This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Ever wonder if you're missing out on the newest wine, cocktail or micro-brewed beer? In this column, we ask an expert for a recommendation. This week we talked to:
Mike Riedel • A self-proclaimed beer "dork" who blogs at utahbeer.blogspot.com.
What are your favorite Utah beers right now?
Bohemian Czech Pilsener • True to the old style of brewing, this Czech-style pilsener is crafted by Midvale's Bohemian Brewery. This light, crisp beer has a good amount of hoppiness, toasted malts and a grassy, almost pepper (like) snap to it. This is a true "session" beer in that it has a low alcohol content, and would pair well with just about anything. Available at most grocery stores (12-ounce can, 4 percent alcohol by volume, ABV; $7.99 per six-pack), or at the brewery (94 E. 7200 South, Midvale, http://www.bohemianbrewery.com).
Epic Copper Cone Pale Ale • The hop profile in this beer is more similar to a double IPA. (IPAs tend to taste on the grapefruity side; double IPAs taste of pine and spruce.) This pale ale has some sweetness with vanilla, toffee and apricot notes, in addition to a hint of resin. This beer would go well with Thai or spicy Mexican. Available at Epic Brewery (825 S. State St., Salt Lake City, 801-906-0123; epicbrewing.com) and well-stocked liquor stores (22-ounce bottle, 6.8 percent ABV, $5.89).
Red Rock Elephant Double IPA • This is a very hoppy American style IPA, but not bitter in a bad way. It's like drinking a refreshing citrusy, grapefruit beer along with resinous, piney notes. It pairs well with Asian cuisines such as Chinese and Thai. Available at the brewery (254 S. 200 West, Salt Lake City; 801-521-7446; redrockbrewing.com) and well-stocked liquor stores (16.9-ounce bottle; 8 percent ABV; $3.49).
Squatters Fifth Element • This is an "old world" style Belgian farmhouse ale made during the summer. The beer is apricot in color and has horse-blanket, earthy and musty notes with a hint of lemony sourness. This effervescent beer is aged up to six months in American oak barrels and has been inoculated with brettanomyces bacteria. It pairs well with blackened catfish or a grilled calamari salad. Available at the end of April at all Squatters locations (147 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City; 801-363-2739; 1900 Park Ave., Park City; 435-649-9868; Concourse C, Terminal 2, Salt Lake International Airport; 801-575-2002; squatters.com) and stores (6.75 percent ABV; $18.95, 750-ml bottle; $12.95 at the brewery's store.)
Uinta's Crooked Line, Labyrinth Black Ale • This American imperial double stout is black and viscous with black licorice, dark-roasted espresso, ash and vanilla notes with a hint of bourbon on the finish as the chewy, thick beer is aged in bourbon barrels for three to four months. A dessert beer, it would pair well with raspberries and oranges. Available at the brewery (1722 S. Fremont Drive, 2375 West, Salt Lake City, 801-467-0909, uintabrewing.com), and well-stocked liquor stores (750-ml bottle; 13.2 percent ABV; $11.95).
Read up on local brews
Visit Mike Riedel's blog at utahbeer.blogspot.com .