Here's to 2021. 🍻
We're entering the time of year when it's natural to reflect on the past and to ponder the future, preferably in front of a warm fire while sipping a decadent barrel-aged beer.
 For many, the past several months have been filled with heartache, anguish, and despair. The physical, emotional, and financial strain of COVID-19 has been immense, to say the least.
And, let's face it, the path forward remains uncertain.
Even before 2020 threw a once-in-a-century gut punch, Utah breweries (as well as bars and restaurants) were already battle-tested. In the best of times, these beloved small businesses fight against unnecessary, antiquated, and often head-scratching forces.
In not-so-good times (now, for instance), the uphill climb for these same businesses seems, from an outsider's perspective, insurmountable.
Fortunately, Utah's breweries aren't giving up. And, as I've pleaded previously, it's important that we don't give up on them, either.
But what can we do (in addition to continuing to purchase local craft beer at the source whenever possible)? Here are a few holiday-themed ideas:
- As you'll see in the News & Notes section below, some breweries are building holiday packs that would make great gifts for your loved ones (or for yourself).
- It's not too late to build yourself an all-local Craft Beer Advent Calendar (the prepackaged ones seem to be all the rage this year, but I bet you could do better).
- Oh, and don't forget about gift cards. Just as they helped provide a shot in the arm in March when taprooms were forced to shutter, so too will they offer some relief for breweries who are feeling the pinch after closing their patios.
Plus, a handful of bars and breweries have joined other local businesses in signing on to the Save Utah Jobs initiative. They’re calling on Utah’s senators to pass additional and targeted COVID-19 relief. Learn more about how you can help.
Coming Soon: Utah Beer News Survey
Please keep a close eye on your email for the 2021 Utah Beer News Survey, which should arrive in inboxes in early January. This marks the third year I've collected data from the Utah craft beer community, and I believe it offers important insight. It also helps to guide Utah Beer News coverage in the future.
As in the past, eligible survey participants will be entered to win a prize in exchange for a few minutes of their time. Thank you in advance for participating.
Happy Holidays
It's not the year we asked for, but it's the year we got. Thank you for following along with Utah Beer News in 2020. Here's wishing each of you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.
Cheers,
Tim
Currently Drinking: As I write, I'm enjoying a Feast Beer from Fisher Brewing. How about you?
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Hello Again & Welcome
If this is your first time receiving this monthly dispatch, welcome! If you're a longtime subscriber, thank you for sticking with it. As always, feel free to drop a line to let me know what you think. Connect with me personally on Untappd.
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All Rise: Our Honor to Sit Down with a Certified Beer Judge
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We recently visited with Jae Vanderwerf, a BJCP certified beer judge. Jae, who grew up in Portland and who spent some time in Minnesota, is no stranger to vibrant beer towns. When she arrived in Salt Lake about 18 months ago, she immediately fell in love with the craft beer scene here.
Even before landing in Utah, Jae had passed a pair of tests as part of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). That’s to say, she had already earned her stripes as a certified beer judge.
In 2020, Jae sought a way to give back to the beer—specifically, the homebrew—community that had given her so much joy. So, she began teaching a class to share her exemplary beer-tasting knowledge with others.
🎙 BONUS: In addition to the article, check out the Utah Beer News Podcast to hear about Jae's passion for craft beer and homebrewing, what it takes—step-by-step—to properly judge a beer, and how you can deepen your appreciation for craft beer by participating in a tastings class. Tune In!
🎙 DOUBLE BONUS: In our first "Bonus Episode," listen as Jae walks us through real-time judging of a local craft beer.
Photo on right courtesy of Jae Vanderwerf
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Notable Releases: 2 Utah Beers to Try
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Beer Name/Style: Perfect Timing, IPA
Brewery: Bewilder Brewing
ABV: 6.5%
Purchased: Bewilder Beer Fridge
Notes: This is the second in Bewilder's canned high-point offerings (the first, Mole Porter, hit the new beer fridge on Halloween). Perfect Timing is a well-done West Coast-style IPA featuring Sabro, Bru-1, and El Dorado hops. It pours a muted orange with a punch of fruity (pineapple, orange) and floral hops. A nice bitterness with a slightly creamy mouthfeel.
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Beer Name/Style: D Street Brown, Brown Ale
Brewery: RoHa Brewing Project
ABV: 5%
Purchased: RoHa Beer Fridge
Notes: While this isn't a new beer (originally brewed at 4% ABV in 2018), it's worth mentioning since local brown ales are relatively rare (though I have seen a few pop up this year). It pours a dark brown with auburn highlights. Aromas of toasted caramel, some nuttiness. Flavors of caramel and toasted bread. Smooth on the tongue with a nice finishing (dark chocolate) bitterness.
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From time to time I'll use the above space to share two notable releases that I believe are worth seeking out. If you're a brewer or craft beer enthusiast who would like a specific beer to be considered for this feature, please send me an email by Dec. 20, 2020, with details about the beer and where to find it. Please note, extremely limited releases likely won't be considered for this feature.
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EVEN MORE BEERS: By the way, here are a few new beers—or returning seasonals—that have been brought to our attention since our last dispatch. Check out the individual social posts for details.
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Chris Jacobs: Visiting with the Beer Zombies Founder
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Chris Jacobs grew up 45 minutes from Sierra Nevada Brewery in Northern California. He moved to Las Vegas in 1995 and immersed himself in the bar and cocktail scene on the Strip, working in various service industry positions.
Soon, he started focusing on craft beer in Las Vegas. At the same time, Chris’s artistic venture—We Are Zombies—continued to thrive. One day he drew a hop beard on his existing zombie logo and voila—Beer Zombies, which opened a location in Salt Lake, was born. Read His Story.
🎙 BONUS: In addition to the article, check out the Utah Beer News Podcast to hear the history of Beer Zombies as a craft beer brand, two beers brewed under the Beer Zombies brand that are available now in Utah, and how Beer Zombies is weathering 2020 and making plans for 2021. Give a Listen!
🎙 DOUBLE BONUS: If reading and audio aren't your thing, check out our Zoom video interview with Chris.
Photo courtesy of Chris Jacobs
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 Each month, I gather beer-related news and notes to share with Utah Beer News email subscribers. Much of what's mentioned in this space is obtained from social sites, taproom visits, email newsletters, etc. (and a few are sent directly to me—hint, hint).
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Reminder: It's always best to confirm event dates, times, and locations with the individual organizers.
- Fisher Brewing is teaming up with Ken Sanders Rare Books to brew a series of beers designed to benefit the longtime Salt Lake bookstore. The beers will be based on characters from Edward Abbey’s novel, "The Monkey Wrench Gang." The next beer—George Hayduke, a “bitter and bright rye pale ale”—will be available at Fisher starting Dec. 5.
- Also, way to go Fisher Brewing, which worked with other businesses to raise more than $4,500 for One Small Miracle on Giving Tuesday.
- Big things are happening at T.F. Brewing. In November, the Salt Lake brewery began table service (meaning no more ordering at the bar). Even more, T.F. received approval to expand its taproom into its barrel room. The “indoor patio” features extra tables and more space to spread out while enjoying a beer or two. Oh, and tote bags!
- By the way, pick up your "gift-wrapped" holiday crowlers at T.F.
- RoHa Brewing Project is helping out with holiday shopping. The Salt Lake brewery has put together a series of “holiday gift bundles” for the beer lovers on your list. You can even shop online. Plus, while available, take advantage of the “Shop in UT” grant to take 20% off merchandise purchases (discount code: SHOPINUT).
- If you’re looking for a unique gift filled with goods from local companies, check out this gift basket from SaltFire Brewing. It looks like if you use the code SHOPSMALL20 on Dec. 3 only (that’s today), you can get 20% off.
- Speaking of SaltFire, it revamped its relatively new patio to better serve beer drinkers as the weather turns cold. The well-ventilated patio includes temporary walls, a clear roof, and heaters.
- Congratulations to all the local breweries and beer-forward establishments that took home Best of Utah honors in City Weekly’s annual readers’ poll.
- Strawberry Sorghum—an alternative to seltzer—is available now at Hopkins Brewing. The recipe features organic strawberries, sorghum syrup, and raw local honey. “This beer is light and effervescent, with a nice mild tartness from the sorghum that pairs beautifully with the strawberries,” according to Chad Hopkins.
- For a limited time, you can get 50% off gift cards at Proper Brewing locations.
- Mountain West Hard Cider is hosting a Fermentation Seminar on Dec. 7. Learn the ins and outs of breadmaking, cider creation, and kombucha basics. The best part: You’ll leave the class with a loaf of bread dough ready for baking.
- Did you know Solstice Malt works with local brewers to minimize waste? Two years ago, the local malthouse began a “bag re-use program” in which brewers save their empty Solstice Malt bags and return them to Solstice for a discount on their next order. As a result, thousands of malt bags have been saved from ending up in landfills.
- Congratulations to Mike Riedel and the Utah Beer Blog on celebrating 15 years of keeping all of us updated on the latest beer releases and happenings. He also collaborated with local breweries on four collaboration beers, proceeds of which benefit the Utah Food Bank.
- Uinta Brewing reopened its Brewhouse Pub on Dec. 2. It is partnering with Nomad Eatery.
- A covered back patio is now open at Beer Bar.
- Policy Kings Brewery is switching from bottles to cans for its packaged beer. The Cedar City brewery canned its first beer—a 7.8% ABV Hazy IPA—on Nov. 30 and it says it will be available soon.
- The inaugural BewilDERBY ran on Nov. 27. Organized and hosted by Bewilder Brewing, the Pinewood Derby-style race looked pretty sweet. Congratulations to the winners. Check out some of the cars.
- And congratulations to Bewilder Brewing on celebrating its one-year anniversary! It's hosting a shindig on Dec. 12.
- Happy birthday to Mountain West Hard Cider. On Nov. 9 Mountain West celebrated five years of "making and selling hard cider to the good people of Utah!"
- Speaking of Mountain West, the 2020 edition of Stillwater Barrel-Aged Hard Cider is now available. It releases its Green Urban Lunchbox collaboration on Dec. 5 (which is also Pet Portrait Day at the cidery). And the Elliott Gold Single Varietal cider hits the market on Dec. 15.
- By the way, congratulations to MWHC on making Yelp’s list of Top 24 Cideries in the United States.
- Did you celebrate Small Brewery Sunday on Nov. 29? Here’s an article from USA Today about what’s at stake.
- Prodigy Brewing, which we’d heard was a soon-to-be Logan brewery, recently followed Utah Beer News on Instagram. It announced that it's "coming to Cache Valley in early 2021." Previously, we reached out to a representative to learn more. We'll continue to follow up, but if you've heard anything, please let us know.
And finally...
- Introducing Dog Brew by Busch. Yep. A non-alcoholic, no-hop brew made from bone broth designed especially for dogs.
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Brewery Folks: Got news, notes, or events to share? Don't count on me to find it on social media. Please send the info to Utah Beer News directly if you'd like me to help spread the word.
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