Beer for Skiers: Patagonia Provisions Long Root Wit

In addition to making top-notch ski outerwear, Patagonia makes beer. Good beer, too. Following the success of their first craft brew, the Long Root Pale Ale, the B-Corp certified food and beverage-arm of the company—Patagonia Provisions—just rolled out their second beer, Long Root Wit.

Brewed in collaboration with Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) in Portland, Oregon, the beer is crafted with Kernza, a perennial grain that can be grown without pesticides and uses less water than traditional wheat. Long Root Wit is also made with Hard Red Wheat from HUB’s certified organic wheat family farm in Washington State, locally-sourced two-row barley from Klamath Falls, Ore., and hops from America’s Pacific Northwest.

“I am very excited to introduce our second beer made with Kernza,” Birgit Cameron, managing director of Patagonia Provisions, said in a press release. “Through Wes Jackson’s pioneering work at The Land Institute, Patagonia Provisions has been able to help bring this important regenerative perennial grain to the forefront with the hope that others take notice and implement similar practices. Beer is the perfect vehicle for this and a delicious byproduct of our collaborative work in regenerative agricultural practices.”

Patagonia’s Long Root Wit is a delightful Belgian style wit made smooth with coriander and orange zest, but maintains a spicy rye-like kick on the palate and finish. The use of Kernza puts sharp teeth on a true craft wheat beer with a perfect kiss of Northwest hop flavor, which is something so many craft breweries fail to accomplish successfully in their hoppy wit and wheat brews.

Don’t even bother with a slice of citrus. Instead, pound it straight from the can after a day exploring the snowy backcountry on skis. Extra points if you have one after a springtime multi-sport day.

More Skier Brews: Roadhouse Loose Boots Après IPA

Patagonia Provisions Long Root Wit

• Hops: Northwest Blend.
• Color: Cloudy amber.
• Aroma: Pear, coriander, marmalade, and toast.
• Palate: Honey, crisp apple, Valencia orange, and pink peppercorn.
• Special Ingredients: Kernza Perennial Grain, coriander, orange zest.
• ABV: 4.9%
• Availability: Select Whole Food Markets and other independent grocers in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington.