December is a natural time to reflect on the past and to prepare for the year ahead. As we kick the keg on 2021, here are a few thoughts on the future of Utah Beer News.

But first… reflecting on the past.

Note: If you’re not interested in a peek behind the Utah Beer News curtain, I invite you to skip to the end of this message (or click here) to take a brief survey by Dec. 10 on the future of the brand. Participants will have a chance to win one of four $50 Utah Beer News prize packs.

A Journalistic Approach to Beer News

I worked for nearly 10 years as a newspaper reporter and editor before spending another decade directing a social media team. When I started my own consulting business in 2017, I began researching an ambitious project. Utah Beer News debuted a year later.

Blending my passion for beer and journalism seemed to be a natural fit. Sure, I enjoyed tasting new beers. But even more, I loved learning about the business of beer and reporting on what I learned.

From the start, I worked to develop meaningful relationships with brewery representatives and craft beer enthusiasts. My hope: that the Utah Beer News brand would ultimately be the go-to destination where industry professionals and everyday beer drinkers could get the latest scoop on our vibrant craft beer scene.

Brewers, Breweries, Everyday Imbibers

Utah Beer News began in May 2018 with a mission to deliver stories important to brewers, breweries, and everyday imbibers who share a passion for craft beer. The website (utahbeernews.com) would serve as a home base from which various spokes — audio podcasts, video interviews, e-newsletters, social media — would create an overarching brand.

The goal? To keep Utah’s craft beer community informed and entertained through:

• sharing the latest beer news from Utah’s breweries and
• diving into the personalities that make the craft beer scene special
  

I believe Utah Beer News excels in the second half of that ideal. Its feature stories and accompanying podcast episodes in support of local breweries offer a unique one-two punch.

It’s the first part of the goal, however, that surveys, analytics, and anecdotal evidence suggest matter more to the audiences we’re trying to reach.

And excelling at breaking news has proven to be a challenge for a part-time beer writer who strives to paint a comprehensive picture of Utah’s craft beer industry.

So here we are.

Let Your Voice be Heard

My sincere thanks — especially to website readers and e-newsletter subscribers — for supporting what I’ve built at Utah Beer News. It truly means a lot. I invite you to take a short survey before Dec. 10 to help clarify the future of the brand and determine if/how it will remain a relevant resource for the craft beer community.

In the near term, I plan to continue sharing newsworthy content as available. But regular communications will take a break while I sit back, enjoy a few delicious craft brews, and examine the scope and purpose of Utah Beer News.

Here’s wishing each of you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.

Note: The above article originally went to e-newsletter subscribers on Dec. 2, 2021.