Brew Pubs in Utah

It doesn’t completely surprise me when places like Philadelphia pop up on the map as being great places for brew pubs, but I was a bit taken aback by a recent New York Times articleNew York Times article on Utah’s brewery scene.

Utah hasn’t always been pub-friendly. The state has strict laws against alcohol, mainly due to its large Mormon population. But in the 1986, Greg Schirf opened Park City’s Wasatch Brewery, and until 1989 fought for the legality of brew pubs. Today the pub is a local hot spot, and its 1st Amendment Lager and Polygamy Porter join other award-winning ales.

Brew pubs are popping up all over Utah, and mostly in popular tourist areas (skiiers need a way to warm up, right?). There’s the new (2005) Zion Canyon Brewing Company, Moab Brewery, Roosters Brewing Company in Ogden, and a host of others. Of course, when you try a Utah ale, don’t expect to get the same kick as other beers worldwide. The alcohol limit in the state is 3.2 percent for beers on tap. Beers there are made with higher alcohol, but they are considered a liquor.

Image: Wasatch Brew Pub