Kernza is a perennial grain, which means it doesn't need replanting every year the way most brewing grains do. That's a soil science detail before it's a beer detail, and Hardywood seems fine leading with it anyway.
Teaming up with Patagonia Provisions, the food and beverage arm of the outdoor apparel company, Hardywood built a light, crisp, malt-driven Lager around the stuff at 4.5% ABV. Ongoing research suggests Kernza's deep root system stores more carbon in the soil than annual grains, on top of reducing tilling and improving water retention. In the glass, it adds a rich but subtle, nutty flavor, which is a fairly graceful way for a soil-health grain to also just taste good.
Available in 4-packs starting today at both Hardywood taprooms, while supplies last. Not every sustainability angle also happens to be drinkable. This one is.