Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, was one of the first breweries to produce a certified organic beer in 2007. Deschutes Brewery and Patagonia Provisions have teamed up to launch two new certified organic beers brewed with Kernza perennial grain: Kernza Lager and Non-Alcoholic Kernza Golden Brew, both available nationwide starting September 1. The latter will be the first certified organic non-alcoholic craft beer brewed in the U.S.
Both beers will be brewed with organic practices at Deschutes’ brewery in a continuation of their efforts to use responsibly sourced organic ingredients. Deschutes and Patagonia Provisions are committed not only to making these organic beers available nationwide, but also to ensuring affordable price points that are comparable to other non-organic craft beers on the market.
Most breweries source barley and hops from conventional industrial farms, which use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Less than 50 of the 9,700+ breweries in the U.S. produce certified organic beer (according to the USDA).
Together, Deschutes and Patagonia Provisions aim to increase that number, which would mean expanded acreage of organic and Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) farmland and lower ingredient costs. Ingredients that earn ROC certification meet the highest agricultural standards for soil health, animal welfare and farmworker fairness.
“As brewers, we turn barley, Kernza, and hops into tasty drinks that bring people together,” said Peter Skrbek, CEO of Deschutes Brewery. “By working with farmers to eliminate chemicals, conserve water, and improve soil health, we can make a big impact. We’re excited to partner with Patagonia Provisions, who share our vision for better farming and great beer for every lifestyle. Together, we aim to revolutionize the beer supply chain and promote regenerative organic farming.”
Deschutes + Patagonia Provisions Kernza beers
Kernza Lager | Kernza Lager (4.7% ABV) boasts hints of light floral and lemon, complemented by Kernza’s subtle earthy herbal character. It’s crafted with all organic ingredients including Kernza, a carbon-sequestering perennial grain substitute for wheat, and Regenerative Organic Certified rye.
Non-Alcoholic Kernza Golden Brew | Non-Alcoholic Kernza Golden Brew contains the same high-quality organic ingredients and the same great flavor as Kernza Lager but without the alcohol, making it the ideal beer for any occasion. It’s crafted entirely in-house at Deschutes through a partnership with Sustainable Beverage Technologies (SBT) and utilizes the company’s patented BrewVo technology in combination with Deschutes’ proprietary brewing methods. This groundbreaking technology allows Deschutes to create the best-tasting flavor-forward non-alcoholic beers on the market.
The organic Kernza used in these beers is sourced from the Perennial Promise Grower’s Cooperative, a farmer-led ingredients company working to grow the impact of this perennial grain by empowering more farmers to plant it, and ensuring a high quality product for the brands that source it. Farmers using regenerative and organic agricultural practices can free themselves from the treadmill of economic instability by reducing the need for costly inputs like synthetic fertilizers.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Deschutes Brewery to bring two organic beers – a Kernza Lager and a Kernza non-alcoholic brew — to a national audience,” stated Paul Lightfoot, General Manager of Patagonia Provisions. “This isn’t just about great-tasting brews—though they are pretty fantastic—it’s about championing organic and Regenerative Organic Certified® ingredients and shifting the brewing industry to more responsible practices. We’re stoked to share these beers with you as we work towards fighting the climate crisis.”
In 2023, Patagonia Provisions launched a partner brewery program wherein nearly 20 craft breweries across the U.S. each brewed their own regional Kernza Lager, made with organic ingredients, and available on draft at their owned and operated taprooms. This program will continue, and together with Deschutes, will collectively advance the movement towards a more regenerative future for the brewing industry.
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