What is Kernza Pils, Patagonia's Collab Beer with Dogfish Head?
A beer built on the back of regenerative agriculture by a ~50 year old brand that walks the walk when it comes to social activism.
Written by CraftJack | Updated | 3 min read
One would think that if Kernza can extract CO2 from the air, that in beer form, it would pull alcohol from the bloodstream. But alas, it does no such thing. That we know of ...
Taking this pilsner on a hike or enjoying it after a long day of surfing would be so very on-brand. It's good to see both brands coming together to do two things we truly love, make beer, and, help save the planet.
"Together with Dogfish Head, we're able to spotlight the important and pioneering work of The Land Institute. By creating market pull for a regenerative crop like Kernza perennial grain, we hope to incentivize farmers and brewers to shift in this direction and to further our commitment to being in business to save our home planet." says Birgit Cameron, co-founder and head of Patagonia Provisions.
In addition to organic malted barley, organic Contessa hops, and Kernza itself, this 5.0% ABV pilsner is earthy, while still remaining refreshing. A hint of spice mixes well with sweet pear, creaking clear-cut drinkability that can be a bit floral in its aromatics. It's clear that Kernza doesn't the alcohol content of this beer too much though.
Why Kernza, according to Patagonia
- Draws down carbon
- Protects against erosion
- Builds healthy topsoil
We're working with our friends at Dogfish Head to make a beer with a revolutionary new grain: Kernza, a long-rooted perennial developed by The Land Institute. Besides the benefits to our ecosystem, Kernza adds a snappy crispness to this refreshing pilsner. Every sip you take helps us plant more Kernza, fight the climate crisis and brew more delicious beers. Cheers!
The beer is brewed with 85% organic ingredients: organic malted barley, organic hops, kernza, yeast and water.
| Kernza Bills | Per 12oz |
|---|---|
| ABV | 5% |
| IBU | 27 |
Where can you buy Kernza Pils?
You can buy six packs of Kernza Pils in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington, D.C. - So basically, the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, as well as the West Coast.
What is Kernza?
Kernza is a new grain that has been developed by The Land Institute. This grain is a cross between wheat and rye, and it has the potential to be a more sustainable crop than either of its parent plants. Kernza has a deep root system that helps it to capture more water and nutrients from the soil, which means that it requires less irrigation and fertilization than other grains.
Additionally, kernza's roots help to prevent erosion and build up soil organic matter. Because kernza is still a new crop, it is not yet widely available; however, The Land Institute is working to increase production of this grain so that it can become more widely used in the future.
Kernza has the potential to be a more sustainable option for grain production, and it is important to support the development of this crop. By buying kernza products or donating to The Land Institute, you can help to make this new grain more widely available and help to create a more sustainable future for our food system.
Interview: Eco-Friendly Beer Drinker
Learn more about how single-use cups and plastic can carriers affect the environment in our interview with the Eco-Friendly Beer Drinker
Read the InterviewOther things made with Kernza
- Cereal
- Pasta
- Sourdough Bread
About Patagonia
Patagonia is a clothing company that was founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard. The company has a strong history of sustainability, which has been a core value since the beginning. Patagonia is committed to using environmentally friendly materials and practices in their manufacturing process, and they are always looking for new ways to reduce their environmental impact. In this blog post, we will explore the history and philosophy of Patagonia, and learn why they are one of the most sustainable companies in the world.
About Dogfish Head
Dogfish Head Brewery was founded in June of 1995 by Sam Calagione. The brewery is located in the great state of Delaware. Dogfish Head brews beer with unique ingredients, and they are always looking for new ways to make their beer stand out. Their most well-known beers are 60 Minute IPA, 90 Minute IPA, and 120 Minute IPA. Dogfish Head is also known for their craft beers that have been infused with different fruits or spices. Dogfish Head has something for everyone, whether you are a beer lover or not. They offer tours of the brewery so you can see how your favorite beer is made.
Other Dogfish Head Beers
Wrapping Up
What you're not drinking when you enjoy this sustainable beer is the corporate, anything-flies methodology of creating hyper-sugary adult snacks such as Hard Mountain Dew and Bud Light Seltzer Popsicles. If we're going to save this planet through beer, it needs to be through sustainable farming and (hopefully) regenerative agriculture. So thanks, Patagonia, Dogfish, and the Land Institute.