I went looking for organic beer a few days ago and realized that my grocery store only carries 2 varieties (Peak Organic and Wolaver’s). Because of this, I thought I might provide a public service by doing a round up of some great organic beers available in the US. I’ve tracked down a few of my favorites as well as a few brews I’ve not yet had the good fortune to sample. Hope this helps next time you’re looking for the perfect organic brew and not sure which to buy!

The idea to write this post actually originated with a 6-pack of Peak Pale Ale I picked up at the grocery store last week. Brewed in Portland, Maine by Peak Organic Brewing Company, I can conclusively state that Peak Pale Ale is tasty, full-flavored and a pleasure to drink. The Peak Organic Brewing Company was launched in 1998 with a mission to “make the world’s most delicious beers, and to make them in a way that we can feel good about.” Today, the company uses locally-sourced ingredients in the production of their beers, and maintains a business philosophy that includes sustainable and environmental principles in the brewing of their beers.

Wolaver’s has been making certified organic ales since 1997, and is committed to “making the best beers in the most ecologically sound way.” Located in MIddlebury, Vermont, Wolaver’s brews 7 different organic beers including their seasonal Will Stevens Pumpkin Ale, and 10th Anniversary Farmhouse Ale. I’ve had the pleasure of sampling Wolaver’s, and I can definitely say that these guys make good beer! In addition to using the freshest, most natural ingredients available, Wolaver’s also donates a percentage of their profits to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, and is a long-time supporter of sustainable brewing.

The Eel River Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Fortuna, California, and holds the distinction of crafting the first ever certified organic beer, and of being the first certified organic brewery in the country. And while I can’t exactly recall ever having consumed Eel River beer (hey, it’s hard to keep track), the fact that they’ve won tons of awards for their products is indicative of the quality and taste of their beers. The company makes 7 USDA Certified Organic brews, and ships them all over the country. If you want to try some on your own, make sure you check their map to see if you can buy Eel River beers in your state!

Green Lakes Organic Ale is brewed by the Bend, Oregon brewers at Deschutes Brewery, and made using Salmon-Safe certified organic hops in an Oregon Tilth certified 50-barrel brew house. The brewery was certified organic after brewing 20,000 batches of beer, and now meets the National Organic Program standards. By using Salmon-Safe certified Sterling hops, Deschutes Brewery is helping create a safer future for the wildlife living downstream these sustainably hops fields, and bringing us an eco-friendly brew in the process.

Elliott Bay Brewing in Seattle, Washington uses 100% organic barley to brew their signature craft beers. With a 7 barrel (or 200 gallon) capacity, Elliott Bay Brewing makes a fresh batch of organic beer weekly and serves it in their Brewery/Pub in West Seattle and in their Brewpub in Burien. You can find a list of their year-round and seasonal beers here, or stop by for a fresh one if you’re in the neighborhood!

Located in Olympia, Washington, Fish Brewing Company is a locally-owned craft brewery that produces authentic British-style organic ales and German style lagers for beer lovers. When visiting the brewery you have your choice of three organic ales – Organic Amber Ale, Organic India Pale Ale, and Wild Salmon Organic Pale Ale. Each beer is certified organic by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, the USDA, and the National Organic Program. Finding bottled Fish Tale beers might be difficult outside of Washington State, but as winners of multiple NABA awards, you’re probably wise to snap up any bottles you find on your liquor store shelves!

To learn more about organic beer and breweries, check out Roger Protz’s The Organic Beer Guide from the Carlton Publishing Group.

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