MNB goes organic (kind of)
We’ve resolved to start brewing organic. And up till now, we’ve been all talk. Technically, we’re still all talk, but we have managed to procure 100 lbs of organic 2-row base malt – no easy feat in Georgia. And thanks to Joel’s wily dealings we have more organic grains and some organic hops on the way. We got enough to brew our Swashchuckler IPA and our stout to test the waters.
Our reasons for brewing organic are twofold. One, organic seems like the right thing to do. It’s better for the environment, better for people, better for communities… The Beer Activist does a great job detailing the numerous benefits of organic beer. Two, it’s different from the competition. No other Georgia breweries are brewing organic – and precious few breweries in the South are. We’ll be a definite underdog in the years after opening our doors, but some great organic brews might give us a point of differentiation when marketing our beers. Not to mention they should taste better.
Come on by tomorrow! We won’t be brewing organic yet… but we will be brewing.
Jonathan, Joel & Jeff
February 11th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Great to see you guys going organic! It’s not an easy feat, I’ve been interviewing a couple of organic brewers on my site, and it sounds like the way to go is to somehow get in contact with some local organic farmers. I’ve been trying to brew my homebrews organic, and its been a process to change my recipes over. In the end I think it’ll be worth it, and its a good business plan, especially if there are no others in Georgia.
Salud!
The Bearded Brewer
beardebrewing.org
February 11th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Great move,
You guys should interview Roots Organic Brewing in Portland, OR.
http://www.rootsorganicbrewing.com
Good luck and Cheers!
February 12th, 2008 at 9:01 am
I’d suggest using organic pilsner malt instead of 2-row. You get a much milder flavor from the base and can then let the accessory malts do the work. I have a slight bias against the flavor of organic 2-row though - it just imparts its own flavor that I can’t always get behind.
Since the USDA didn’t change its regulations on percent of organic ingredients, you’ll be able to use non-organic hops if you’re only going for USDA organic certification.
Best of luck - its a noble cause and I have proof that it can be done well.