Blog, Breweries, COVID-19, News

Coronavirus Update No. 9: American Craft Beer Week

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American Craft Beer Week 2020

It is American Craft Beer Week. Restrictions due to coronavirus, or COVID-19, are limiting large-scale events and beer specials that typically blanket the week-long annual holiday, which means it’s even more important to support local craft breweries between now and May 17.

This year, organizers are encouraging craft beer lovers “to connect safely with each other while supporting — and possibly saving — local microbreweries, taprooms, brewpubs, and regional craft breweries,” the Brewers Association wrote in a news release.

Scroll for the latest for each brewery during the coronavirus pandemic. Editor’s Note: Barring any unforeseen major developments, this will be the last weekly Coronavirus Update article on UtahBeerNews.com. As bars, breweries, and restaurants reopen for dine-in service or adjust their hours, I’ll try to update the information below.

American Craft Beer Week Bingo, via RoHa Brewing Project

Local American Craft Beer Week Activities

Here are a few American Craft Beer Week activities that breweries have sent my way or that I’ve come across. Updated 5/15 at 8:30 a.m.

Bewilder Brewing

  • Bewilder is conducting various specials throughout the week. Keep an eye on its Instagram for the latest.

Grid City Beer Works

  • Grid City Beer Works is giving you a chance to win a full brew day with Jeremy Gross, the brewery’s head brewer. Additional prizes include gift cards and Grid City Beer Works merchandise. Here are all the details.

Hopkins Brewing

  • Hopkins Brewing is hinting at “fun stuff happening on Saturday.” Keep an eye on its Instagram for details.

Kiitos Brewing

  • Kiitos plans to release not one but two new beers on May 16 as part of the Craft Beer Festi-GO celebration. The first, announced on Tuesday, is a Cucumber Tart. The second, revealed on Wednesday, is a Rye Cream Ale.

Level Crossing Brewing

  • Level Crossing Brewing is reopening its taproom on May 15. It’s got a full board of beers and will be following social distancing guidelines. Masks are required. Get the full scoop from Level Crossing Owner Mark Medura.

RoHa Brewing Project

  • RoHa Craft Beer Bingo: RoHa Brewing Project, which just celebrated its three-year anniversary, made a fun bingo card to help support buying local beer, and supporting local breweries.  Visit rohabrewing.com to download the card and read the complete rules.
  • Craft Beer Festi-GO: RoHa also organized a “to-go beer festival” of sorts. It’s an open call to breweries to jump on board and promote their own American Craft Beer Week activities. For RoHa’s part, it will have live music in its taproom parking lot on May 16 from 12-3 p.m. You’re welcome to enjoy a song or two as you pick up your beer to go. But RoHa encourages you not to linger. Visit Facebook for more information on individual breweries’ participation.
  • ACBW Mix Packs: In celebration of American Craft Beer Week, RoHa’s built two new 12-can mix packs. One is a true RoHa mix pack, featuring a can of each beer RoHa currently sells. The second is an IPA 12-pack that includes three cans of each of RoHa’s IPAs — Thursday IPA, Big Green Couch Double IPA, Shambo Juicy IPA, and its new High on the Hop Lazy IPA.

Learn more by checking out RoHa’s e-newsletter.

SaltFire Brewing

  • SaltFire Brewing is celebrating its two-year anniversary on May 16 at 11 a.m. with the release of Mobius Trip: Fate Bell. It’s a blonde ale aged in Sotol barrels from Desert Door Distillery in Texas. SaltFire added lime peel and salt from Real Salt. The result? A 7.5% ABV Gose-style beer with margarita flavors. Only 500 bottles (500ml) were produced and there’s a limit of one bottle per person.

Shades Brewing

  • Shades Brewing is releasing Hogshead Reserve, a limited-edition milk porter aged in bourbon barrels with maple and bacon. Aged for two years, the beer is available starting at 3 p.m. on May 14. 9% ABV, 8$/can.

Squatters/Wasatch

  • Squatters and Wasatch are getting into the Festi-GO spirit. Food specials, beer offerings, and free swag will be available at each location. If you visit all three, you’ll receive “an ultimate prize.” Below are additional details for the May 16 to-go festival (12-3 p.m.). Visit the Facebook Event listing for more.
    • Squatters Pub Brewery
      Special: 50% off any appetizer (with entree purchase)
    • Wasatch Brew Pub in Sugar House
      Special: 50% off any appetizer (with entree purchase)
    • West Side Tavern & Beer Store
      Special: Draft available to-go

T.F. Brewing

Uinta Brewing

Stop by Uinta Brewing’s General Store this week and enter for a chance to win one of two stand-up patio coolers or Uinta Brewing LED signs.

Learn more on Uinta’s Facebook Page. And, as an added bonus, mention its Facebook post for a free gift this week. The General Store is open 12-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Coronavirus & ACBW: How to Help

Craft beer in America accounts for more than 161,000 full- and part-time jobs, according to the Brewers Association. Breweries nationwide welcomed nearly 68 million unique brewery visitors in 2019.

In Utah, the Utah Brewers Guild reports that 3,000 jobs are linked to Utah breweries and its 33 member breweries pumped $453 million into the state’s economy last year.

“Independent craft breweries are an essential component in the important economic network of growers, distributors, supplier partners, beer lovers, and retailers,” says Julia Herz, publisher of CraftBeer.com and craft beer program director at the Brewers Association.

“This American Craft Beer Week, brewers and beer lovers will connect in new ways during these challenging times. From May 11 to May 17, those who commit to giving independent craft beer will make a difference that reaches beyond the beverage to support and save thousands of hometown breweries who are instrumental in giving back to so many local communities and charitable causes.”

The Brewers Association identified several ways beer lovers can help:

Give a coast-to-coast toast this American Craft Beer Week. #GiveCraftBeer

Utah Brewery Openings

Below are updates we’ve received from breweries around the state. Some decided to reopen for dine-in service on May 1, while others signaled that they’d be opening to sit-in customers in the near future.

  • Bewilder Brewing: Bewilder reopened on May 1 and is still offering to-go service.
  • Hoppers Grill & Brewing: The Midvale brewpub opened to dine-in customers on May 7.
  • Level Crossing Brewing: The South Salt Lake brewery is anticipating a May 15 opening.
  • Moab Brewery: Moab Brewery opened for dine-in service on May 1. The brewery is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Policy Kings Brewery: The Cedar City brewery announced it will reopen on May 15.
  • Red Rock Brewery: One of Utah’s oldest breweries reopened its brewpubs and patios on May 11. It’s still offering curbside to-go service.
  • Roosters Brewing: Roosters is aiming to open its pubs for dine-in service on May 12. They made it official.
  • Slackwater Pizzeria & Pub: Both the Sandy and Ogden locations opened to dine-in customers on May 1.
  • Strap Tank Brewing: Dining rooms at both Strap Tank locations — Springville and Lehi — reopened on May 7. They’ll be closed daily between 3-4 p.m. for cleaning.
  • Talisman Brewing: The Ogden brewery reopened on May 1.
  • UTOG Brewing: UTOG in Ogden opened for dine-in service on May 1.

Previous Utah Beer News Coronavirus Coverage

Coronavirus & Utah Breweries: A Full Rundown

I’ve been keeping in touch with Utah breweries and compiled a rundown of how each is attempting to weather an unprecedented storm.

Considering the ever-changing world right now, it’s always best to confirm the information with individual establishments. Hours of operation are subject to change. 🍻 Breweries: Please notify me of any inaccuracies (especially hours of operation). The date of the latest update is in parentheses.

2 Row Brewing

2 Row Brewing released Divine Lunacy, a bourbon-barrel-aged Belgian quad. It’s 11.7% ($5.99/bottle) and available at the 2 Row bottle shop. Earlier, 2 Row released a limited Belgian IPA. It features the same yeast strain used in 2 Row’s Belgian Quad. This one’s “a refreshingly fruity flavor, perfect for this warm spring weather,” 2 Row wrote.

It’s still offering 5% ABV growler fills for $4. Any brewery’s growler is welcome. (5/8)

Avenues Proper

Avenues Proper is offering curbside food service (menu). You’re now able to order food online. Its packaged beer-to-go store is also open, though you must come inside (one at a time) to purchase beer. (3/25)

Bewilder Brewing

Bewilder Brewing opened for limited dine-in (and patio!) seating on May 1. It now has 10 beers on tap with the addition of its Orange Honey Wheat.

Bewilder continues to fill growlers and crowlers to-go and is selling gift cards. Download the Digital Pour app to get a real-time look at Bewilder’s tap list. (5/12)

Bohemian Brewery

Bohemian Brewery reopened for “drive-thru dining service” on May 4. Packaged and draft beer (in growlers) are available to go. You’re able to order from the convenience of your vehicle. You’re also able to find Bohemian beers at various grocery stores around the state. (5/8)

Bonneville Brewery

Bonneville Brewery is open for food and beer to-go. (3/25)

Desert Edge Brewery

Desert Edge said in March that it is suspending operations indefinitely. Last week, however, it teamed up with Fisher Brewing to begin selling some of its beer in 32-ounce crowlers.

“This is a first small step towards us being able to sell our beer to you directly from our brewery in Trolley Square,” Desert Edge wrote on Instagram. “We’re continuing to line up appropriate licensing and logistics to make things legal and safe.” (5/12)

Epic Brewing

Epic Brewing canned its Pakka Hard Seltzer last week. The brewery is open for beer-to-go. It also recently released its Pink Boots Imperial Pink Ale and Super IPA Me — available now at the Salt Lake bottle shop. Order ahead of time online — mix and match your own case — for pickup. (4/30)

Fisher Brewing

Fisher Brewing is doing a cool thing to help its buddies at Desert Edge Brewery. It’s offering a rotating crowler of Desert Edge beer, with proceeds going to benefit Desert Edge’s employees.

In turn, Fisher mentioned how Uinta Brewing helped it out with some ingredients to get its Bailout Pale Ale in crowlers this week.

Fisher reopened in April and is selling crowlers to-go. Keep an eye on its Instagram for the latest. It’s also selling merchandise online, as well as gift cards. (5/12)

Grid City Beer Works

Grid City Beer Works, Utah’s newest brewery, opened for curbside service on April 23. The Salt Lake City brewery is accepting telephone orders for beer and food to-go. Complete details are available here. (4/30)

Heber Valley Brewing

Heber Valley Brewing’s latest release is Heberveza, a Mexican-style lager. Earlier, it released Lone Pine Pale Ale, a 6.2% full-bodied beer brewed with Chinook and Centennial hops and spruce tips. The brewery’s also selling beer to-go and continues to offer new brews. (5/8)

Hopkins Brewing Co.

Hopkins Brewing tapped its Stonewall Sour Saison on April 24 (Virtual Tastings video). The Sugar House brewery brewed this one last year for Pride Month but decided to get it out earlier this year. It features local Solstice red wheat malt, flaked oats, and flaked rye. Cascade hops, coriander, and orange peel are added in the whirlpool.

“This beer has a nice lemon zest tartness and clocks in at 3.6% ABV for a nice warm weather quencher. (Not all draft beer HAS to be 5%),” says brewer Chad Hopkins.

Hopkins also received a new shipment of growlers, updated its hours, and added a new food menu. (5/12)

Hoppers Grill & Brewing

As mentioned above, Hoppers opened for dine-in service on May 7. It’s continuing to offer takeout and curbside service. (5/8)

Kiitos Brewing

Kiitos Brewing, in addition to selling beers to-go, remodeled its beer store and taproom. It released a new version of its Pastry-style Stout and began canning Vanilla Nut Cream Ale. Kiitos recommends blending the two.

In addition, Kiitos released a 5% ABV Triple Dry Hopped IPA on April 15. Earlier, it released Red is the New Pink, a hoppy red all that features the 2019 Pink Boots Society hops blend. Plus, merchandise and gift cards are available. (4/30)

Level Crossing Brewing

Level Crossing Brewing is planning to reopen its taproom on May 15. It also hinted at “something special” in the works.

In the meantime, it reconfigured its taproom to maximize the safety for customers and staff. Crowlers of draft beer are now $5 each (Peach Blonde is back and Mixed Berry Oat Pale Ale is new). Call (385) 270-5752 to place a to-go order (here’s the menu). The South Salt Lake brewery is also delivering food (order online). (5/12)

Moab Brewery

Moab Brewery opened for dine-in service on May 1. The brewery is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (5/12)

Mountain West Hard Cider

Mountain West Hard Cider released Stillwater, a non-carbonated cider aged more than nine months in Wyoming Whiskey barrels. The Garten will continue to be closed until further notice. The Mountain West Hard Cider bottle shop is open for to-go ciders. Call ahead for curbside pickup. (5/8)

Park City Brewery

It no longer has a taproom presence, but you can pick up Park City beers at various grocery stores around town. It recently released a “Mountain Mix Pack.” (3/18)

Policy Kings Brewery

Policy Kings plans to reopen for inside service on May 15. Previously, the Cedar City brewery released a 6% ABV wheat ale. And it has a Peach Hard Seltzer on tap. Policy Kings is also filling growlers to go for $20 and six-packs to-go are also $20. (5/8)

Proper Brewing Co.

Proper Brewing released its new Wolf Mountain West Coast IPA on May 11. You should take 30 seconds to read the description. Well done, Proper.

Previously, Proper released Zwickeled Pink on May 1. It’s the Pink Boots Society collaboration beer. In addition, Proper thinks we all deserve something a little softer these days. That’s why on April 24 the brewery released 32-ounce crowlers of its latest limited release: Puppies and Kittens.

It’s the “Lake Effect Gose” base recipe (without the salt, sour, and coriander and added fruity dry hops). “The fruity and smooth wheaty flavors are reminiscent of a New England-style pale ale, or a kitten in a pool of sunshine, or a basket of puppies…” Proper says.

You’re still able to pick up canned beers (5% and high point) at Proper. Pre-filled crowlers ar $5. Growlers are being filled from 4-8 p.m. New growlers only ($3) and fills are $9.

Its neighbor — Proper Burger Co. — is offering curbside pickup daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (5/12)

Red Rock Brewing

Red Rock Brewing reopened its brewpubs and patios on May 11. Last week, it released White Rainbow, its annual white IPA.

Curbside service is still available. Here’s the online menu.

Red Rock hinted that Paardebloem may be coming soon. Stay tuned. (5/12)

  • Hours: Beer Store — M-F 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sa 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fashion Place — Daily 12-8 p.m.; Downtown — M 12-11 p.m.; T 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; W-F 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sa 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Su 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Park City — M-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fr-Sa 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Su 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Telephone: Beer Store — (801) 214-3386; Fashion Place — (801) 262-2337; Downtown — (801) 521-7446; Park City — (435) 575-0295.
  • Website: https://redrockbrewing.com/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrockbrewing/

RoHa Brewing Project

As mentioned above, RoHa Brewing Project is planning a few things specifically for American Craft Beer Week.

RoHa Brewing Project released High on the Hop, a so-called “lazy IPA” that clocks in at 5% ABV. It’s described as a tropical, silky smooth hop bomb (with minimal bitterness).

As of April 15, RoHa Brewing Project is temporarily no longer accepting cash. The Salt Lake brewery is selling beer to-go and filling new growlers purchased on-site.

Oh, and RoHa’s doing something fun — it’s sprinkling gold-topped cans in six-packs at grocery and convenience stores, liquor stores — and even the taproom. If you find one, take it to RoHa for a $25 gift card.

RoHa’s also made available online gift cards. (5/12)

Roosters Brewing

As mentioned above, Roosters Brewing in Ogden and Layton wrote on Facebook that they’re targeting a May 12 opening for dine-in customers. They made it official.

Earlier, Roosters made On Wednesdays We Wear Pink Boots available to go in crowlers. Reportedly there’s not much (if any) left, so hurry!

Online ordering is now available for Roosters Brewing 25th Street. B Street Brewery and Layton locations are to follow. Roosters is open for curbside food pickup (menus online). (4/30)

SaltFire Brewing

SaltFire is releasing a limited number of Mobius Trip Anniversary Beers on May 15 (has it been two years already?). Email subscribers will be notified. Earlier, the South Salt Lake brewery released its Gin Barrel-Aged IPA on April 16. The limited-edition-series brew is aged in Beehive Distilling gin barrels. (5/8)

Salt Flats Brewing

The Salt Flats package agency is open and selling beer to-go. It’s also now producing and selling hand sanitizer. Recently, it began shipping the sanitizer via FedEx (order online). Here is a nice FAQ for Salt Flats Sanitizer. By the way, congrats to Salt Flats Distillery on winning some American Craft Spirits Association awards. (4/16)

Shades Brewing

As mentioned above, Shades Brewing is releasing Hogshead Reserve, a limited-edition milk porter aged in bourbon barrels with maple and bacon. Aged for two years, the beer is available starting at 3 p.m. on May 14. 9% ABV, 8$/can.

Shades also updated its “Quarantine Case.” It includes 24 beers and is $50 (plus tax). It includes two of each: Livli Raspberry Hard Seltzer, F.I.T Light Lager, F.I.T Blonde Ale, F.I.T. Brut IPA, Grapefruit Revolution Juicy IPA, Premium Lager, Double Trub’l Double IPA, Slick City Citrus IPA, Aphrodite Belgian Blonde, Belgian-style Tripel, Cerberus Belgian Quadruple, and Piña Colada Kveik Series Golden Sour.

Head Brewer Marcio Buffolo is hosting Brewers Talks, which broadcast live on Instagram. Tune in at 4 p.m. on May 16-17 to hear a discussion between Buffolo and area brewers. (5/12)

Silver Reef Brewing

The Silver Reef store is open from 2-6 p.m. (except Sunday). You’re able to purchase beer and spirits to go, as well as hand sanitizer. It debuted a new variety pack that includes Color Country Red Ale, Little Foot Amber Ale, Agua Del Diablo Mexican-style Lager, and Fresh and Juicy IPA. (4/30)

Squatters Craft Beers

Squatters has food and beer to-go at its downtown pub (menu, PDF). (3/25)

Strap Tank Brewery

Dining rooms at both Strap Tank locations — Springville and Lehi — reopened on May 7. They’ll be closed daily between 3-4 p.m. for cleaning.

The locations are still offering drive-thru, delivery, and curbside service (5/12)

Talisman Brewery

Talisman Brewing reopened to welcome sit-in customers on May 1. The Ogden brewery is hosting an online happy hour on May 8 at 6 p.m. (5/8)

T.F. Brewing

The T.F. Brewing beer store is open from 12-8 p.m. Crowlers are available to-go as well (check the website for current offerings). Email Orders: [email protected] (4/30)

Toasted Barrel Brewery

Toasted Barrel is open for beer to-go. Check Toasted Barrel’s social media for the latest. (5/12)

Uinta Brewing

As mentioned above, visit Uinta Brewing’s General Store this week and enter to win some backyard prizes. (5/12)

The General Store remains open for beer — and merchandise — to-go. Recently, Uinta released a Piña Colada Milkshake Pale Ale. Earlier, it began selling Pink Boots Have More Fun, a blonde ale featuring the Pink Boots Society hops blend. Also of note, this year’s edition of Birthday Suit, a lemon blackberry tart ale with lactose, as well as Uinta’s new Freeform IPA, a 99 calorie beer. (4/22)

Check out UtahBeerStores.com, a new website designed by Uinta for Utah breweries to update their own information (hours, address, available beers, etc.). (3/25)

UTOG Brewing

It started a “Meal of Fortune” program on May 11. Dine-in at UTOG Monday through Thursday and spend more than $30 and you’ll be entered into a daily drawing to win a $10 gift certificate to other Ogden businesses.

UTOG Brewing opened to dine-in customers on May 1. (5/12)

Vernal Brewing

Vernal Brewing Company is open for beer to-go and curbside pickup. (3/19)

Wasatch Brewery

Wasatch Brewery in Sugar House is offering curbside food pickup (menu, PDF) and beer to-go. The West Side Tavern is open for beer to-go. Wasatch partnered with Sugar House Distillery to produce hand sanitizer. The brewery also put together a pack of Juicy IPA and Island Hop Tropical IPA. They’re available at all Wasatch locations. (4/22)

Zion Brewery

The Zion brewpub in Springdale is open for takeout and delivery only. Station II in downtown St. George is open for growlers to-go. (3/25)

Zólupez Brewing

Zólupez Brewing announced that a lager the Ogden brewery brewed in Mexico will soon be on its way to Utah. (5/12)

You’re able to find sampler 12-packs of Zólupez beer at various grocery stores around the state. Zólupez announced that six-packs of its beer will be arriving soon. It’s also now distributing its beers to southern Utah. (4/22)

The Bayou

The Bayou is open for curbside to-go orders. It can also sell beer to-go, so long as they’re 5% ABV or lower. It’s only accepting payment over the phone. Here’s a full FAQ page. Earlier, it outlined its thoughts about opening for dine-in service. (4/30)

Beer Bar

Beer Bar closed its doors temporarily. (3/17)

Beerhive Pub

The Beerhive Pub is temporarily closed. (3/16)

Craft by Proper

The Utah-only beer bar closed its doors temporarily. (3/17)

Slackwater Pizzeria & Pub (Ogden & Sandy)

Slackwater Sandy and Ogden opened to dine-in service. Both locations are still offering curbside to-go as well. (5/8)

The Beer Nut Homebrew Shop

The Beer Nut reopened on April 11 for curbside pickup. By the way, May 2 is Big Brew Day for homebrewers. (4/30)

Salt City Brew Supply Homebrew Shop

Salt City Brew Supply remains open and fully stocked. Call ahead with an order and the folks at Salt City will pull it for you. (4/30)

Brewvies Cinema Pub

Brewvies is temporarily closed, but it wrote on its website that it will be opening soon. You are able to purchase gift cards online. When you load $25 or more on a card, Brewvies will give you a movie pass that’s valid for any future date. (3/25)

As of May 12, Utah had 6,362 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 68 coronavirus-related deaths.

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