Wasatch finds new way to annoy local politicos

Modern Brewery Age, Nov 14, 2005

Greg Schirf, founder of the Wasatch Brewery of Park City, UT, has developed a new brand, called Evolution Ale, in response to a Utah politician's efforts to introduce 'intelligent design' in state schools. The label includes a "Darwin Approved" seal explaining that the beer was "created in 27 days, not 7."

Founder Schirf likes to keep things lively in his Mormon-dominated home market. Another Wasatch brew which gained the national and international spotlight, was his Polygamy Porter (The tag-line: "Why have just one?"). And his 2002 "Unofficial" ale of the Salt Lake City Olympics drew the ire of Anheuser-Busch, the designated "official" brewer.

"The unintended irony is that this beer actually is evolutionary," Schirf noted. "The 2002 'Unofficial' Amber Ale has been a top seller for five years. We always knew that we would need to come up with a new name in order to remain meaningful. It was just a matter of time before Utah legislators provided us with the right inspiration."

Schirf reported that there is a push to include the theory of "intelligent design" in Utah's public school science curriculum by Republican state senator Chris Buttars. (Note: Advocates of "intelligent design" dismiss the validity of Darwin's Theory of Evolution).

"The whole issue points to an eroding separation between church and state," Schirf said. "I see the inclusion of 'intelligent design' in American public school education as one step closer to living in a theocracy.

"We're not trying to say that we're right and others are wrong," Schirf added, "but people should realize that evolution versus creationism has been an ongoing battle in our country since the Scopes 'Monkey Trial' in 1925. Today, people like Senator Buttars try to confuse the issue between church and state.We don't have any problem with teaching religion.We just think science should be taught in science class and religion should be taught in religion class."