It used to be that Utah was a beer wasteland. For decades, it was impossible to get your hands on quality beers that were made outside of the state. This all changed in 2010 when—due to overcrowding in the state’s liquor warehouse—Utah’s lawmakers created a variance that would allow beer distributors to store the beer and allocate all of that precious state warehouse space for liquor and wine. This simple move made it possible for breweries that weren’t fond of Utah’s non-refrigerated warehouse to finally acquiesce and feed Utah’s thirst for quality beer. One of those breweries is Sockeye Brewing out of Boise, Idaho. Since 1996, Sockeye has been brewing quality beers for Idaho and offers a portfolio of 20-plus beers. Sockeye is one of the newest additions to the Utah market. Here is a sample of what beers are available for you now.

Dagger Falls IPA 
Brewery/Brand: Sockeye Brewing Co.
ABV: 6.5%
Serving Style: 12 oz. can
This beer pours a nice-looking, hazy, amber/orange color with two fingers of dense foam. The nose is big and bright with grapefruit, tangerine and pine. The taste starts with a lot of citrus and tropical flavors. Some earthy malts come next, adding to the complexity. The end is full of floral/pine notes that round everything out. The finish is dry and lingers on the tongue.
Overview: This is a damn fine beer. Sockeye’s flagship beer has everything you want from an American style-IPA.

Galena Gold 
Brewery/Brand: Sockeye Brewing Co.
ABV: 4.9%
Serving Style: 12 oz. can
This beer pours a clear golden/amber color. The nose is grainy with some floral notes and orange peel. The taste starts with some dry biscuit and caramel. Herbal hops come in next and soon transition into some minor citrus notes. The end is slightly bitter and grassy.
Overview: Named after Galena Hops, this is an easy-drinking golden ale—a pleasant surprise.

Hell-Diver Pale Ale 
Brewery/Brand: Sockeye Brewing Co.
ABV: 5.5%
Serving Style: 12 oz. can
This pale ale pours a slightly hazy copper color with a sturdy foam cap. The nose is malty with a bit of citrus hops lingering in the back. The taste starts with biscuit and rich malt flavors. Grass and pine notes from the hops come next, adding a nice balance to the malt. Citrus peel rounds out the back of the tongue, drying out the end of the beer.
Overview: This is a nice, straightforward pale ale—very drinkable and sessionable.

Power House Porter 
Brewery/Brand: Sockeye Brewing Co.
ABV: 6.0%
Serving Style: 12 oz. can
This porter pours dark brown with an eggshell head. The nose is full of coffee and cocoa aromas with a hint of raisin in the back. The taste starts with bold roasted malts and bitter chocolate. Espresso comes next, adding a slight acidic character. Malt flavors, best described as “like Whoppers candy,” provide balance and body. Mild dark fruit rounds out the back end.
Overview: This is a solid porter that feels hearty on the palate without being heavy in the tummy. It’s very enjoyable.

Woolybugger Wheat 
Brewery/Brand: Sockeye Brewing Co.
ABV: 4.75%
Serving Style: 12 oz. can
This wheat ale pours a straw/amber color. There’s a bit of haze with some nice fluffy head as well. The nose is bready like fresh dough with a hint of tartness. The taste starts with white cracker flavors and a bit of yeast. A lemon twang comes next, adding balance to the doughy notes. It finishes light and mildly dry.
Overview:  This is a nice-drinking wheat ale—not too out of the box but enjoyable.

Cheers!