Patagonia Provisions, Sausalito, Calif., partnered with Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) Portland, to release Long Root Wit, a classic Belgian-style wit beer made with organic ingredients and Kernza perennial grain.
In 2016, Patagonia Provisions’ partners at The Land Institute in Salina, Kans., made a breakthrough in organic regenerative agriculture with Kernza, the perennial grain used in Patagonia Provisions’ inaugural beer Long Root Pale Ale. Released in October 2016, it was the first commercially available beer made with Kernza.
Kernza is ideally suited for organic regenerative agriculture. Its long roots and perennial growth allow it to thrive without pesticides and use less water than conventional wheat while helping to reduce erosion and remove more carbon from the atmosphere.
“I am very excited to introduce our second beer made with Kernza,” says Birgit Cameron, managing director of Patagonia Provisions. “Through Wes Jackson’s pioneering work at The Land Institute, Patagonia Provisions has been able to help bring this important regenerative perennial grain to the forefront with the hope that others take notice and implement similar practices. Beer is the perfect vehicle for this and a delicious byproduct of our collaborative work in regenerative agricultural practices.”
Long Root Wit (4.9% ABC) is made with organic wheat, two-row barley from Oregon’s Klamath Falls, and Northwest hops. Flavors of honey, crisp apple, Valencia orange, and pink peppercorn shine while subtle aromas of pear, coriander, marmalade, and toast round out this après-sport beer; and the addition of 15% Kernza adds a slight spiciness. Long Root Wit is produced with Hard Red Wheat from HUB’s certified organic wheat family farm on the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington state.
Patagonia Provisions chose Hopworks Urban Brewery to create its Long Root beers due to its strong commitment to organics and sustainable brewing practices.