Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with 5 vegan friendly and “green” beers
While green-colored beer is a St Patty’s Day novelty, a number of factors make a beer genuinely green in terms of the environment, including what is in the beer, how much water is used in its processing, the materials of the beer can or bottle, as well as the company’s commitment to ethical practices. The Vegan Oktoberfest featured some of my favorite “green” and vegan friendly beers.
1. Einstok Icelandic White Ale
Einstok uses water from glaciers in Iceland, and heats the water using lava. The freshness is obvious in their beers, especially the White Ale. I am usually a dark beer drinker but the White Ale won me over with its complex flavors including orange peel and coriander. Brewed with pure Icelandic water, it is incredibly refreshing.
2. Bison Brewing Organic Chocolate Stout
Bison was the first brewery to earn the B Corp Certification, which means they meet strict standards of social and environmental performance. They brew organic beers, and they participate in and advocate for Meatless Monday, so I love them even more. I’m a true Stout and Porter fan, so their Chocolate Stout is a must-drink.
3. Angel City Brewery Pilsner
Angel City is a local LA brewery, and their pilsner is one of the best I have ever had. And, the people at the brewery are amazing; they were a highlight of Vegan Oktoberfest.
4. Sierra Nevada Pilsner
Sierra Nevada consistently supports environmental and animal rights-related events, and their commitment extends to their operating practices. They own and operate one of the largest privately owned solar arrays in the country. Their Nooner Pilsner is a great day drinking beer with a solid hoppy flavor that is both refreshing and light.
5. Stone IPA
Based in Escondido, Stone’s sustainability practices are praised by the Sierra Club. I love their Go-To IPA—a solid beer with a hoppy flavor that finishes off with crisp/refreshing citrus notes.
