From funky craft brews to old-word Lagers, these sustainable breweries are proving great beer doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet! Check out these eco-friendly spots to throw back a few cold ones.
Anderson Valley Brewing Company
In Boonville, California, Anderson Valley Brewing Company operates as the world’s first solar-powered brewery that uses a completely self-contained water system. Stop by this 30-acre beer park and throw back a pint of fan-favorite Boont Amber Ale with its toffee notes, or relax in an Adirondack chair with a Tropical Hazy Sour Ale. The brewery is also home to an 18-hole disc golf course, live musical performances and the annual Boonville Beer Fest!
New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, Colorado, remains committed to eco-friendly brewing through solar power, a closed-loop brewing system and wind power. Stop by for a tour of the brewery and sample world-class beer like their beloved Fat Tire ale or the cocktail-inspired Dominga Grapefruit Paloma with notes of grapefruit, lime and agave. Pair your brew with some grub from food trucks hosted on the property, from soul food to Mexican. On Sundays, check out their Sustainable Swap series (bring in a record to swap and get a free Fat Tire).
Roadhouse Brewing
In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, certified B-Corp Roadhouse Brewing gained the title of “Best of the World” for its environmentally friendly brewing practices. Stop by the main brewery’s intimate taproom for a tropical, punchy Mountain Jam Vol. 8 (one of only 10 beers on tap) and take a tour of the facility. Or, head across town to their brewpub for upscale pub fare like Chef Martin’s Elk and Bacon chili, spicy BBQ Pork Tots, and a citrusy Wilson Mountain-style IPA with hints of pine and malt.
Saltwater Brewery
Located in Delray Beach, Florida, Saltwater Brewery whips up craft beer inspired by the ocean. Home to a tasting room and beer garden, this microbrewery is the first in the world to utilize eco-friendly six-pack rings. Enjoy beach views and brews, like the Sea Cow Milk Stout with notes of smoke and sweetness (it’s named after the Florida Manatee) or the Hazy Shark, an IPA featuring the flavor of men. Hungry? The brewery hosts food trucks throughout the week. Chow down on Caribbean cuisine, barbecue and street tacos.
Core Brewing & Distilling Co.
Core Brewing & Distilling Co. in Springdale, Arkansas, keeps it green by reusing water in its brewing and distilling process. Chill on the couch with a cold, crisp Golden Lion Pilsner in hand, or soak in the sunshine on the dog-friendly deck with a pleasantly tart Birds in the Cellar Passionfruit Sour. Saddle up to the bar and sample a flight of their in-house brews, or try their famous Scarlet Letter Red Spiked Seltzer, a twist on a classic mule with hibiscus, cucumber, lime, and ginger beer.
Alaskan Brewing Co.
In Juneau, Alaska, Alaskan Brewing Co. turns trash into treasure by reclaiming CO2 and shipping spent grain to area farmers. Enjoy views of rugged evergreen peaks while you down a SMaSH Galaxy Double IPA, brewed with intense, bitter Australian Galaxy hops. Enjoy food truck eats like fresh seafood, classic burgers, or wood-fired pizza topped with local ingredients, and wash it all down with a Juneau Juice Hazy IPA or one of the brewery’s signature canned Solstice Vodka Lemonades.
Brewery Vivant
The folks behind Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids, MI, transformed a brick 1940s funeral chapel into a European-inspired gastropub and eco-brewery, retaining the tall ceilings, stained glass windows, and restored antique lights. Take a seat at the bar where the altar once stood and enjoy a Farmhand farmhouse Ale while chowing down on Duck Caesar Salad or a braised beef Mitraillette Sandwich. Or, go for something fancier and pair escargot and bone marrow with a Chromatic Shatter Hazy Pale Ale. Every year, the brewery publishes the Beer the Change sustainability report, highlighting its progress.
Innovation Brewing
At the rustic Innovation Brewing in Sylva, NC, your beer comes with incredible views of the Nantahala National Forest. Grab a local landmark-themed beer brewed using solar power, like the Bear Lake Brown or the Black Balsam Porter, and head out to the covered patio for live music. Snag a bite from the rotating food truck of the day or a pie from the pizza joint next door while you listen to folk and bluegrass with a Hibiscus Lavender Ginger Beer in hand.
