By Brian Merchant | Mon Mar 2, 2009 15:45
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Buy Green: West Coast Beer
From organic brews to solar power to photovoltaic cell systems, these green beers all come from eco-savvy breweries.
It's the stuff of fantasy: cracking open a cold one on a pristine California beach and forgetting about the world. And why not help keep that beach pristine with a beer that's easier on the environment? Thankfully, the West Coast is home to some of the greenest beers around.
The beers we've tracked down come from companies with genuine ambitions for green grandeur—something in the West Coast sun inspires breweries to environmental commitment rarely seen in consumer products. Our boozy eco gems include all-organic breweries and pioneering breweries powered by solar, complex recycling and composting plans, and even a beer that's made entirely on an isolated farm in Canada. The following are the five greenest beers you'll find west of the Mississippi.
For more eco-friendly boozing, check out our How to Go Green: Beers guide.
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Sierra Nevada Pale Ale Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Why We Like It: Let's kick things off with a beer you almost certainly already know about—the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. What you may not know is it's produced from perhaps the greenest brewery of its size around. Sierra Nevada might be the most ubiquitous Pale Ale in the U.S., and for good reason—it has a smooth, crisp, delicious taste and is relatively inexpensive.
Eco Factor: For starters, the Sierra Nevada brewery in Chico, California is almost entirely off the grid—and it's truly beer powered by the sun. There's an extensive solar panel system on the roof that can produce 25-30 percent of the brewery's power, depending on the amount of sun. But the bulk of the sustainable power comes from four hydrogen fuel cells that account for the rest of the energy supply. The brewery also practices extensive recycling, heat recovery, carbon-dioxide recovery, water conservation, energy efficiency, and byproduct recycling. And, Sierra Nevada now makes ethanol out of beer waste.
Who To Drink It With: It's classy enough for a cocktail party, yet cheap enough for a frat party.
Where: Try Sierra Nevada's distributor locator
How Much For A Six Pack: $8-12
Image courtesy of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
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Burghead Heather Ale Roots Organic Brewery
Why We Like It: We're following one of the most well known beers in the country with one of the least known—but for good reason. Roots Organic Brewery is a small, Portland, Oregon- based company that has a commitment to making exclusively organic beers. The unique Burghead Heather Ale—one of a wide-range of beers produced by the company—is a striking beer brewed with organic honey and malts, and—no hops.
Eco Factor: Not only is Roots the first certified all organic brewery in Oregon, but they boast a slew of other eco-friendly features as well: through recycling and composting programs, they've reduced waste by a whopping 98 percent, and 100 percent of power comes from renewable sources like solar, wind, and biomass. The flagship bar/restaurant was built entirely using reclaimed wood, and uses primarily locally bought and organic products. They also grow the bulk of the produce themselves in summer months.
Who To Drink It With: Anyone who says a beer can't taste good without hops.
Where to Buy: Widely available all over the West Coast or check out Roots Organic Brewery's bar and restaurant distributor guide
How Much For A Six Pack: Around $10-14
Image courtesy of Roots Brewing Co.
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Fish Tale Organic India Pale Ale Fish Brewing Company
Why We Like It: Fish Brewing Company, based in Olympia, Washington, is one of the most vibrant, colorful craft breweries on the West Coast. And for Indian Pale Ale (IPA for those in the know) lovers, trying the organic version from Washington's premier green brewery is a must. Strong hops and a firm malt body make for an assertive, rich brew that nonetheless goes down smooth.
Eco Factor: Fish Brewing Company makes this list for a commitment to sustainability and quality. The brewery, which eventually plans to brew all of its beers with exclusively organic ingredients, currently produces four all-organic beers. The company also has a dedication to supporting their community with local trade practices.
Who To Drink It With: Contagious good vibes suggest this beer is best amongst friends.
Where: Try Fish Brewing Company's distributor locator
How Much For A Six Pack: $9-13
Image courtesy of Fish Tale Organic Ales
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Boont Amber Ale Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Why We Like It: A craft brewery based in the small city of Boonville, California, Anderson Valley Brewing Company is a fantastic example of a smaller beer company making huge strides in utilizing alternative energy. This brewery also proves that going green is no gimmick to distract from lack of quality: one swig of their crisp, award-winning Boont Amber Ale should prove that.
Eco Factor: Anderson's biggest claim to green has got to be the gigantic photovoltaic cell system that gives the brewery its solar powered beer. The massive system—at construction, it was said to be the biggest installation north of San Francisco—cost the small brewers nearly $900,000 to build. The investment has paid off—it now supplies 40 percent of annual energy needs.
Who To Drink It With: The beer aficionado: That friend of yours who thumbs his nose at most domestic beers.
Where: Try Anderson Valley Brewing Company's beer locator. Boont is also available with limited distribution in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
How Much For A Six Pack: $10-15
Image courtesy of Anderson Valley Brewing Company
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Back Hand of God Stout Crannog Ales
Why We Like It: First off, we have to say we love the name of this thick, organic, award-winning Canadian stout from Sorrento, British Columbia-based Crannog Ales. The Back Hand of God Stout, only available on tap, is also produced via an innovative beer-making method, where all the steps happen at one location.
Eco Factor: Crannog Ales is a true farmhouse microbrewery—and it's one of the only of its kind in the world. All of its beer is brewed old school-style at a certified organic farmhouse—a 10-acre farm in Canada. The farm and brewery are integrated; excess from the beer-making process feeds the livestock; and the hops are grown right on location on the farm. The water for the beer comes from the farm's water well, nearby streams, and fresh springs. The brewery also uses no bottles in brewing, therefore generating far less waste than most breweries.
Who To Drink It With: Your grandfather who loves the good ol' days or a first date—it's a sure-fire conversation starter.
Where: Try Crannog Ales' bar and restaurant locator
How Much For A Six Pack: Depends on the establishment, but usually $4-6 loonies (that's Canadian dollars, or about $3-5 USD).
Image courtesy of Crannog Ales
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