Issues > March/April 2006 (#113) > Organic Beer

Organic Beer

page 2 of 5 | PREV 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5  NEXT 

The Solutions

What To Look For

Organic

Organic beer offers the environmentally conscious consumer a better alternative. The benefits of buying organic beer are clear, in the host of harmful substances not introduced into the environment and into the food system. Making beer with organic grains supports a farm system that enhances soil fertility, increases species diversity, conserves water and produces fewer greenhouse gases.

There are relatively few bottled organic beers on the market, but they readily identify themselves on the label. "Certified Organic" beers are made with organic ingredients following all the standards set by the USDA, which include standards for chemicals used to clean breweries. Beers "made with organic ingredients" are made from organic grains, but not processed in certified organic breweries. Both types of organic beers support organic farmers.

Local

Microbreweries have become popular over the last few decades, as beer may be brewed in small vats even in confined urban spaces. Buying local beer reduces the amount of fossil fuels used in shipping, and supports smaller, local businesses. Many restaurants have their own microbreweries on premises, and most regions now boast regional beer-makers.

West Coasters and Midwesterners are particularly lucky: they can purchase organic local beer. Let your local microbrewery know that you too want to quaff local organic beer!

Shopping Suggestions

Here are some organic beers, listed by regional availability:

US-Wide

Anheuser Busch
www.anheuser-busch.com
800-342-5283
Their Green Valley Brewery label makes two organic beers: Wild Hop Lager and Stone Mill Pale Ale.

Butte Creek Brewing Co.
www.buttecreek.com
530-894-7906
Makes Organic Ale, Organic Porter and Organic India Pale Ale. Website offers an online availability chart.

Goose Island Beer Co.
www.gooseisland.com
312-226-1119
Their organic Lamar St. Pale Ale is available exclusively at Whole Foods Markets.

PREV 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5  NEXT