Provo, UT Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Go-To for Artisan Brews
Provo, Utah, nestled against the Wasatch Front, is rapidly creating a name for itself in the craft beer scene. Despite the state's historically strict alcohol laws, local breweries have flourished, offering an array of unique and flavorful beers that cater to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. The recent changes to the beer alcohol by volume (ABV) limits in Utah have only served to bolster the industry, broadening the spectrum of craft beers available on tap.
These local breweries in Provo are defined by their commitment to quality and creativity, often utilizing small batch production methods to fine-tune their craft. They stand out in a state known for its regulatory challenges, proving that excellent beer can thrive under any conditions. The community's breweries and brewpubs have become a significant part of local culture, pulling in crowds not just for the beer, but also for the inviting atmosphere and community engagement.
Visitors to Provo can expect to find a diverse range of beer options, from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts and everything in between. These establishments also contribute to the vibrant social fabric of the city by hosting gatherings, events, and offering a welcoming space for locals and tourists to relax and unwind. As Provo continues to embrace and support these local businesses, the city's craft beer guide becomes an essential tool for any enthusiast wanting to explore the best the area has to offer.
History of Craft Beer in Provo
The inception of craft beer in Provo, UT, is a tale of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the shadow of Utah's historically stringent liquor laws. Provo, a city which embodies the natural beauty and steadfastness of Utah, has seen a gradual blossoming of local breweries contributing to Utah's craft beer narrative.
In the early 1990s, Utah's craft beer scene began to emerge, influenced by changes in state legislation that allowed small breweries to sell their products directly to consumers. This shift cultivated a fertile ground for the development of craft breweries throughout Utah, including Provo. While the city is not as densely populated with breweries as some other Utah locales, the passion for craft beer in Provo has been as resilient as in any other part of the state.
The first craft brewery in Provo, Brigham's Brew, opened its doors, paying homage to the deep historical roots of brewing in Utah. Named after Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it mirrored the once-flourishing brewing industry of the 19th century before the Prohibition era.
Today, Provo's craft beer scene encapsulates a variety of distinct styles and innovative brews. Local breweries such as Utah Valley Brewing Company have established themselves by creating beers that express the unique tastes and preferred flavors of Provo's residents.
Despite the challenges posed by local laws and culture, Provo's craft beer history demonstrates the city's dedication to quality and character. Each establishment offers an authentic piece of Utah, creating vibrant community spaces and sharing the richness of Provo's craft beer heritage.
Provo Breweries Established Notable Brews
Brigham's Brew Early 1990s N/A
Utah Valley Brewing Co. N/A N/A
Craft beer enthusiasts in Provo continue to support their local breweries, recognizing them as integral parts of the city's cultural and social fabric.
Top Breweries in Provo
Provo's craft beer scene offers locals and visitors a diverse range of brewery experiences, each known for its distinct approach to beer-making. As the craft beer movement continues to flourish, these breweries stand out for their dedication to quality and innovation.
A. Fisher Brewing Company
Originally founded in 1884, A. Fisher Brewing Company has a storied history and remains a prominent name in Utah's brewing landscape. It's revered for both classic and contemporary beer styles that cater to a wide audience of craft beer enthusiasts.
Epic Brewing Company
Epic Brewing Company started in 2008 and quickly made a mark with its high-alcohol content offerings and varied flavor profiles. Epic has been pivotal in Utah's craft beer evolution, frequently receiving positive reviews for its expansive beer lineup.
Wasatch Brew Pub
Wasatch Brew Pub, nestled in Park City near Provo, embodies the essence of local craft beer culture in Utah. Established as part of the state’s pioneering brewpub scene, Wasatch offers a compelling assortment of beers that highlight local ingredients and brewing talent.
Uinta Brewing
Paving its own path since 1993, Uinta Brewing is acclaimed for its commitment to renewable energy and a sustainable brewing process. Uinta's beers are not only a local favorite but have also garnered respect on the national scale for their quality.
Brewpubs and Bars
Provo's local craft beer scene is vibrant and offers a variety of brewpubs and bars that cater to every palate. Visitors can enjoy an array of food pairings with locally brewed beers, experience the nightlife at craft beer bars, and partake in pub crawls and tours for an immersive beer experience.
Food Pairings with Local Beers
Provo's brewpubs excel at offering menus designed to complement their beers. Hopkins Brewing Company and Bonneville Brewery are known for their creative takes on classic pub fare, where visitors can enjoy a handcrafted burger alongside a refreshing pint. Maple Mountain Brew and others take pride in their locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a fresh and flavorful marriage between food and beer.
Craft Beer Bars and Nightlife
Nightlife in Provo includes a variety of bars that showcase an impressive selection of craft beers. Establishments like Strap Tank Brewery offer a lively ambience well into the evening, making them a hit among those seeking a vibrant atmosphere. Offset Brewing and the mentioned Garage Grill provide unique spots for beer enthusiasts to gather and sample a wide range of local brews.
Pub Crawls and Tours
For visitors looking to explore Provo's craft beer culture, pub crawls and guided tours are available. These experiences often lead participants to explore multiple locations such as Squatters Pub Brewery and Uinta Brewing Company, where they can learn about the brewing process and sample various styles of beer. This activity is an excellent way for travelers and locals alike to support Provo's brewing community and discover new favorites.
Guide to Craft Beer Styles in Provo
Craft beer enthusiasts in Provo, UT, will find a city brimming with creativity and charm in its beer offerings. Brewmasters in this region craft an array of styles, ensuring there's something for every palate.
IPA Lovers: Provo's local breweries do not shy away from hops. They offer various IPAs, from the bold and bracingly bitter to the aromatic and fruit-forward. These beers highlight the ingenuity of Provo's craft beer scene.
Sour Seekers: For those who appreciate tartness in their glass, Provo's breweries have embraced the sour trend. Ales that range from slightly sour to lip-puckeringly tart are crafted with an artisanal touch, often incorporating local ingredients.
Authentic Ales: Traditional ale lovers can find comfort in the classics. Breweries in Provo pay homage to the time-honored styles, from ambers to stouts, ensuring these beers are represented with a local twist.
Style Description Notable Characteristics
IPA Hop-forward, often with citrus/floral notes Bitter, aromatic
Sour Ales Tart and fruity, varying in intensity Pucker-inducing, complex
Traditional Includes ambers, stouts, and more Rich, diverse flavors
These breweries capture the essence of Provo by infusing their beers with local flair, defying industry norms, and welcoming beer aficionados and casual drinkers alike. They are not only producing beer; they're expanding the palate of their community and inviting others to explore the fascinating world of craft beer. Visitors and residents alike can navigate through Provo's craft beer landscape, finding new favorites and appreciating the dedication to quality and diversity.
Events and Festivities
Provo, Utah, offers a dynamic craft beer scene with various events and unique local brews that cater to enthusiasts seeking to explore the local culture. Patrons can experience the vibrant energy of seasonal festivals and exclusive beer releases that showcase Provo’s commitment to craft brewing.
Local Craft Beer Festivals
Brewstillery in Salt Lake City is notable for its family-friendly atmosphere, admitting children under 12 for free, and typically occurs in July. Other festivals in the region, while not explicitly detailed, imply a robust calendar of events that beer aficionados can look forward to throughout the year. Here is a brief overview of festivals:
Brewstillery Festival: All-ages welcome; held in Artspace City Center’s parking lot.
Dates: Usually mid-July.
Pricing: Around $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the event.
Provo Craft Beer, Food, & Wine Festivals
Provo's online event calendar keeps residents and visitors informed about upcoming craft beer, wine, and food festivals.
Seasonal and Limited Releases
Local breweries often celebrate the change of seasons by crafting special limited-release beers. These offerings allow brewers to experiment and provide a unique experience to their customers. In 2019, for example, the increase in the ABV limit for draft beer to 5% by volume was met with celebration, showcasing Provo's evolving beer scene. Patrons should keep an eye out for these limited-time offerings at their favorite Provo breweries.
Pairing Food and Craft Beer
In Provo, Utah, the art of pairing food with craft beer is celebrated with a distinct local flair. Craft breweries around Provo explore a wealth of beer styles, each offering a unique accompaniment to the local cuisine.
Farm-to-Table and Craft Beer: Local farm-to-table restaurants find harmonious pairings by emphasizing the freshness of their ingredients:
Salads with Citrus Dressings: Craft beers that exhibit a bright, citrusy profile, like a Blonde Ale, accentuate the fresh, zesty flavors of the dish.
Burgers: Provo's hearty, handcrafted burgers match well with robust, malty beers such as Brown Ales, which complement the savory flavors of the meat.
For enthusiasts of matching beer with their meal, consider the following simple guidelines:
Beer Style vs. Food Type:
Light Ales: Pair with lighter fare such as salads or grilled chicken.
Amber and Brown Ales: Ideal with roasted or grilled meats.
IPAs: The hoppy bitterness handles spicy foods and bold cheeses remarkably well.
A notable approach is to either contrast or complement the flavors of the beer with the dish. For instance, the bitterness of an IPA can offset the sweetness of a caramelized burger, while the malty sweetness of a Cream Ale can complement a spicy sauce.
Craft Beer Styles and Flavor Profiles: Here, craft beer's versatility shines as chefs and brewers collaborate to create perfect pairings:
Beer Style Flavor Profile Food Pairing
Blonde Ale Fruity, lightly hoppy Lemon-infused dishes
Brown Ale Rich, caramel, nutty Burgers, BBQ meats
IPA Bitter, floral, citrus notes Spicy dishes (What wine goes well with spicy dishes?), sharp cheeses
Provo's local brewers often share their expertise, offering pairing suggestions that highlight the best of Utah's produce, meats, and handcrafted brews.
Craft Beer and Utah Laws
Utah has had a unique relationship with alcohol regulations, specifically impacting the craft beer industry. Recent legislative changes have reflected a gradual modernization of the state's liquor laws.
Beer Strength: In 2019, Utah revised its long-standing regulation on beer alcohol content. The state increased the cap on alcohol by volume (ABV) for beers sold in grocery stores and on draft from the previous 4% ABV limit (measured as 3.2% by weight) to 5% ABV.
Availability: Craft beer enthusiasts can find a selection of beers, including those exceeding the previous ABV limitations, in bars, restaurants, and grocery stores. Craft beer is also accessible in local liquor stores, where there is no ABV cap.
Provo's Progress: Provo has embraced craft beer culture by allowing the operation of brewpubs in certain downtown areas and shopping districts. This decision by the Provo City Council effectively supports local breweries to brew and sell their creations on-site.
Retail Sales: For off-premise consumption, beers up to 5% ABV can be purchased from grocery and convenience stores. Heavier beers must be bought from state-run liquor stores.
Serving Hours:
Bars: Beer sold from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m daily, including Sundays.
Restaurants: Service from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to midnight on Sundays, with heavy beer sales ending at midnight.
Craft beer in Utah, particularly in cities like Provo, has flourished under revised alcohol guidelines, fostering a vibrant scene for both brewers and consumers.
Local Craft Beer Retailers
Provo, Utah's local scene boasts an eclectic mix of craft beer retailers. From specialty grocers to dedicated bottle shops, these outlets provide aficionados with a plethora of options to enjoy regional and artisanal brews.
Specialty Grocery Stores
Retailers such as Harmons Neighborhood Grocer cater to the community's craft beer needs through a diverse selection of local and regional beers. They are renowned for their commitment to quality and providing patrons with a unique variety of beverages.
Harmons Neighborhood Grocer
Specialty: Wide variety of local and regional craft beers
Location: Multiple locations in Utah
Next Door Bottle Shops
Adjacent to grocers or standalone, these shops specialize in craft beer and often feature rare finds and limited releases. Taste117 is a prime example where enthusiasts can explore a curated range of craft beers, emphasizing the local Provo brews unique to the area.
Taste117
Specialty: Curated craft beer selection, highlighting local brews
Location: Provo, UT
Crafting the Provo Beer Experience
Provo's burgeoning beer scene offers an exciting slate for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers. One can explore small-scale breweries that epitomize the dedication to the craft. These establishments often emphasize the texture, flavor, and richness of every pint served.
Travelers seeking a unique beer experience will find Provo breweries endorse a community-centric approach. Utah's 5% ABV limit for draft beer encourages brewers to focus on flavor over fortitude. This legislative relationship with alcohol shapes the local beers into delectable milieus of goodness without the potency that might overshadow the beer's true profile.
Here's an at-a-glance table of what you might expect when visiting Provo's breweries:
Brewery Name Specialty Location Note
A Local Brewery Robust Ales Nestled downtown
Mountain Malt Seasonal Sours Overlooking scenic areas
Provo Pint Masters Limited IPAs In the heart of the city
Visitors will appreciate that these breweries weave a tale of Provo's history into their present offerings. Establishments often resurrect traditional brewing methods or pay homage to local lore through their beer names and labels, enhancing the town's unique connection to its past.
One cannot talk about Provo's beer experience without acknowledging the role that community plays—that unique experience of bonding over a glass of local brew, where relations are formed and strengthened. It is in these conversational exchanges that the essence of Provo truly comes alive.
Brewing Techniques and Innovations
In the heart of Provo, UT, craft beer breweries are embracing creativity and innovation as the cornerstones of their brewing techniques. These local artisans are not just brewing beer; they're crafting experiences steeped in the uniqueness of their locale.
Sustainable Brewing: Recognizing the environmental impacts, Provo's breweries are investing in technologies to reduce water waste, evidenced by efforts to improve on the traditional 4:1 water-to-beer ratio. This commitment not only conserves resources but also respects Utah's water-sensitive environment.
Bold Flavors: Brewers in Provo take pride in their bold and imaginative flavor profiles. They're unafraid to experiment with a multitude of hops, grains, and adjuncts to create distinctive IPAs, rich stouts, and tart sours. This experimentation leads to a broad spectrum of tastes, catering to an array of palates.
Technique Highlights:
Local Ingredients: Leveraging locally sourced ingredients to impart signature Utah flavors.
Barrel Aging: Utilizing oak barrels to infuse complexity and depth into select brews.
Fermentation Innovation: Implementing cutting-edge fermentation methods to achieve precise flavor profiles.
Craft beer in Provo is a balance of tradition and boundary-pushing ingenuity. Embracing both well-honed methods and modern approaches, Provo's breweries capture the essence of craft beer culture.
Alcoholic Alternatives
In Provo, UT, the craft beverage scene extends beyond just beer, offering a variety of alcoholic alternatives for those interested in exploring local spirits and cider options. These alternatives cater to diverse tastes and include offerings from distilleries to non-beer beverages.
Local Spirits and Distilleries
Provo's distillery scene, although modest, showcases a growing interest in locally crafted spirits. Dented Brick Distillery is known for its artisanal approach, producing small batches of rum, gin, and vodka. Their spirits incorporate regional flavors and ingredients to create distinctive profiles.
High West Distillery in nearby Park City brings a slice of the old west back to life with their meticulously aged whiskeys. They have garnered attention for unique blends and a commitment to the craft of distilling.
Ciders and Non-Beer Options
For those who favor fruitier and gluten-free alternatives, ciders offer a refreshing option. Utah hosts a number of cideries, with Mountain West Cider leading the charge. The cidery presents a lineup of crisp ciders ranging from dry to sweet, appealing to a wide array of palates.
Non-alcoholic options are also readily available for those who enjoy the camaraderie of a bar setting without the alcohol. Non-alcoholic beer selections can be found in venues like Smith's Food & Drug Center, offering a range of NA drinks from traditional to contemporary flavors.
Traveling to Provo for Beer Lovers
Provo, located in Utah County, offers a distinctive beer scene for travelers. This city on the Wasatch Front is increasingly becoming known for its local craft beer offerings. Visitors can tour a variety of breweries that place a strong emphasis on local flavors and brewing techniques.
Local Breweries
While in Provo, beer aficionados should explore:
Strap Tank Brewery: A favorite that's well-known for its unique motorcycle-themed decor and a robust selection of beers.
Bohemian Brewery: Featuring traditional Central European lagers and a distinct old-world atmosphere.
Heber Valley Brewing: A small-batch brewery that caters to those looking for a personalized tasting experience.
With Utah's recent shift in alcohol laws, the draft beer ABV has increased to 5%, adding to the diversity and richness of the beer selection in Provo.
Bar Scene
Provo's bars not only serve a wide array of craft beers, but they also highlight the finest local spirits. This makes the city an engaging destination for those eager to explore Utah’s evolving liquor landscape.
Proximity to Attractions
Provo is not far from Salt Lake City, making it a convenient stop for those traveling within the state. Additionally, it's within driving distance of national parks like Moab and Park City, offering a perfect blend of urban and outdoor experiences. Whether on a city break or en route to Reno or the National Parks, Provo stands out as a beacon for beer lovers traversing Utah.
Craft Beer Community and Culture
Provo's craft beer scene embodies a vibrant tapestry of culture and respect for traditional brewing ethos. Despite Utah's unique liquor laws, the local breweries and their enthusiasts thrive within this setting.
Local Brewers
They are often seen as artisans who bring a palette of flavors to their community. In Utah County, small taprooms and brewpubs serve not just drinks but a sense of camaraderie among the residents.
Beer Varieties
The breweries in Provo foment creativity, producing an assortment of craft beers that range from IPAs and stouts to sours and ales. These varieties cater to the diverse preferences of the local population and visiting beer aficionados.
Cultural Influence
The culture of the craft beer community in Provo is one of inclusivity, often hosting events and tastings that solidify the collective nature of the city itself.
Events and Tastings
Engage locals and tourists
Showcase brewery craftsmanship
Foster community ties
Provo's Craft Breweries
They are intrinsically linked to local identity and the economy. Pioneering and established venues alike contribute to a dynamic local beer culture that celebrates individuality and innovation within the bounds of Provo.
Utah County Impact
The growth of craft breweries in Provo and surrounding Utah County reflects a national trend, but with a local twist. They infuse the area with economic vitality and become - often unexpectedly - tourist attractions that help to dispel myths around Utah's drinking culture.
The craft beer community in Provo and Utah County stands testament to the evolving nature of beer consumption and production - pairing an intimate knowledge of the craft with the unique flair of the region.
Economic Impact of Breweries in Provo
Breweries in Provo, Utah contribute to the local economy in various tangible ways. They serve as small yet significant economic engines that stimulate growth and provide employment opportunities for the community.
Employment: Craft breweries, like those in Provo, offer jobs not only through direct employment within the brewery itself but also indirectly through supply chains and retail. Local Sourcing of ingredients and materials from Utah's farmers and producers often occurs, further integrating breweries into the economic fabric of the region.
Sales Revenue: With the craft beer movement, the demand for unique and local beer experiences has grown. Breweries in Provo capitalize on this by offering an array of products, which results in increased sales revenue. This financial injection benefits the local tax base and circulates money through Provo's economy.
Real Estate Use: Breweries often revitalize underused or abandoned spaces in urban areas. In Provo, breweries can repurpose buildings, facilitating additional economic activity through renovation and construction.
Draw for Tourism: It's not uncommon for craft breweries to become tourist attractions. Visitors drawn to Provo's breweries spend money on tours, merchandise, and local accommodations, multiplying the economic impact.
Price Impact: Craft breweries in Provo contribute to a competitive beverage market. By offering a wide price range, these breweries cater to diverse demographics, adding to their commercial success and local economic relevance.
In essence, the breweries in Provo extend beyond mere beer production; they are an interconnected component of economic development, strengthening the city's financial foundations.
