What is organic beer? (Washington Post)

The Washington Post has an article today on organic beers, written by Beer columnist Greg Kitsock.

Some interesting points:

• According to the Organic Trade Association, 2006 sales of organic beers (1% of the craft beer segment) were $25 million, up 32% over 2005.
• Organic malt, according to Hugh Sisson of Clipper City Brewing, costs double "regular" that of malt.
• Until recently, most organic hops came from New Zealand. That is changing.
• According to the USDA, 95% of the dry weight of an organic beer, excluding the hops, must be certified organic.

The rest of the piece: There's a Tinge of Green in the Glass

The featured beer in the piece is Oxford Organic Raspberry Wheat from Clipper City Brewing Company (by whom I'm employed).

The Virginia kickoff for the Oxford Organics line will be hosted by restaurant Magnolias Mill in Purcellville on Thursday, 22 May.

Details here.