Patagonia’s Betting On Beer to Solve Climate Change: Long Root Ale

Patagonia is on a mission to change agricultural and food practices around the world, one cold brew at a time. Patagonia’s Long Root Ale is the company’s latest product to roll out of their sustainably sourced food and beverages division, Patagonia Provisions. Released on October 3,  in association with Hopworks Urban Brewery in Portland, Oregon, it is only available on the west coast- so far.

“Beer holds a critical role in society and history. All it takes is a small tweak in the way we make our beer to affect big change – we are hoping this message reaches the big brewers of the world.”

Pataogonia Provisions Director Birgit Cameron, Sr

What’s in a name? The Long Grain reference in the name derives from the beer’s key ingredient, Kernza, a superwheat showing promise to save our soil. This fairly new grain is a distant relative to wheat and marks the first time this grain is being used commercially in a brew. It comes with a host of impressive benefits: two years growth without reseeding, uses less water, prevents soil erosion, does not require pesticides, AND extracts more carbon from the atmosphere than traditional wheat. It’s beer, only better.

Compared to traditional wheat, Kernza’s root system extends down 10 feet  and has at least a two year growing season. Perk –  less tilling of the soil. That small but significant feat makes a dramatic impact over time toward regenerative agriculture. It the roots that make the difference. This super-seed was the brain-child of The Land Institute, a research based organization working to make alternatives to the current model of agriculture. With an eye on the future, it’s intent is to find a less destructive, more sustainable model of farming.