Maui Brewing Company, a renowned craft brewery based in Kihei, Hawaii, has joined forces with Patagonia Provisions, the food and beverage arm of iconic outdoor apparel company Patagonia, to create a unique and limited beer called Kernza Pilsner. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I am excited to share with you the story behind this collaboration and shed some light on who exactly brews Patagonia beer.
Patagonia Provisions, known for its commitment to sustainable and regenerative agriculture, has ventured into the world of craft beer with the aim of promoting environmentally friendly farming practices. They have partnered with Maui Brewing Company, a brewery with a strong focus on sustainability and using locally sourced ingredients, to bring their vision to life.
Maui Brewing Company, founded in 2005, has gained a reputation for producing high-quality craft beers that reflect the spirit and flavors of Hawaii. They take pride in using locally grown ingredients, such as pineapple and coconut, in their beers whenever possible. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their efforts to minimize waste, conserve water, and support local farmers.
For the creation of the Kernza Pilsner, Maui Brewing Company and Patagonia Provisions turned to a unique and sustainable grain called Kernza. Kernza is a perennial grain that is known for its deep roots, which help prevent soil erosion and promote soil health. It requires less water and fertilizer compared to traditional grains, making it a more sustainable option for agriculture.
Now, let's dive into the brewing process of Patagonia beer. Like any other beer, it starts with the selection of high-quality ingredients. Maui Brewing Company and Patagonia Provisions carefully source their hops, malt, and yeast to ensure the utmost quality and flavor.
Once the ingredients are gathered, the brewing process begins. The malted Kernza grains are milled and mixed with hot water to extract the sugars needed for fermentation. This mixture, known as the mash, is then transferred to a vessel called a lauter tun, where the liquid, known as wort, is separated from the grain husks.
The wort is then boiled and hops are added at different intervals to impart bitterness, flavor, and aroma. After the boiling process, the wort is rapidly cooled and transferred to fermentation vessels, where the yeast is added. The yeast consumes the sugars in the wort and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide, resulting in the formation of beer.
Once fermentation is complete, the beer is conditioned and carbonated before being packaged into bottles or cans. The final product, the Kernza Pilsner, showcases the unique flavors and characteristics of Kernza, balanced with the crisp and refreshing qualities of a traditional Pilsner style beer.
The Patagonia beer, specifically the Kernza Pilsner, is brewed in collaboration between Maui Brewing Company and Patagonia Provisions. Both companies share a commitment to sustainability and the use of locally sourced ingredients. Through this collaboration, they aim to promote regenerative agriculture and offer a delicious and environmentally friendly beer option. So, next time you enjoy a Patagonia beer, you can appreciate the dedication and craftsmanship that went into its brewing process.