Patagonia's enough of an icon among preppies and streetwear fiends alike that it could get by just making the same fleecy outerwear staples until the sun burns out. But the brand still devotes a lot of time and effort to the needs of the core group of crunchy outdoorsy types that it was aimed at when it launched in 1973. And since the best thing about hiking is getting a buzz on with your crew after you get to where you're hiking to, it only makes sense that the company would have a beer on offer with the rest of the provisions it makes.
A couple years of ago the brand celebrated its 40th anniversary with a collaboration with Colorado's New Belgium brewery. The new Long Root Ale—produced in partnership with Hopworks Urban Brewery in Portland, Oregon—is dedicated to an even bigger idea: combating climate change.
Long Root is brewed with not only Chinook, Mosaic, and Crystal hops, but a grain called Kernza, which was developed by the nonprofit Land Institute from a distant relative of wheat. Kernza is a perennial, which means that it doesn't need to be replanted year after year, which means less emissions from farm machinery. And with roots that can grow as far as 10 feet deep, it's effective at both preventing soil erosion and sequestering atmospheric carbon in the soil.
It also seems pretty good for making into beer. Long Root has a mild, grassy bite that's refreshing after a day of trekking the wilderness (or sitting in front of a laptop), followed by a smooth, rounded finish that would make it ideal for hanging around the campfire well into the night.
