Perfect Beer From Imperfect Fruit

New Belgium Brewing is as serious about the environment as they are about sustainability and they’ve partnered with Imperfect Foods, an online grocer at the forefront of eliminating food waste and building a better food system, to do something special.

The two companies – both certified B Corporations – came together to make a first-of-its-kind beer with the goal of educating beer drinkers about the state of our broken food system, working to change the perception around the aesthetics of food, and encouraging more people to take steps to reduce food waste in their own lives.

All admirable goals that led to a very decent beer…

New Belgium’s appropriately named Citrus Rescue IPA is a 6.5% ABV  fruited India Pale Ale brewed using oranges that may not be ‘perfect’ by society’s narrow beauty standards due to little scars and blemishes but are just as, healthy, and delicious.

To make Citrus Rescue IPA, New Belgium used approximately 35,000 imperfect oranges from Imperfect Foods’ supply chain of farmers looking to sell previously unwanted produce. The beer was abundantly dry hopped with Citra, Lotus and Mosaic hops to amplify those citrus flavors for a tangy, orange fruited like experience that also cuts food waste.

The companies also collaborated on a set of digital resources for those who want to adopt food-rescue practices at home, including several tips for beer drinkers who want to learn how to extend the life of their beer and keep it tasting fresh.

“Beer is a powerful vehicle to create impact. With every beer we make at New Belgium, we ask what purpose it serves for the people in our community,” said New Belgium Brand Manager Astrid Moresco. “Citrus Rescue IPA is a delicious way for beer drinkers to start reducing the food – and beer – wasted in their own homes.

One-third of all food grown in the US is wasted, according to reFED. And that waste produces a greenhouse gas footprint greater than the airline industry.

New Belgium Brewing has long prioritized waste reduction practices. The US. Zero Waste Business Council has awarded the Fort Collins, CO-based brewery, a platinum certification (the highest level possible) for its achievements in diverting waste from landfills.

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(All Image credits: New Belgium Brewing)