Utah Beer News | February 2019

Your Voice Counts.

When I started Utah Beer News, I wanted the site to showcase stories important to the Utah craft beer community.

While I had some idea what mattered to the community (I did nearly a year's worth of research before publishing the site), I didn't know exactly what craft beer drinkers cared most about.

I needed feedback from folks like you.

Over the last several months, I've enjoyed sitting down to talk with brewers about their craft. I've loved getting to know enthusiasts, many of whom are much more knowledgeable about craft beer than I am (I'm constantly learning new things about making, selling, and drinking beer in the Beehive).

Recently, I asked friends and followers to complete a short survey to help shape future Utah Beer News coverage.

Thank you to everyone who participated. Here are a few high-level takeaways:

• 25% visit the site at least once a week, which is in line with how often I generally post new articles.
• Nearly half of respondents selected "Written Article" as their favorite way to receive online information.
• Facebook (55%) is the preferred social site on which to receive beer-related content. Instagram is second (29%).
• Beer topics of most interest, in order:
  1. Breaking news (new beer releases, brewery openings, etc.)
  2. Brewery profiles
  3. Beer reviews
  4. Events
  5. Local politics
  6. Education
  7. Homebrewer profiles
  8. Non-Utah beer information

For a slightly deeper dive into the survey results — including respondents' "Favorite Beer Style" and which spot received the most "Favorite Brewery" mentions — please visit UtahBeerNews.com.

Finally, congratulations again to Aaron Hughes and Gary Vance. Their names were chosen among eligible survey participants to win Utah Beer News prize packs (including swag from their favorite breweries, a beer review journal, and Tasting Beer by Randy Mosher).

Thank You & Welcome

If this is your first time receiving our monthly dispatch, welcome! If you're a longtime subscriber, thank you for sticking with us. As always, feel free to drop a line to let me know what you think.

Cheers,
Tim

Level Crossing Brewing: All Aboard in South Salt Lake

Soon, you could be sipping on beers, munching on wood-fired pizza, and listening to live music at South Salt Lake's newest brewery.

When Utah Beer News caught up with Level Crossing Brewing in January, construction had hit the home stretch and brewing was about to begin. Learn what went into building a brewery from the ground up and what you can expect from Level Crossing.

3.2%: Are 'Bigger' Beers Headed to Utah Grocery Stores?

It could be last call for Utah’s longstanding 3.2% beer law if a bill brought before the state legislature passes.

The measure would allow for Utah’s grocery and convenience stores to sell beer containing up to 4.8% alcohol by weight (ABW). That’s 6% alcohol by volume (ABV), a more common measure in the beer world.

Some in the beer community would welcome the bump, while others aren't thrilled at the thought of the incremental increase.

Tastings: Wasatch Kick-Back; Red Rock Peaches & Steam

Beer News & Notes

• Squatters Craft Beers and Wasatch Brewery will each have a home at the new Salt Lake City International Airport. (The Full Pint)
• Zion Brewery looks to be expanding into St. George. (St. George News)
• As weird Twitter fights go, this one between Big Beer and Big Corn is a doozy. (HuffPost)
• A fascinating article detailing how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to brew beer. Robots, man. (Forbes)
• Conan O'Brien visits Sam Adams Brewery. Hilarity ensues. (Team COCO)