Our lives are truly enriched by great hospitality. Many downtown residents have felt the absence of the great spirit of downtown Salt Lake City due to the closure or limited access of bars and restaurants. We can breathe a big sigh of relief now that we can once again patronize our favorite watering holes. But Covid has taken a heavy toll on bar employees who have been … [Read more...]
Solstice Malt: When a Hobby Turns into a Career in Beer
James Weed was working 12-hour days in finance when his wife told him he needed to get a hobby. “She got me into homebrewing,” recalls Weed with a laugh. “I’m the type of guy that likes to do things himself, so I started growing my own hops and malting my own barley.” But finding small-scale equipment to malt the grain proved to be difficult. Online research led him to … [Read more...]
A Beer Barrel of Laughs: Local Brewers Combine Humor and Hops
Amid COVID-related shutdowns and shifting regulations, Salt Lake City breweries had to adapt over the last year — and creativity plus a healthy dose of humor went a long way in achieving that. Several breweries used the opportunity to release limited edition brews that alluded to the craziness of the pandemic. They found that the timeliness of these … [Read more...]
Are Utah Breweries Transforming into Hard Seltzer Factories?
Move over White Claw — craft seltzers have arrived in Salt Lake City. Several Capitol City breweries have recently added the fruity, bubbly beverages to their line-up, joining the ever-growing hard seltzer market that continues to see enormous growth. “We tend to make unusual beverages, like crazy sours, so seltzers were definitely up our alley,” said Alexandra Ortiz de … [Read more...]
Beer and Books: Fisher Brewing and Ken Sanders Rare Books Teamed Up to Create a Monkey Wrench Gang Beers
A. Fisher Brewing Company and Ken Sanders Rare Books have teamed up to produce a limited line of beers based on characters from Edward Abbey's iconic novel, The Monkey Wrench Gang, illustrated by R. Crumb. The beers, six in all, will feature the four main characters from the novel: Doc Sarvis, Bonnie Abbzug, George Washington Hayduke and Seldom Seen Smith. The two additional … [Read more...]
Epic Sour Brainless on Guava & Habanero
My son, Hank, and college friends of his were visiting us last weekend and my wife, Faith, picked up an array of interesting beers for a weekend cookout. One that got my attention - in part because it’s one of the strangest sounding beers I’ve ever come across - was Epic Brewing Co. Sour Brainless On Guava & Habanero, Cellar Reserve. What in the world?, I thought. It’s … [Read more...]
5 Rockin’ Restaurant Dishes + 5 Bodacious Brews
Over the past few years, I’ve been noticing that beer pairing dinners in breweries and restaurants have replaced some of the ubiquitous wine dinners that previously ruled the roost. And, why not? Just like with various wine varieties, different types and styles of beer pair (or don’t pair) well with certain foods. One thing for sure, it’s fun to experiment with food and beer … [Read more...]
Science Moab on Tap
Who'da thunk that beer can build brain cells? But that’s what you get with Moab Science on Tap—a whole lot of science, as much beer as you want (responsibly), and a gathering of community. Science Moab on Tap is the offspring of Science Moab, which was created by Kristina Young, an ecologist who wanted to engage people in science focusing on Southeastern Utah and the … [Read more...]
Utah Brews News During COVID-19 Pandemics
As is the case with restaurants and bars, Utah’s brewing industry is under severe stress thanks to COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions. Brewpubs are trying to survive with curbside takeout service just as many breweries are selling beer-to-go. (Thankfully, that hasn’t been terminated … yet.) We can all help by drinking locally-brewed beer and buying gift cards and swag from … [Read more...]
Zion Brewery opens St. George location, Station 2
Zion Brewery, home of arguably the most epic patio in the world and some damn delicious beer, has expanded into St. George. The brewery and pub are a staple in Springdale. They are continuing to celebrate their history and Southern Utah culture by opening Station 2 in a historic building. The new location is in a renovated fire station which has served the city since 1918. … [Read more...]