Best Of: Mountain Town Breweries

Page 1

PA R T I V

M O U N TA I N T O W N BREWERIES


©2017 Swedish Match North Europe AB

TAP

into the

Moment.

FindGeneralSnus.com

WARNING: Smokeless tobacco is addictive.


W E L C O M E

DEAR READER ,

Welcome to FREESKIER’s fourth “Best Of” booklet — the final installment in a series of minimagazines highlighting some of the best products, events and destinations in our sport. With lifts now spinning at resorts across North America, skiers are finally getting their snow fix while planning adventures to their favorite ski towns. Each of those destinations have special qualities that make them unique: a phenomenal ski trail, that amazing breakfast joint tucked into a back alley or, in some cases, a brewery that produces some of the best damn beer around. Over the last two decades, the proliferation of micro breweries has been staggering, and many of these operations have emerged in our favorite mountain towns. Not all craft breweries are created equal, though, and that's why we’ve gone out of our way to recognize the absolute best. To make FREESKIER’s list, breweries needed to produce exceptional beer and provide a welcoming space for you to visit and extend the day. We also wanted to find breweries that were an integral part of their local ski community. The following pages contain a collection of 14 breweries that have combined those ingredients to create some of the most welcoming brewpubs, serving the most delicious beers. If you’ve been debating where to go on your next ski trip, the offerings herein might just tip the scales in one direction or another. Sincerely, — Your friends at FREESKIER

P U B L I S H E D BY

S TO R M M O U N TA I N M E D I A PO Box 789 — 137 2nd Ave Niwot, CO 80544

WELCOME


PHOTOS

| courtesy of Aspen Brewing Co.

ASPEN BREWING CO. Aspen, CO • aspenbrewingcompany.com

“Downstream from nobody.” Aspen Brewing Company’s tagline is appropriate; the eight-year-old brew co. operates near the headwaters of one of the Colorado River’s largest tributaries, in a ski town that’s renowned for both its high altitude and its high class. Rocky Mountain snowmelt is certainly one key factor when it comes to the great taste of Aspen Brewing Co. beers. Another vital ingredient is the passion of the staffers who appreciate the brewing process as much as they do living in the mountains. As owner Duncan Clauss puts it, “our beers are produced by the guys who blew past you on the ski hill, brewed with water that was yesterday’s powder, in a brewery that stands in the shadow of the pristine Elk Mountain Range.” Indeed, Aspen Brewing Co. has embraced the spirit of skiing wholeheartedly in its approach to building its business and attracting fans: Fulltime employees get an Aspen Snowmass ski pass, courtesy of the company; the same employees regularly ski laps together prior to work; collaborations with skiing companies (e.g. Strafe Outerwear and Folsom Skis) occur regularly; and Aspen

PHOTO

4

Brewing Co. has also supported upwards of 50 local non-profits. One such group is Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club—Clauss says he’s keen to support the next generation of rippers. Furthermore, in a nod to the playgrounds on which skiers play, the brewery has embraced a robust environmental program to ensure its footprint is minimized. On any given day, you’ll find a who’s who of local skiers at the tap house, situated in downtown Aspen. Said skiers might be enjoying ice-cold Independence Pass Ale, the super-hopped (62 IBU, 7 percent ABV), high altitude take on the India Pale Ale. Or, maybe Bourbon Barrel Imperial Red (77 IBU, 9.2 percent ABV), crafted with “just picked” hops, premium pale malts, rye and caramel malt and aged in Stranahan’s Colorado whiskey barrels. The result: decidedly aggressive hints of bourbon, oak, vanilla and smoke to complement the caramel and rye flavors. So, next time you’re in the town “where the beer flows like wine,” head to the corner of Hopkins and Monarch and #DrinkInTheView.

| Ian Fohrman

PART

I V.


BANFF AVE. BREWING CO. Banff, AB • banffavebrewingco.ca

Located in downtown Banff, Alberta, Canada—one of the most picturesque and awe-inspiring ski destinations on Earth—Banff Ave. Brewing Co. has been serving up mouth-watering beers and food since 2010. All of the company’s beers utilize locallysourced glacial water and are brewed with carefully picked ingredients. From the heavily-hopped Head Smashed IPA to the supremely-drinkable Pond Hockey Pale Ale, everything’s a good choice while you enjoy views of downtown Banff and the surrounding mountains from the brewery’s second floor location on Banff Avenue. The food side of things is as impressive as the beer. You’ll find pub fare galore that’ll satisfy the most epic of post-ski hungers. Start out by filling your gut with the Classic Poutine and finish off your meal with the Rustic Elk Meatloaf. After wrapping up a day shredding one of the three nearby resorts—Lake Louise, Sunshine Village or Mt. Norquay—Banff Ave. Brewing Co. is the go-to spot to wind down (or turn up) and kick it with your crew. “What goes better with skiing the local mountains than drinking the local beer and eating the best local food?” asks General Manager, Pete Grottenberg. “Nothing caps off a day on the slopes better than having a pint—or six—of the best local beer around.”

PHOTOS

| courtesy of Banff Ave. Brewing Co.

M O U N TA I N T OW N B R EW E R I E S

5


PHOTOS

6

| courtesy of Avery Brewing Co.

PART

I V.


AVERY BREWING CO. Boulder, CO • averybrewing.com

Founded in a garage in 1993, Avery was one of the first craft breweries in Boulder and it continues to shine through the (friendly) competition that has evolved in the two decades since. Once comprised of a small brewery and commensurate local fan base, Avery has become a nationally acclaimed operation by thoughtfully expanding its products and distribution. To accommodate the rapid growth, Avery recently built a state-of-the-art facility just down the road from the FREESKIER office. In addition to increased brewing capacity, the new location includes a casual taproom with a patio for enjoying those sunny Colorado days, as well as a full restaurant with a menu that’ll leave you wishing you had room to eat it all. As for the fluids, you’ll be happy to hear that Avery has a consistently rotating tap list of 30 different beers. Among the staples are the Out of Bounds Stout and the crowd favorite White Rascal—a Belgian white ale spiced with coriander and orange peel. More recently introduced ales include El Gose, a German-style sour with sea salt and lime, and our very own FREESKIER Pow Day IPA, a collaborative effort that yielded a delicious India Pale Ale infused with Ozo Coffee. Along with the Pow Day IPA, hop-heads will be pleased with the array of IBU-heavy beers that are offered for your imbibing. Not only do we love the beer, but we also love the people behind it who embrace the outdoor culture. “Skiing is how we get the lead out during the winter months,” says Avery’s Mike Mackay. “On any given weekend or pow day, you’ll find Avery employees out on the slopes or heading into the backcountry. It’s in our blood to explore and get out to adventure.” If you're doing a little adventuring of your own in the Boulder area, swing by Avery, take a tour, order a Pow Day IPA and tell ‘em FREESKIER sent you. You won’t be disappointed.

M O U N TA I N T OW N B R EW E R I E S

7


LONE PEAK BREWERY AND TAPHOUSE Big Sky, MT • lonepeakbrewery.com

Founded in 2007, Lone Peak Brewery is Big Sky’s first and only microbrewery and taphouse. Sporting over a dozen tap handles—including rotating seasonals and award-winning specialty brews—it’s a prime place to visit after you’ve had your fill skiing the famed, powder-covered peaks of southern Montana. Locals and vacationers alike are always welcomed to Lone Peak Brewery with open arms and a tasty pint. Enter its doors and owners Steve and Vicky Nordahl may very well be there to greet you; the two assert that the down-home feel they’ve fostered over the years has created an environment where everyone who stops by feels at home. “The tourists appreciate it because it feels local and the locals appreciate it because it doesn’t feel really touristy,” explains Steve. “We just like making sure people can get the most out of the Big Sky area no matter who they are.”

PHOTOS

8

For Lone Peak Brewery, that means providing patrons with a quality drinking experience above all else. Steve says the two beers that skiers appreciate most are the 7% ABV Willie’s Bourbon Barrel Stout and the 8.3% ABV Steep ‘N Deep Winter Ale. The former is a dark and hoppy offering with a bourbon flavor that’ll keep you nice and toasty post-ski. The latter is also quite dark, moderately hopped and features both coffee and chocolate aromas. Each of the beers is brewed with “a great appreciation of what it is to live under the Big Sky,” says Steve. If you should be so lucky as to discover what it's like to live under the Big Sky for even just a few days, be sure to drop by the brewpub and enjoy a beer alongside scrumptious food items like the Killer Bison Quesadilla. The next day, when you inevitably return, try the Brewmaster's Special Burger. Or the fish tacos. Or maybe the jambalaya. You can’t go wrong.

| courtesy of Lone Peak Brewery

PART

I V.


MAMMOTH BREWING CO. Mammoth Lakes, CA • mammothbrewingco.com

A warm and cozy atmosphere; 14 beers on tap; the scent of fermenting beer and delicious food flooding your nostrils; the sight of Mammoth Mountain right out the window… you can expect all this from Mammoth Brewing Company, which is located just steps from the village gondola. “Chances are, if you're heading up to the mountain you’ll see us and be reminded that you need to stop by after skiing for a beer and some food,” explains Chase Williams, tasting room manager at Mammoth Brewing. Beyond its prime location, Mammoth Brewing Co. has fostered a strong bond with the skiing population. That's because everyone who works at Mammoth Brewing—from the brewers to the bartenders to the managers—are ski bums at heart. “The staff is here because they truly want to be, and working for this brewery provides a great setup for that ski bum life we all love,” says Williams. The brewery hosts ski-centric events each year including retro ski parties, movie premieres, avalanche awareness sessions with the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center and even ski-themed murder mystery gatherings. As for notable beers, the brewers teamed up with Mammoth Mountain to produce the 1953 Red Ale that commemorated the ski area’s 60th anniversary, in 2013. Guests can also enjoy the hint of mountain juniper and sage in the IPA 395 or, if they’re brave, the ultra-dark Russian Imperial Stout called the Lair of the Bear. Next time you're waiting in the lift line at Chair 2 on a pow day, know that Williams and co. are probably right there with you and that their brewery experience will be waiting for you at the end of the day. PHOTOS

| courtesy of Mammoth Brewing Co.

M O U N TA I N T OW N B R EW E R I E S

9


DESCHUTES BREWERY & PUBLIC HOUSE Bend, OR • deschutesbrewery.com

Anyone who’s ridden Mt. Bachelor’s renowned Red Chair—a former double chair built in 1965 that’s been a triple since 1980—knows that it provides access to steep, snowy, tree skiing goodness. It’s no wonder Deschutes Brewery, located down the road from Bachelor in the beautiful town of Bend, named its Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale (NWPA) after it. The seasonal offering boasts a bold, citrus kick and smooth finish, just like the feeling you have when rocketing down one of the many lines the chair accesses: high intensity on the descent with a smooth satisfaction once you’ve reached the bottom. “Ski culture has always been a part of our DNA,” explains Marketing Manager Jason Randles. “One of our first beers, Bachelor Bitter, was named after Mt. Bachelor and is still on tap at our Bend Pub—it’s a local’s favorite. Deschutes’ connection with Mt. Bachelor ramps up on select weekends throughout the ski season when the brewing company holds Red Chair Rally events at the ski area. Guests are invited to grab samples of the Red Chair NWPA at the base of the Red Chair, where they can also get raffle tickets to win Deschutes swag. As far as the beer is concerned, the Red Chair isn’t the only delectable brew that Deschutes has cooked up at its beer laboratory in downtown Bend. From the popular Mirror Pond Pale Ale and its drinkable, hoppy character to the smooth, refreshing, sessionable Deschutes River Ale, you can’t go wrong with any of Deschutes’ offerings. Then, of course, there’s the Black Butte Porter… the beer that got the brewery’s name out to the masses. “The beer that really put us on the map is Black Butte Porter,” says Randles. “While it’s a dark beer, it’s easier to drink than most people think.” That friendly taste pervades the brewery’s atmosphere. Deschutes is a family and employee-owned brewery that puts emphasis on bringing friends and beer lovers together. As such, the brewery has been a fixture in the local community since it opened its doors in 1988. The Deschutes Brewery & Public House is an ideal spot to kick it following a day of tearing up Mt. Bachelor. The 16,000 square-foot brick building is home to 19 taps as well as a decadent food menu that includes burgers, pizzas, chicken wings, sandwiches and similar pub fare. If you’re skiing Bachelor, you can’t miss out on stopping in at Deschutes.

10

PART

I V.


PHOTOS

| courtesy of Deschutes Brewery

M O U N TA I N T OW N B R EW E R I E S

11


WARNING: Smokeless


©2017Swedish SwedishMatch MatchNorth NorthEurope EuropeAB AB ©2016

ExceptionalLY Crafted.

FindGeneralSnus.com

tobacco is addictive.


EPIC BREWING CO. Salt Lake City, UT • epicbrewing.com

Epic Brewing Company was founded in 2010 by friends and business partners David Cole and Peter Erickson. Along with the help of Brewmaster Kevin Crompton, a 22-year brewer, the two grew the operation from a six-fermentation-tank-strong Salt Lake City brewery to an enterprise that houses eight times its original fermentation space. Furthermore, in 2013, Epic opening a second brewery in downtown Denver, Colorado as well as a full service brewpub in Salt Lake City’s Sugar House Park, where Epic features its vast array of beers (39, currently) on draught. “The Annex by Epic Brewing,” as it was first known has since been remodeled and operates as “Black Sheep at Epic Brewing,” the result of a merger between Epic and the foodies at Black Sheep Group. It’s a prime stop for skiers heading back into Salt Lake City after a day on the slopes, hungry for brews and creative Southwest cuisine. Through all the growth, Epic has remained committed to its founding principal: small batch, artisanal beer is best. To this day, every batch of beer is numbered and stamped, be it the silky 825 Stout (5.2-6% ABV), with notes of roasted chocolate and

PHOTOS

14

nuts, toffee, mocha, coffee and toasted marshmallow; Spiral Jetty (6.8% ABV), which benefits from the combination of seven different hops, yielding floral, citrus and resinous pine aromas and flavors typical to American hops, all balanced by Maris Otter malt for a distinctly pleasant bitterness on the finish; or Hopulent IPA (8.0%-8.9% ABV), a bold beer with complex malt flavors and hops. Epic’s artisanal approach to beer is mirrored by Black Sheep’s production of scrumptious foods. “Each dish is carefully crafted to provide the guest with a unique experience,” says Daniel Rivera of the Black Sheep Group. “Our goal is to provide superior hospitality while incorporating local ingredients to enhance each dish's flavor profile.” The teams behind it all are admittedly beer geeks and adventure junkies. No matter the venture, Black Sheep at Epic Brewing believes in doing everything “all out.” So, next time you go all out at the likes of Snowbird, Alta, Brighton or Solitude, consider this somewhat swankier alternative for your après affairs.

| courtesy of Epic Brewing Co.

PART

I V.


PHOTOS

| courtesy of Grand Teton Brewing Co.

GRAND TETON BREWING CO. Victor, ID • grandtetonbrewing.com

Just west of Wyoming’s famous Teton Pass lies the small town of Victor, Idaho—home of Grand Teton Brewing Company (GTBC). The 11,000-square-foot brewery is an obligatory stop for beer lovers coming down from a day spent skiing on the pass; it’s an all-encompassing facility that allows the brewers to do their thing while interacting with the beer lovers who stop by. “Our whole staff is passionate and more than willing to tell our story,” says Brewmaster Rob Mullin. “Whether it’s giving a tour, tasting from tanks or barrels or simply talking to guests about beer.” Ask any of the staff and they’ll tell you GTBC brews its beer with glacial runoff that surfaces at a spring about a half-mile from headquarters. Those beers include half a dozen signature brews that are available year-round; the Seasonal Series of beers, which are only available at certain times of the year; and the Cellar Reserve series—unique, one-time offerings released in 750 ml bottles. A favorite of the Seasonal Series that you can get in the early winter months is the Pursuit of Hoppiness. Hoppy as its name implies, this Imperial Red Ale also has plenty of caramel malt to balance the citrusy hops. The experience of sipping said beers is enhanced by the welcoming atmosphere of GTBC’s “pub,” an intimate setting that feels a bit more like your neighbor’s kitchen than a brewery—the cozy space has room for just a couple dozen people. Serving solely fluids during the winter months, GTBC encourages you to bring your own food to wolf down while you taste the fruits of their labor and chat about skiing on the pass. “We are pushed to capacity almost every evening with backcountry skiers coming off sweet powder turns on Teton Pass,” says Mullin. “Our pub is a great spot to get the real time, boots on the ground beta on conditions.”

M O U N TA I N T OW N B R EW E R I E S

15


PHOTOS

16

| courtesy of Long Trail Brewing

PART

I V.


LONG TRAIL BREWING CO Bridgewater Corners, VT • longtrail.com

Vermont boasts the most breweries per capita in the United States, and Long Trail was one of the state’s very first to open back in 1989. Based out of the sleepy town of Bridgewater, 15 minutes down the road from Killington, this place pumps out some delectable beers for Vermonters, East Coasters and visitors. The company is named after the Long Trail, a 273-mile-long hiking route that stretches the length of Vermont, from its northernmost reaches to its southernmost point. But as the company’s beer grew in popularity, it became clear that skiers were just as important as hikers when it came to honing in on a core audience. “We’re all passionate about skiing here,” says Jed Nelson, marketing director at Long Trail. “The sport is hugely important for the economy and it really goes hand-in-hand with what we do. Everyone wants a cold beer after a day of skiing, right?” Sustainability is also a big initiative for this brewery. Its approach to water usage is particularly noteworthy, and unmatched in the business, according to Nelson. “The industry standard is about six gallons of water used per one gallon of beer produced, and we’re at about two and a half gallons used per gallon produced,” he says. “Not to mention, all of our water comes from on-site wells.” Long Trail's brew pub, a spacious area filled with cozy booths and friendly staff, is a great place to post up after a big day. Grab a juicy burger and slug it down with a tasty beer from the brewery’s long list of options. Whether it’s a Flyin Ryan IPA, named after the late, great skier Ryan Hawks, an extra-bold Limbo IPA or a smooth Long Trail Ale, it’ll taste marvelous after a long day shredding in the Green Mountains.

M O U N TA I N T OW N B R EW E R I E S

17


PHOTOS

| courtesy of Q Roadhouse

Q ROADHOUSE AND BREWING CO. JACKSON HOLE, WY • roadhousebrewery.com

Started four years ago by a trio of Jackson Hole residents, Roadhouse Brewing Company began as an offshoot of the Q Roadhouse restaurant, which was retrofitted to accommodate the necessary brewing equipment. As the brewers fine-tuned their processes they honed in on what would become their best selling beers: Rhombus IPA, Avarice & Greed Golden Ale, Family Vacation American Blonde Ale and Trout Whistle American Pale Ale. The demand has grown so quickly that Roadhouse will begin bottling and distributing the four brews in 2017. Aside from those staples, the brewing crew, which has since grown from the original three, continues to create and innovate at the Q Roadhouse & Brewing Co. The operation is part of the Fine Dining Restaurant Group, which runs some of the most popular restaurants in Jackson’s ever-evolving culinary scene.

18

“The successful marriage of both food and beer drives everything we do, including the creation of beers and menu items,” says Fine Dining’s Kendra Alessandro. “That being said, those looking to grab a quick beer after a day on the mountain will find the flavor profiles of our largely Belgian style beers to stand strong on their own.” Among those beers are multiple strong ales and saisons christened with names like Patrick Swayzon. Appropriate on many levels. On the collaborative front, Roadhouse recently partnered with local outerwear company, Stio, to create Loose Boots IPA. This session IPA was brewed with the après scene in mind. It’s light yet hoppy and just right after a day on the hill. So, when you find yourself on the way from Teton Village back to town, be sure to swing by, loosen up your boots and dive into a pint along with some delicious food.

PART

I V.


SKA BREWING Durango, CO • skabrewing.com

Skiers and beers lovers who visit the southwest Colorado town of Durango can look forward to two things: the jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains and the impressive beers found at Ska Brewing. In September of 1995, beer enthusiasts Dave Thibodeau and Bill Graham decided to combine their love of brewing suds and playing outside by opening a new craft brewery in town; the two named the operation after their favorite musical genre: ska. Today, the eclectic brew house is an especially popular stop for skiers who come through Durango. The staple beers include their bitter and hoppy Modus Hoperandi IPA, the crisp and refreshing Mexican Logger and the True Blonde Ale, a golden ale brewed with local honey. In addition to these you'll find a bevvy of interesting beers to enjoy after spending a long day in the mountains, something the employees know all about. “We’re going to work our asses off brewing the best beers we possibly can, and as soon as it’s a powder day, we’re out on the hill,” says Thibodeau. The brewery is closely connected with Purgatory Ski Resort and produces the Purgatory Pilsner, which is only available on the mountain. Ska is also committed to helping keep the powder around through its own environmental initiatives. Especially noteworthy is the fact that the brewery is 100-percent wind-powered, meaning you can drink beer in a building that’s helping to ensure you a lifetime of pow shredding. Last but not least, if you're hungry you can order up some grub from the "Container of Food," a repurposed shipping container tacked on to the backside of the brewery which serves up brick-oven pizza, sandwiches and salads. PHOTOS

| courtesy of Ska Brewing

M O U N TA I N T OW N B R EW E R I E S

19


SNAKE RIVER BREWERY Jackson, WY • snakeriverbrewing.com

The Snake River Brewpub (SRB) is a Jackson Hole institution. Loved by locals and visitors alike, it’s a place you can walk into any day of the week to find people bellied up to the bar while they chat about having their best ski day ever. The family-run brewery returns that loyalty to the Jackson community through sponsorships of various events, supporting the local ski club and even keeping the ski patrol at both Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King stocked with beer to enjoy after long days on the hill. The industrial building that houses the brewpub has multiple bars, plenty of space to stretch out and a central location that’s easy to get to from anywhere in town. It also offers a menu full of locally sourced foods that you can wash down with their award-winning beers. Pub fare, pizza, pasta and some of the best wings in town are sure to hit the spot after a long day in the mountains. As for the important stuff, SRB has all the classic beer styles on lock, in addition to a variety of seasonals to keep things interesting. Stout fans will appreciate the decorated Zonker Stout while IPA drinkers will gravitate toward the best-selling Pako’s EYE-P-A, a 6.8% brew that’s full of hoppy flavor. Available only during the winter months are a few tasty selections. Among them is the Snow King Pale Ale, which celebrates the namesake ski resort with a hoppy, hybrid English-American taste and throwback can art to celebrate the resort’s history. The more adventurous drinkers out there might want to check out the Sour Blackberry Pandemonium, a barrel aged Belgian quadrupel that’s affectionately referred to as “Panda” and which offers up flavor that is anything but ordinary. Next time you’re in Jackson and wondering where to go, make sure to swing by “The Pub” for a bite and a brew. Your taste buds will be happy you did.

20

PART

I V.


PHOTOS

| courtesy of Snake River Brewing

M O U N TA I N T OW N B R EW E R I E S

21


TELLURIDE BREWING CO. Telluride, CO • telluridebrewingco.com

Tommy Thacher and Chris Fish, owners of Telluride Brewing Company, moved to Telluride, Colorado for the same reason as most folks: to ski. Fish worked as a brewmaster at a local drinking hole in town while Tommy worked as a history teacher but, as time went on, they decided that opening their own brewery would allow them to live life to the fullest in the San Juan mountains. The business only opened a few years ago, in 2011, yet has already won four medals at the Great American Beer Fest and two at World Beer Cup, as well as become an official partner with Telluride Mountain Resort. Now, skiers can enjoy the beers across the resort's numerous on-mountain bars. “We just take great pride in our products,” says Thacher. “If it’s not a good product, it’s bad for Telluride. Embodying the spirit and culture of this place is what really makes us tick.” The industrial-style brewery is located just three miles outside of town, in Lawson Hill. You won't find anything fancy there, just great beer served up in a cozy tap room that's actually inside their brewing facility, not behind a glass wall. One of the most award-winning beers you'll find on tap is the Face Down Brown, a smooth and dark brew with hints of nuts and chocolate that hit the taste buds just right on a cold winter day. Adventurous IPA lovers, on the other hand, should check out the 11-percent ABV Fishwater Project, a double IPA that's aged in bourbon barrels for extra flavor. No matter what you order, one thing is for sure: you won't be disappointed.

PHOTOS

22

| courtesy of Telluride Brewing Co.

PART

I V.


PHOTOS

| courtesy of Wasatch Brewery

WASATCH BREW PUB Park City, UT • wasatchbeers.com

“Thirty years and still the best. We drink our share and sell the rest.” So goes the rhyme at Utah’s oldest brewery. That’s right, 30 years ago Greg Schirf relocated from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Utah and pondered, “Where’s the beer?” Drinking and brewing were all but forbidden in Utah at the time and Schirf not only started the state’s first brewery, he proposed a bill to the Utah Legislature to make brewpubs legal—a measure that ultimately passed. In 1988, he opened the Wasatch Brew Pub in Park City, Utah on historic Main Street. All these years later, that same establishment has grown to become more than just a favorite among locals and tourists alike… it’s a staple of the Park City community. The townies’ love of Wasatch Brewery was never more evident than on Saturday, October 22, 2016, when 1,085 people lined Main Street to celebrate its 30th birthday; participants threw back some of Wasatch’s premium ale the best way skitown folk know how: with a 1,961-foot-long shot-ski, setting a world record. Helping to make that record possible was X Games gold medalist in slopestyle skiing and Park City local, Tom Wallisch. “Wasatch Brewery sits right at the top of historic main street in ‘PC’ and offers a ton of exciting beer choices,” Wallisch says. “After an epic day of shredding nothing beats a delicious, ice cold beer with the crew. This place is definitely a must-visit while in town.” Indeed, the beers are good; Wasatch has earned nearly 50 medals since its inception. Offerings like the Wasatch Apricot Hefeweizen, an unfiltered wheat beer brewed with all-natural apricots for a delightful, refreshing flavor and Wasatch Evolution Amber Ale, a well-balanced, malty amber ale with a subtle spicy character, are favorites among locals.

Toursists—not surprisingly—gravitate towards some of the edgy beers, like the Polygamy Porter. Wasatch Brew Pub cleverly markets the flavor asking, “Why have just one?” The beer keeps folks coming back and the array of delectable pub fare complements the brews well. Wasatch offers both a frequent diner program and a mug club for its most avid fans, providing incentives in exchange for loyalty. It’s a sentiment that extends beyond the Wasatch walls. The team donates time, money and beer to dozens of charitable organizations. When you find yourself in Park City and your pal says, “Where’s the beer?” — you know where to go.

M O U N TA I N T OW N B R EW E R I E S

23


CHEERS.

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP with

©2017 Swedish Match North Europe AB

WARNING: Smokeless tobacco is addictive.


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.