Portland, Oregon’s Hopworks Brewery is introducing the latest in their Patagonia Provisions partnership using the proprietary Kernza® grain. In addition to new/returning summer seasonals Ferocious Citrus IPA and Rindless Watermelon Gose in cans, the Kernza® Lager is a draft-only release highlighting a noteworthy sustainable malt that few breweries in the country have access too.

The new Kernza® Lager is brewed with organic pale malt, organic pilsener malt, organic hops, and Regenerative Organic Certified® Kernza®. The beer is light and bright, with a light malty sweetness from the organic malts and Kernza®.

This beer is part of Patagonia’s recently launched program with 11 independent craft breweries across the United States to introduce lager-style beers brewed with Regenerative Organic Certified® Kernza® and organic ingredients. Each brewery partner’s beer will be unique, exclusive to its geography, Patagonia-branded, and available regionally starting June 27. The objective of the Patagonia beer partnership program is to scale regenerative farming practices and perennial ingredients that improve soil health, restore ecosystems and help fight the climate crisis.

Kernza®, a deep-rooted regenerative perennial grain, has the potential to transform the brewing industry. Kernza® stabilizes soil, requires minimal tilling, increases soil organic matter, and improves soil structure and water-holding capacity. Patagonia is confident that ongoing research will also confirm that Kernza® draws down and stores more carbon in the soil than annual grains. When used in beer, it adds a deliciously rich but subtle nutty flavor. The Regenerative Organic Certified® Kernza® used in the Kernza® Lager is sourced from A-Frame Farm, a 1,200-acre Regenerative Organic Certified® farm in Madison, Minnesota.

Participating breweries and Patagonia will each contribute 1% of Patagonia beer sales to a local non-profit that supports environmental initiatives and meets 1% for the Planet eligibility criteria.

“When we first began working with Patagonia and Kernza® in 2016, we were impressed with the agronomic qualities of this perennial grain and its unique flavor,” said Hopworks founder Christian Ettinger. “We have been supplying four styles of Kernza-based beer to Japan since then, and we have grown to love the grain’s unique spiciness and nutty flavor. A pleasant surprise was Kernza’s ability to perfectly assimilate into the delicate, nuanced flavor of American Lager beer. Patagonia fans are no strangers to an active lifestyle, and this crisp, 4.8% lager beer makes the perfect companion to open-air adventures!”

“Patagonia is thrilled to partner with Hopworks Brewery, a Certified B Corporation that was the first commercial brewery to brew craft beers using Kernza®,” says Paul Lightfoot, Patagonia Provision’s General Manager. “Craft beer drinkers want delicious high-quality beer made with clean ingredients that are better for the planet, and we look forward to bringing that beer to Patagonia customers with Hopworks in Portland and Vancouver.” 

Certified B Corp Hopworks Brewery has also recently released two refreshing seasonal in time for summertime adventures and recreation: Ferocious Citrus IPA and Rindless Watermelon Lime Gose. 

Ferocious Citrus IPA is a returning favorite with a refreshed recipe, featuring juicy tangerine in a soft, hazy, balanced IPA. Tropical and resinous hop notes add complexity, and it finishes slightly bitter, but clean and snappy. This one will appeal to IPA lovers looking for a new brew for summer. 6.2% ABV, 50 IBU, available in 12-ounce 6-packs at retailers throughout the Pacific Northwest and in Hopworks’ pubs.

Rindless Watermelon Gose is a refreshing kettle sour brewed with watermelon, lime and a dash of Jacobsen sea salt. Subtle aromas and flavors of watermelon candy and lime zest are balanced with a touch of salinity, and the pour is a gorgeous, rosy orange color. This is a thirst-quenching, bright summertime sour. 5.2% ABV, 5 IBU, available in 16-ounce 4-packs at retailers throughout the Pacific Northwest and in Hopworks’ pubs.