If you are unaware, we are living in a craft beer renaissance right now. Like Michelangelo or Leonardo De Vinci, brewmeisters everywhere are creating works of art through their brewing techniques and recipes. America is largely driving this culinary revival, leaving even France, largely a wine drinking country, asking if beer could break into the market. But even more exciting, Utah is a part of this booming libation celebration. In August of this year, an article ranking the states according to their beer was done and Utah ranked 21st on the list (http://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/every-state-in-the-usa-ranked-by-its-beer). Given the mainstream attitude toward alcoholic beverages in this state, 21st is a noteworthy rank and puts Utah on the world stage of quality beer brewing. Given this ranking, no matter how much the liquor laws rankle, there are worse states to live in or visit for beer drinkers; don’t go to Mississippi, just say’n.
Given all of that, there are a growing number of not just local breweries with outstanding craft beer, but more people than ever are homebrewing; even in southern Utah. Because of this, The Independent has decided to offer something for beer lovers and brewers: A beer column. Local homebrewing guru, Jeremy Hopkin, is going to start writing a column titled Doc Hop’s Beer Corner. He will talk tasting, brewing, recipes, ingredients, and pretty much all things beer to help propel us in our culinary, hoppy delight. He, and a few of us at the Indy, will taste and review local craft beers and even regional ones. Eventually we will have a panel of tasters for homebrewers who want to have their beer tasted and critiqued. Who knows, maybe we will even have our own homebrewing festival. So stay tuned and keep an eye out for Doc Hops, it’s gonna be fun!
Greta Hyland has a Masters degree in Environmental Policy & Management and has worked for the BLM and the NPS as well as for non-profit organizations. She is a regular contributor to the Utah Adventure Journal and is the Copy Editor at the Independent. She writes regularly on her blog about environmental policy issues affecting the southwest, as well as personal narratives about outdoor recreation and simple living. Her blog can be found at www.thesouthwestjournal.wordpress.com A Utah native, Greta is a consummate desert rat and loves exploring the southwest. She can be reached at [email protected].Follow The Independent: Facebook Google+ Twitter Instagram Tumblr
