Utah Beer News | July 2019

Summertime.

Temperatures are creeping into triple digits outside Utah Beer News World Headquarters. It's a sweltering, oppressive heat that can take your breath away.

Fortunately, as they say, it's a dry heat. And after spending some time on the East Coast earlier this summer, where it's a battle to push your way through the thick and humid air, I'm grateful for our desert climate. But it's still hot.

Hot days deserve cold craft beers. There's not a shortage of options this week as we celebrate what's come to be one of the state's biggest craft beer holidays. 

Pie & Beer Day takes place each July 24 (also known as Pioneer Day). Salt Lake's Beer Bar hosts the "original and official" celebration. Now in its sixth year, it features more than 7,000 slices of pie to be paired with beers from 25+ local breweries. But it's not the only Pie & Beer game in town. You can read about other festivities here.

Speaking of summertime festivities, I'm still bummed I missed out on the inaugural Utah Brewers Guild Fest late last month. It sounded like an incredible event and I can't wait for next year.

A few other events that we're excited about — and that you still have a chance to attend — include:

• Hops Hunters Hikes: If you want to escape the heat and learn about Park City's past while searching for wild hops, this is the ticket.
• Hops on the Hill: This article is from last year's series, so be sure to check out the 2019 schedule. It runs through Aug. 27.
• Food Truck & Brewery Battle: Who will reign supreme? You help to decide. It takes place Aug. 3 at The Gateway.

Hopkins Brewing: Homegrown Brewer Living His Dream

How would it be to open a brewery a mile from your childhood home? The dream became reality for Chad Hopkins and Hopkins Brewing Company in Sugar House.

Learn the story behind how Hopkins Brewing came to be, what the future holds, and how it's carving its own path in the Utah craft beer landscape.

Proper Brewing: Building Out a Craft Beer Empire

Photo Credit: Proper Brewing

We chatted with Proper Brewing Co. on the eve of Craft By Proper's opening in April. In this article, we learn more about the six-year-old company's portfolio, which continues to expand and now numbers five properties in and around Salt Lake City.

Top 5: Our Favorite Beers from the Utah Brewers Guild Fest

Photo Credit: Mike Millen

Mike Millen sampled each of the 14 collaboration beers on tap at the inaugural Utah Brewers Guild Fest. Check out his Top 5 — including his "Best of Show pick.

Some of the collabs are still available around town, but hurry — they won't last long! If you attended the event, what were your favorites? Let us know on Facebook.

Beer News & Notes

• A new group — the Utah Consumer Coalition — is taking aim at the state law that limits the alcohol content of draft beer, via Kathy Stephenson, The Salt Lake Tribune. Here's more about the Coalition.
• Friendly reminder: Utah liquor stores are closed on Wednesday, July 24. Go, Pioneers!
• Two Uinta Brewing beers landed on this list of the Best Low-Calorie, Low-Alcohol Beers, via Vinepair.
• The Red Rock Junction Tap Haus is now open in Park City. It's part of the current Red Rock pub on Redstone Center Drive. Plus, it looks like the new brewery to be built on the corner of 400 N. and 400 W. in Salt Lake is progressing.
• Founders Brewing Co. (Michigan) and Belching Beaver Brewery (California) are now distributing to Utah. Mikey has the lowdown on the Utah Beer Blog.
• Registration is open for the 11th Anniversary Beehive Brewoff
• Silver Reef Brewing in St. George is now canning its beers, so keep an eye out.
• The grand opening of Strap Tank Brewing's second location (in Lehi) is just around the corner.
• If you're not yet following Tanner Lenart (@UTLiquorLawyer) on Twitter, you should. She provides excellent insight and often shares valuable beer- and booze-related content from others — like this article in The New Food Economy discussing 3.2% (4% ABV) beer.

And Finally...