Deschutes Brewery, Patagonia Provisions announce two organic beers, one non-alcoholic, brewed with Kernza grain

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes Brewery and Patagonia Provisions have teamed up to launch two new certified organic beers brewed with Kernza® perennial grain: Kernza Lager and Non-Alcoholic Kernza Golden Brew, both available nationwide starting Sept. 1. They said the latter will be the first certified organic non-alcoholic craft beer brewed in the U.S.

"Without compromise, these beers offer delicious, high-quality alcoholic or non-alcoholic options for any lifestyle—whether on the trail or in the backyard," said Tuesday's announcement, which continues in full below:

With over three decades of brewing delicious craft beers and delivering award-winning innovations, along with their recent non-alcoholic advancements through BrewVo® technology, Deschutes Brewery joins Patagonia Provisions to inspire a shift in the brewing industry towards more responsible practices and to scale Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) and organic ingredients in beer.

Most breweries source barley and hops from conventional industrial farms, which use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Fewer than 50 of the 9,700+ breweries in the U.S. produce certified organic beer (according to the USDA). Together, Deschutes and Patagonia Provisions aim to increase that number, which would mean expanded acreage of organic and ROC™ farmland and lower ingredient costs.

Deschutes x Patagonia Provisions: Kernza Lager

Kernza Lager, wildly drinkable at 4.7% ABV, boasts hints of light floral and lemon, complemented by Kernza’s subtle earthy herbal character. It’s crafted with all organic ingredients including Kernza®, a carbon-sequestering perennial grain substitute for wheat, and Regenerative Organic Certified® rye. Ingredients that earn ROC™certification meet the highest agricultural standards for soil health, animal welfare and farmworker fairness.

Deschutes x Patagonia Provisions: Non-Alcoholic Kernza Golden Brew

Non-Alcoholic Kernza Golden Brew contains the same high-quality organic ingredients and the same great flavor as Kernza Lager but without the alcohol, making it the ideal beer for any occasion. It’s crafted entirely in-house at Deschutes through a partnership with Sustainable Beverage Technologies (SBT) and utilizes the company’s patented BrewVo® technology in combination with Deschutes’ proprietary brewing methods. This groundbreaking technology allows Deschutes to create the best-tasting flavor-forward non-alcoholic beers on the market.

Both beers will be brewed with organic practices at Deschutes’ brewery in Bend, Oregon, in a continuation of their pioneering efforts to use responsibly sourced organic ingredients (Deschutes was one of the first breweries to produce a certified organic beer in 2007). Deschutes and Patagonia Provisions are committed not only to making these organic beers available nationwide, but also to ensuring affordable price points that are comparable to other non-organic craft beers on the market. Kernza Lager and Non-Alcoholic Kernza Golden Brew will be sold in 6-packs of 12oz cans and available at all major retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Kroger, and Total Wine & More, along with www.DeschutesBrewery.com, by September 1.

"As brewers, we turn barley, Kernza, and hops into tasty drinks that bring people together," said Peter Skrbek, CEO of Deschutes Brewery. "By working with farmers to eliminate chemicals, conserve water, and improve soil health, we can make a big impact. We're excited to partner with Patagonia Provisions, who share our vision for better farming and great beer for every lifestyle. Together, we aim to revolutionize the beer supply chain and promote regenerative organic farming."

The organic Kernza used in these beers is sourced from the Perennial Promise Grower’s Cooperative, a farmer-led ingredients company working to grow the impact of this perennial grain by empowering more farmers to plant it, and ensuring a high quality product for the brands that source it. Farmers using regenerative and organic agricultural practices can free themselves from the treadmill of economic instability by reducing the need for costly inputs like synthetic fertilizers.

"We’re thrilled to team up with Deschutes Brewery to bring two organic beers – a Kernza Lager and a Kernza non-alcoholic brew — to a national audience," stated Paul Lightfoot, General Manager of Patagonia Provisions. "This isn’t just about great-tasting brews—though they are pretty fantastic—it’s about championing organic and Regenerative Organic Certified® ingredients and shifting the brewing industry to more responsible practices. We’re stoked to share these beers with you as we work towards fighting the climate crisis.”

In 2023, Patagonia Provisions launched a partner brewery program wherein nearly 20 craft breweries across the U.S. each brewed their own regional Kernza Lager, made with organic ingredients, and available on draft at their owned and operated taprooms. This program will continue, and together with Deschutes, will collectively advance the movement towards a more regenerative future for the brewing industry.

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About Deschutes Brewery

Deschutes Brewery is a family and employee-owned craft brewery based in Bend, Oregon. Utilizing the volcanic filtered waters of the Deschutes River and hops from local farmers in and around Washington and Oregon, Deschutes has been a pioneer in creating award-winning, Damn Tasty Beer since 1988. Committed to a high standard of craftsmanship and quality, Deschutes is well known for its best-selling brand Fresh Squeezed IPA, the #1 porter in the US, Black Butte Porter, its heritage series of beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale and Obsidian Stout, and newer brands like King Crispy and Symphonic Chronic Double Dank IPA. Through the brewery’s patented and proprietary non-alcoholic brewing process, Deschutes is proud to offer best-in-class non-alcoholic beer that tastes as good as higher ABV craft beer. Visit our brewpubs in Bend and Portland, Oregon and our Tasting Room in Bend to try our latest brews. Visit us online at deschutesbrewery.com or on social media @deschutesbrewery.

About Patagonia Provisions

Patagonia Provisions is the food and beverage business of Patagonia, bringing delicious and nutritious Patagonia-branded products that help fight the climate crisis to customers across the United States. Patagonia Provisions is committed to supporting farming and fishing practices that restore and regenerate the environment rather than extract or deplete it. A certified B-Corporation, Patagonia is in business to save our home planet.