Microbreweries in Utah - An Oxymoron?
Not on your life. Even though
many first-time visitors claim Utah’s liquor laws are quirky, arcane or, as some
say, downright stupid, it’s really not that difficult to get a drink here. That
is, once you learn a few simple rules regarding private clubs, restaurants and
brewpubs. But the fact is, Utah lays claim to many excellent microbreweries that
are crafting award-winning beers and ales. Here, north to south, are a few of
our favorites:
Rooster’s, Ogden: Two Bit Amber (named for the price old-time
railroad workers paid for you-know-what on Ogden’s notorious 25th St.).
Tracks, Tooele: Hoghead Hefeweisen (Local Tooelean’s favorite).
Balanced Rock Brewery, Helper: Bordello Brew
(Guess why).
SALT LAKE CITY AREA
Uinta
Brewing Co.: Gelande Amber Lager (after Gelendesprung, a ritual-ski
jumping off the old mine dump at Alta Ski Resort).
Desert Edge Brewery: Latter Days Stout
(could it be a tribute to the dominant religion?).
Red Rock Brewing: Oatmeal Stout (breakfast
at Red Rock).
Hoppers: Rockwell Porter (makes you feel
like jumping out of an airplane).
Bohemian Brewery: Czech Pilsner (brewed with
Saaz hops, yeast from Czech Republic).
Wasatch Brewery: Polygamy Porter (why have
just one?).
Squatters: Provo Girl Pils (she’s no saint,
but nice cans!)
MOAB
Eddie
McStiffs: Sky Island Scottish Ale (what happens when the brewmaster
is cut loose).
Moab Brewery: Dead Horse Ale (you can’t beat
a dead horse).
Most of these brew pubs are also
restaurants that, naturally, serve these and many other brews that they craft.
The Porcupine Pub & Grille, near the mouth of
Big Cottonwood Canyon, serves a large
variety of Utah brewed beer and ale.