Utah loses major brewery as alcohol recession accelerates

Utah may not have a reputation for being a big alcohol paradise, but it actually has a good, strong craft beer scene – especially in Salt Lake City.

Or – it did until Monster Brewing announced plans to close its brewery in Salt Lake City earlier this year.

The loss of the brewery and taproom didn’t just cost 25 jobs – it also eliminated longstanding community ties to the Squatters and Wasatch brands, which were huge pioneers in the Utah craft beer industry.

It’s emblematic of the broader challenges facing the alcohol industry, as distilleries and breweries close throughout the country amid a broader downturn.

The brands will continue elsewhere in the Monster Beverage-owned Monster Brewing network, but something big has been lost.

If you have any fond memories to share of good times at the brewery and taproom, please share a comment – let’s memorialize it properly.

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