Colorado-based brewery releases Torched Earth Ale to illustrate climate change

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (KRDO) -- New Belgium Brewing, based out of Fort Collins, released a new brew to illustrate what the future of beer will look like if companies refuse to commit to aggressive climate action.

The new beer is called Torched Earth Ale, it was created in honor of Earth Day. According to CEO Steve Fechheimer, the beer doesn't taste very good, but that's the point.

"We've used ingredients that will be more common in a future impacted by climate change," said Fechheimer. "Smoke tainted water smoke tainted hops part of this. We're using drought-resistant grant we think will be available 20-30 years."

Hop extracts, dandelions, various malt extracts, and smoke tainted water are few of the "future" ingredients New Belgium used to create Torched Earth Ale.

Fechheimer says he hopes this aggressive tasting beer will help create a conversation about climate change, and the dangers it brings.

"Unfortunately, the future of many things within our lives are gonna be like this if we don't address climate change and address it rapidly."

We give you: The Beer of the Future (that we hope doesn’t exist). Without aggressive climate action now, the impacts will be felt even in the beer aisle. Let's work together to make sure none of us have to drink beer like this. https://t.co/FrQQ2Lo7Cl pic.twitter.com/NyDyRoaXD8

— New Belgium Brewing (@newbelgium) April 19, 2021

New Belgium says it has worked for years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use renewable energy, and funds research about climate-resilient crops.

The brewing company plans to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Torched Earth Ale is meant to a wake up call to people and other companies to make similar changes.

"We hope that our voice further pushed this movement forward and it does so in a rapid manner to hit goals that we know from science to be able to achieve."

In addition to making a new beer, New Belgium donated roughly $17 million to nonprofits working to combat climate change and conserve land and water. All proceeds of the beer will go towards Protect Our Winters.

Read more about Torched Earth Ale here.

To join Fat Tire in calling on companies to step up to climate, go to Drink Sustainably.