There are many connotations to “organic.” Debates on healthiness and sustainability juxtaposed with marketing stratagem surrounding organics are a slippery slope that I don’t want to get into here. When it comes to beer, USDA certified organic sales, though on the rise, still pale in comparison to the others, much like micro brew sales still pale in comparison to those huge domestic breweries.
United States organic beer sales grew by over $10M between 2003 and 2005 (Canfield, 2006 Associated Press) and are likely still on the up and up. The ideas surrounding organics has for some become a marketable and lucrative operative, while in the old days, people were readily preparing and consuming organics. There was then, and is still now no need to use the nomenclature and employ pointed certification.
Butte Creek brewing from Chico, California is now distributed in half of the US states, up from a dozen states three years ago. Even goliath Anheuser-Busch has recognized the market for organic beers and added to their repertoire two organic beers last spring. Said Morgan Wolaver, CEO of pioneering Wolaver organic beers, “The market will continue to grow. The generation coming out of college up to age 35 is especially concerned with what is around them. They realize that they have power with how we spend our money.” Wolaver also feels that the market for organic brews is not contingent upon the adjudicature of A-B, and will continue to thrive as people become educated about and conscious of their purchasing decisions.
Other factors come into play for some folks who are particular about the products they elect to purchase and consume. Endorsing products that are not just organic, but also locally grown is believed by many to be a meaningful volition. Also, ingredients used in beers is another variable considered by many consumers, despite the fact that most alcoholic beverages choose not to list their ingredients. This is because alcohol is not mandated by the US FDA (food and drug administration), but rather ATF (alcohol, tobacco, and firearms). This makes it difficult for vegetarians or those averse to adjunct beers to make a well-informed judgment about their purchases. Countless other variables might affect a thoughtful consumer’s decision as to which beer to purchase. All in all, it is my personal belief that most enterprises that engage upon and procure organically certified beers, feel it is important to themselves, their customers, or both.
Here are some USDA certified organic beers for sale at Belmont Station and other fine Oregon beer shops:
Caledonian Golden Promise Ale - This crisp, light-bodied English-styled ale from Scotland is a wonderful session beer. Toasted grain flavor and a delectable dry-hopped finish makes this beer real treat.
Butte Creek Organic Pilsner - One of the finest American pilsners available, this straw colored lager is brewed with choice German malts, and Czech hops. Lively head and frothy lacing is evident in this wonderful summer beer.
Eel River Organic Porter - This porter is lighter than most which easy to enjoy more than just one. Roasty, chocolatey in flavor and mahogany-brown in color this is a year round favorite.
St Peter’s English Ale - Malty and citrusy hop aroma with a subtle piquancy that goes unrivaled in a fresh bottle. Crispy and slightly bitter in the finish. The flask shaped bottle is a handsome representative of this charming beer.
Bison Chocolate Stout - Organic chocolate stout for the ages! This is a truly wonderful presentation from Bison, perhaps their finest beer yet. Big dark brown body points to a bold and desert-like brew beneath a kahki head you’d expect from a superior stout. Sweet and almost like a foreign styled stout, this beer is a popular seller at Belmont Station for good reason. The pallet detects layer upon layer of roasty dutch cocoa and malt joy. Mmmm mmmm!
Roots Organic Woody IPA - I get a Woody when I think about it. Citrus hop finish follows a strapping German malt gusto. Roots is Oregon’s lone all-organic brewery. The Woody is the type of beer you’d expect to find at such a place in Portland, Oregon. An imperial pint served at the brewery is the only thing better than one of these citrusy hoppy and earthy malty badboys in a 22oz bottle. No oils or flipflops necessary to enjoy this amazing beer, just a glass and a love for great beer.
New Belgium Mothership Wit - Initially I wrote this organic wit off as just another quirky golden wannabe Belgian, but it was quite pleasant with just the right balance of added coriander and orange peels. Bolstered by a medium sized bright head, I could imagine this to be a nice summer session beer.
Fish Tale Amber Ale - This sweet amber ale has a slightly burnt caramel flavor and notes of cookies. Perhaps not the best amber ever, but not too shabby either. Light and easy drinking with a small white head and a glowing red-burnt sienna hue. This is just one of many delectable offering's from the Olympic organics. Gosh, I miss Ten Squared!
Moinette Biologique aka Foret -This Belgian gem pours light and golden in color and tastes like heaven. Hazy with speckles of red as it warms. Astringent and grainy with a spicy complexity that is unrivaled. Foret is unique and bursting with carbonation and citrus woodiness. It can be easy to get lost in this beer.
Pinkus Alt - This German organic beer is considered by some to be the only fully organic brewery in the world because of its pure underground water source. Big carbonation with a hard water taste. Citrusy, quite light for an alt. Nice malty complexity and good lacing left in glass. A slight tartness hangs around on the tongue. If you haven’t tried this beer yet, now is the time!
Also check for organic wines and ciders available at Belmont Station. Organic beverages at Belmont Station are marked with fluorescent yellow shelf labels.
