Utah Beers

Utah Brewers Cooperative is the parent organization behind two of Utah's most iconic craft beer brands — Wasatch Brewery and Squatters Craft Beers. Founded in 2002 when the two pioneering breweries joined forces, the cooperative operates out of a shared production facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, where both brands produce their full lineup of award-winning craft beers under one roof.

Wasatch Brewery holds the distinction of being the first craft brewery and brewpub in Utah, established in 1986 by Greg Schirf, a Milwaukee transplant who recognized the absence of quality craft beer in the state and took legislative action to make brewpubs legal in Utah. Schirf's advocacy led to the passage of brewpub legislation in 1988, opening the door for a thriving craft beer culture across the Beehive State. The original Wasatch brewpub opened on historic Main Street in Park City, setting the stage for a craft beer revolution that would reshape the regional beverage landscape.

Squatters Craft Beers followed in 1989, founded by Jeff Polychronis and Peter Cole in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Inspired by the vibrant brewpub culture of the Pacific Northwest, Squatters quickly became a staple of the SLC craft beer scene. The brand is well known for enduring fan-favorite recipes that have been brewed since the 1990s as well as newer offerings like the 147 West IPA series, a nod to the original address where Squatters got its start.

Together under the Utah Brewers Cooperative umbrella, Wasatch and Squatters represent over three decades of combined brewing heritage. The cooperative model allows both brands to share production infrastructure while maintaining their distinct identities, histories, and loyal customer bases. Their combined portfolio spans a wide range of craft beer styles, from IPAs and pale ales to seasonal and specialty offerings, distributed across Utah and beyond.

As pioneers of craft brewing in a state historically defined by restrictive alcohol regulations, the Utah Brewers Cooperative occupies a unique and influential position in the regional craft beer market. Both brands have earned recognition for brewing quality and consistency, contributing to the growth of Utah's now-robust craft beverage industry.