Think Globally, Drink Locally
By Katy Pollock
Filed Under Green Living |
We’ve all heard our grandparents start a story with, “Back in my day…” And some of you may have thought, oh here they go again, but when my grandpa starts a story, I hang on each and every word. He’s had a simple yet rich life, born in 1912, worked since he was just a boy, married for more than 70 years, and he’s still living independently and golfing regularly at age 96. I’m so drawn to stories of the “old days” and I often wonder why I wish to harness a piece of that era for my life today.
Ironically, many of today’s eco-trends are reminiscent of days gone by: whole-grain preservative-free baking, DIY crafting & fashion, farmer’s markets and even biking to work. One trend that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, though ignorantly, is the craft of microbrew beers. On my journey to become more environmentally aware, little did I know that enjoying a tasty draft-poured local microbrew was, in fact, eco-friendly. And what I thought was a new trend born in the northwest (hey, I’m an Oregonian) was indeed the art of beer brewing for centuries of old. Before mass production, fungicides, pesticides and the woes of Prohibition, there were local brewers who created organic, tasty microbrews for their neighbors and town folk. When beer became a mechanized industry, the community being served went from local to national and before long, global.
Thankfully in the 1980’s, the trend of microbrews reemerged in the states and by the late 90’s, the first certified organic microbrew in the US was poured. All other arguments aside, the most sustainable choice for beer is the one offered on draft and fermented closest to your current location. This dramatically cuts down the fuel consumption and pollution created by shipping. Draft beer is delivered in a reusable metal keg that’s returned to the brewery over and over again. And the glass it’s served in is used hundreds of times, unlike single-serve bottles. Not only is drinking locally brewed beer good for the planet, it also supports the local economy.
In this case, as with doughnuts, old-fashioned tastes great. So let’s drink a beer like our great-grandfathers did. While we’re at it, let’s pour a cold one for our great-grandmothers, because odds are they didn’t get to enjoy what I would consider a sufficient amount of pints.
If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by one of these incredible microbreweries for happy hour and sample your regional beers. Cheers!
Pacific Northwest
Eel River Brewing (Humboldt, CA)
Humboldt County is known setting the standard for America, in both artisanally-made cheese and incredibly luscious herbs. Their beer is by no means an exception, as Eel River crafts award-winning brews and is resposible for the country’s certified organic beer.
Our favorite: Organic Raven’s Eye Imperial Stout
Southwest
Stone Brewing Co (Escondido, CA)
Stone Brewing Co.’s Russian Imperial Stout is rated 14th out of 100 in the “Best Beers On Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate.com. They’ve won architectural awards and tons of community love for their Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, just north of San Diego. They reuse the vegettable oil from their famous Arrogant Bastard Onion Rings to make biodiesel for their beer delivery trucks. Go ahead California, get Stoned.
Our favorite: Arrogant Bastard Ale
Midwest
Lakefront Brewing Company (Milwaukee, WI)
It turns out Milwaukee’s best can actually be found in a microbrewery called Lakefront. Their Big Easy Beer, Eastside Dark, and New Grist (gluten-free if you can believe it) Amber have all received numerous awards.
Every Friday they have their famous Fish Fry and most days of the week, you can enjoy a tour of the brewery. If you’re anywhere near this brewery come May, you must stop by for their Guitar Hero 3 May Madness Tournament! You will not be sorry.
Our Favorite: Lakefront Organic ESB
Southeast
Abita Brewing Company (Abita Springs, LA)
Laissez bon temps roulez! Abita’s beers contain no ingredients other than Abita’s spring water, malted barley, hops and yeast. If you’re on the wagon, they also have an incredible root beer. Just think-drinking these Louisiana-made brews could very well contribute to post-Katrina reconstruction. Get to sippin.’
Our favorite: Abita Purple Haze
Northeast
Brooklyn Brewery (Brooklyn, NY)
Opened in 1987, Brooklyn Brewery has become a classic amongst New York City locals. They take great pride in their brew. “Craft beer is made by traditional methods and all natural ingredients, 100% malted barley; no corn, no rice, no preservatives, no chemicals. The result is richer colored, richer flavored beers; the kind microbreweries produce.” says President Steve Hindy. East India Pale Ale, Brooklyn Lager, Brown Ale, Pilsner, and Weisse beerSince 2003, Brooklyn Brewery has been powered 100% by wind energy. We love that.
Our favorite: Brooklyn India Pale Ale
Inspired to take action?
- Visit the breweries
- Ask your local barkeep or your neighborhood grocer what they have that’s local
- For more local brews around the country, check out the guide on GreenYour.com
- Review your favorite local brewery and send it in to eCo Times for posting
- If you do find yourself lucky enough to be on the premises of a fantastic brewery, smell the hops and have another round!
Remember-think global, drink local. Old-fashioned tastes great. Bottoms up!
Posted on April 18, 2008 |
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4 Responses to “Think Globally, Drink Locally”
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great article. never realized my beer drinking could make a difference.
(and with doughnuts) ha haha.
love this article. what a fantastic writer. now i just need an article that says drinking beer is actually good for ME, too. perhaps something about it’s fiber content or how it will make me live long and prosper somehow….
We live in the Rocky Mountain region…is there a beer we should be drinking or should we drive to Oregon? I s’pose we could bike there.
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