(Courtesy Patagogonia Provisions / Dogfish Head Craft Brewery)

In a continuing effort to improve its regenerative farming practices, Patagonia Provisions and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery have partnered to launch Kernza Pils, a distinctive German-style pilsner beer made with Kernza, a remarkable perennial grain that draws down carbon from the atmosphere and sequesters it in the ground.

In 2008, The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas, made a breakthrough in regenerative agriculture with the development of a perennial grain called Kernza. Whereas most grains are planted and harvested annually, Kernza stays in the ground year after year, developing water and nutrient transmitting roots that can up to 12 feet long.

Perennial crops like Kernza are beneficial to the environment; they protect soil from erosion and improve soil structure. They increase ecosystem nutrient retention, carbon sequestration, and can contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

And in the case of Kernza, they also lend a uniquely nutty flavor that makes a serious pilsner. And the Patagonia Provisions and Dogfish Head collaborative launch of Kernza Pils marks an important milestone in scaling Kernza.

Brewed with organic malted barley, organic Contessa hops and of course, Kernza perennial grain, Kernza Pils is an earthy aromatic 5% ABV Pilsner, with notes of pear and green tea and a bright floral character.

“We create each of our products with a solutions-based mindset, discovering and incorporating ingredients that help to solve the environmental crisis,” says Birgit Cameron, co-founder and head of Patagonia Provisions. “Together with Dogfish Head, we’re able to spotlight the important and pioneering work of The Land Institute.”

“Dogfish Head first brewed a beer with organic ingredients in 1995, when we used an organic Mexican coffee to create our Chicory Stout,” said Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head founder & brewer. “Since then, we have brewed countless beers with organic and regenerative ingredients, and have partnered with numerous organizations committed to addressing climate change and other environmental issues.”

“Diverse perennial grain agriculture holds great promise to reverse and regenerate the degradation of the soils, resources and species upon which human life depends,” said Rachel Stroer, president of The Land Institute. “Partners like Patagonia Provisions and Dogfish Head are leading the movement to get perennial crops, like Kernza, on more acres across the country. When it comes to perennials, more is better.”

Hitting shelves and taps in select markets coast to coast, Kernza Pils is one of the most widely distributed Kernza-based beers on the market and marks a significant shift towards a more climate-friendly brewing industry.

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