Organic Beer

99 Bottles

09.22.2009

The Bite:
Want beer so good, you won't wanna pass it around? Just in time for Oktoberfest, we tested not-quite-a-hundred organic beers, so that you don't have to. (The things we do for you…)
The Benefits: 
  • Eco-friendliness in a bottle. These microbreweries have made a commitment to sustainable agriculture; and organic farming reduces topsoil erosion - modern farming has wiped out 1/3 of America's fertile topsoil already.
  • Healthier vocal cords. An FDA study found that 21% of wheat products it sampled contained pesticide residue. We prefer the less than 5% offered by organic bottles of beer.
  • Savings that repeat themselves. Most organic brews compare in price to regular microbrews (about $9/6-pack). And if more of us buy organic, it will help drive prices down.
Personally Speaking: 
A few quotes from the team during our taste-testing about beers that didn't make the cut: "mildew-y," "tastes like dirt," and "you couldn't pay me to drink this…yet I just did, and I'm on the clock."
Wanna Try: 
India Pale Ale
Lager
  • Samuel Smith Organic Lager - the old English fave now has low-pesticide brews, like this sweetly bitter European-style Pilsner ($5/pint).

Pale Ale
  • Deschutes Green Lakes Ale - hoppy amber ale with a biting good finish; some of us even tasted a little lavender. Made with salmon-safe hops, grown with rivers and wetlands in mind ($9/6-pack).

Porter
  • Butte Creek Porter - if you like thick, black beers like that Irish one, you'll chug this rich, malty, chocolaty porter ($10/6-pack).

Wheat
  • New Belgium Mothership Wit - organic wheat beer from CO, with a clove-coriander-nutmeg kick. Great served with an orange slice ($9/6-pack).
  • Eel River Açai Berry Wheat - light, berry-tasting wheat brew great for people who aren't big beer-drinkers - if we were talking wine, this would be a wine cooler ($6/22-ounce bottle).

White Ale

Cocktail Fact

A group of over 100 college presidents (including those of Dartmouth, Virginia Tech, and Duke) signed an initiative stating that the legal drinking age of 21 isn't preventing underage boozing - they want it lowered.

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Biters drink organic rather than conventional beer, in a year we'll avert 28 bathtubs' worth of pesticides.

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Tips Like This

J. K. Scrumpy's Organic Cider is the best I've found so far for those with wheat allergies. Definitely check it out!
Can anyone tell me which one tastes most like Anheuser Busch Bud Light?
A little more background on the cocktail fact: more than a thousand OTHER college presidents refused to sign on because they know the current legal drinking age saves lives. We tried lowering the drinking age before -- it wasn't pretty. Check out this research-based FAQ for more info: http://higheredcenter.org/files/page/Higher%20Education%20Center%20MLDA%...
SIERRA NEVADA Pale Ale.... Plant is all solar now, including parking lot! (Why don't they make all shopping centers cover parking lots with SOLAR PANELS??? Growing own hops..across street (no transportation costs) recycle all mash waste for energy. etc etc. Besides it s the best beer you will every drink!
I just returned from Alaska and the Alaska Beer Company's beer is the best beer I've tasted. (it's all in the water!!!)
My favorite local brew is definitely MateVeza! It's organic, naturally caffeinated yerba mate beer. Check it out: http://www.mateveza.com/
Don't forget... Peak Organic also makes excellent organic beer, including several varieties including Nut Brown, Stout (or Porter?), and a really great, hoppy IPA. You can find it at Wegman's, Whole Paycheck and other quality grocery/beer/wine stores. As for anyone living in the Montana/Wyoming/Idaho region... I love all the great local beer (some organics) you have out there! Y'all are blessed! Must be that same Glacial run-off that makes the Middle Fork of the Flathead so great to paddle. I was horribly spoiled the two weeks I spent out there this summer! I can't get "Moose Drool", "Dragon's Breath", "Cold Smoke" or "B*tch Creek" at home. Any thoughts on how to get that stuff shipped to a private residence in Virginia? And in reply to the "Anheuser Busch Bud Light" question.... That's a joke, right? None of these will taste like that (thankfully!). The closest AB gets to orgainc is "Flush twice, it's a long way to the brewery!" (I used to live in St. Louis!). You want to talk "it's all in the water?"... Just think about the condition of the Mississippi river! Plus, ownership of AB is no longer domestic. Buy LOCAL! (really!)
sherry, none of these are going to qualify as light beers - they actually have some taste among other things. but as far as style goes, the samuel smith lager is going to be the closest. but if you are looking more generally for light, crisp beer, you might find the wheats and white enjoyable. ldorsey, thanks for the word about sierra nevada. i certainly enjoy their products. makes me feel a little better about putting some money in their pockets. new belgium brewing in fort collins, oo, has an incredibly eco-friendly brewery. they invested in wind farms so they'd have power, hot water used to heat the mash tun (jacketed for even warming) is circulated in pipes throughout the factory to heat the place, mash waste goes into tanks and the methane is captured to fire the brewers, etc. a great tour if you're ever in the area.
Hello! Our family owns Natures Garden Health Center in WI. We need to bring in a few of the best tasting (yet affordable) wines and beers, and we don't drink! So, that does put a hamper on things.....can any of you suggest a few of the top ones out there? We are pretty fussy, as we don't allow GM foods or any of those pesky MSG's in our door....no matter what they call themselves! THANKS in advance! Karen
Don't forget these two excellent choices. First, "Omaha Ornery Organic Suds, LTD" is very mellow. You know, like a kitty. Second, there is a wonderful new brew titled "Nitty Gritty Grain" which will really clear your throat. Please add these to your list. Your welcome. casino online

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