing-passionate Ray brothers, Jeremy, Brian and Scott, came together with businessmen Hud Knight and Jeff Petway with a common goal in mind: to bring Park City its first local craft brewery.
Scott was the first of the three brothers to journey to Utah to pursue a job with the outdoor retailer, Backcountry. Knowing of the brothers’ mutual love for the outdoors, twins Jeremy and Brian followed shortly thereafter. Brian journeyed away from the restaurant managing business and Jeremy finished his degree in environmental studies and biology.
Beer brewing was in the family blood. Jeremy, who had been a home brewer for over 12 years, always wanted to share his passion with others. He saw the opportunity in Park City and snagged it. Though larger imported beers are popular today, he believes there is “still room for local craft beers,” and that the industry is on the uptick.
“We wanted to create a place that is very relaxed and welcoming to everybody,” says Jeremy. The brothers see the value in staying authentic and real with their brand, and believe it is the best way to stay competitive with the larger breweries. True to their enthusiasm for an active lifestyle, they named their first five flagship beers after outdoor activities and focused on staying environmentally conscientious by using aluminum cans rather than glass bottles.
What most consumers don’t know about the brand is that they have their own tap room open to the public. The location is prime and the beer is fresh. Located off the Kimball Junction exit, the space is perfect for Park City locals and travelers alike.
Local food trucks and Friday night live music attract beer-loving skiers after a long day on the slopes, or mountain bikers after a rugged trip down the trail. For mountain bikers and trail runners, there’s even a popular trail right outside the tap room’s front doors.
Jeremy’s favorites are the American Pale Ale and the Imperial Pilsner. My go-to classic American beer describes the crisp, citrusy pale ale, while the 7.7 percent Imperial is for those who favor a more herbal, spicy taste. Both offer distinctive tastes but are likewise super smooth and easy going down.
With an awesome logo and brand, people can’t miss these brews in local restaurants, grocery stores and liquor stores throughout Park City, Salt Lake City and southern Utah.
So drink up, and as Jeremy says, “look for the bird!”
Park City Brewery is located in Suite A1, 2720 Rasmussen Rd, Park City, UT.
