Go Green for St. Patrick’s Day!

In honor of St. Patty’s Day, we pay homage to the Green Beer… but not in the way you think. While it is fun to drink a beer colored green every once in a while, we want to introduce you to a way to enjoy green beer year round. This year, go organic… drink green!

Beer, my beverage of choice more often than not, has been on the global menu for over 5,000 years. Since chemical agricultural practices and fertilizers have only been a part of our farming practices for a short period, beer has, historically, been organic. So let’s get back to our roots… our non-GMO, chemical-free, clean tasting roots!

In 1980, the German brewery Pinkus-Mueller reintroduced organic beer to the world. Organic farming and brewing made its way to the USA after the USDA set up the National Organic Program to regulate farming practices and chemical usage in agriculture. In 1997 Wolaver’s Organic Ales were the first USDA Certified Organic beers to take center stage in the USA. Now Organic breweries are sprouting up all over the country and even include big names like Anheuser-Busch. Organic brewing now enjoys about 10% of the total USA beer production and is ever-growing. Organic brewing produces exceptional clarity and flavorful taste due to the lower protein content and clear mash.

The use of the word “organic” has been severely abused and is still mis-used by many marketers who are trying to take advantage of the health conscious, earth conscious consumer. The presence of the certifications like USDA Certified Organic and ECOCERT are your guarantee that what you are consuming is truly organic.

What are these certifications?

USDA Certified Organic: The National Organic Program (NOP) sets a strict set of rules that must be followed for any agricultural product to be labeled “certified organic.” Farmers & production facilities must apply to the program by providing detailed  accounts of the nature of their operation, production/handling processes and the products they produce. Crops must be grown in fields that have been chemical-free for at least three years. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are prohibited. Additives and other post production processes are strictly monitored. Farms and production facilities are inspected annually by third party inspectors. Certified Organic label guarantees at least 95% Organic Ingredients; Made with Organic Ingredients label guarantees at least 70% Organic Ingredients.

ECOCERT: A control and certification organization whose activities are governed accordingly by the public authorities and legislation in Europe. It builds standards that enhance the value of NGO-implemented projects and sets up partnerships with caring organizations on the basis of social and environmental goals. Its belief system is based on the fact that organic farming respects water resources, soils and biodiversity, sustains yields over the long term, offers products rich in micronutrients and does not release toxic molecules, saves energy and produces fewer greenhouse-effect gases.

Great Resources for further reading:

http://www.grist.org/article/Brewers-Dozen/

• Detailed information on the “Brewer’s Dozen” - top Organic Beer recommendations from Tom Philpott

http://koenemann.hoppress.com/2010/01/09/back-to-the-future-of-organic-beer/

• an excellent source for benefits of Organic Beer and Organic Farming

Do-it-Yourself Organic Brewing details

http://www.breworganic.com/recipes/recipes_menu.htm - Find ingredients and recipes to make your own delicious Organic Beers!

Green Beer Recommendations
Based on the Brewer’s Dozen 2010 Tasting at Carrboro Beverage Co. in Carrboro, NC

1st Place
Cru D’Or Belgian Style Ale
North Coast Brewing Co.
Fort Bragg, California
Certified organic by Oregon Tilth

2nd Place
Wildfire Extra Pale Ale
Uinta Brewing Co.
Salt Lake City, Utah
USDA Certified, 100% Wind-Powered

Tied for 3rd
Joseph Spelt Ale
Brewery Silenrieux
Silenrieux, Belgium
ECOCERT

Tied for 3rd
Eel River Raven’s Eye Imperial Stout
Eel River Brewing
Scotia, California
USA’s first Certified Organic Brewery

For a thirst inducing list of Organic Beers, check outBeer Advocate.