New Belgium & Patagonia Partner to Create California Route Cans

For 40 years, Patagonia has led the way in developing innovative outdoor gear and in environmental responsibility. To toast the company’s accomplishments, New Belgium partnered with Patagonia to create California Route, an organic California common-style beer. Boasting California lager yeast with subtle fruity esters and a refreshing light lager finish, California Route organic lager is canned for adventure. The beer has an aromatic blast of citrusy Cascade hops and a heavy dose of noble hallertau. The addition of organic Munich specialty malt builds complexity with hints of freshly baked bread. Consistent with Patagonia’s long-standing commitment to organics, the beer is brewed with certified organic ingredients.

“New Belgium has long admired Patagonia and it is an honor they thought of us for this collaboration,” said Bryan Simpson, New Belgium’s media relations director. “We’ve exchanged ideas and best practices over the years and most recently collaborated on the Save the Colorado campaign. Having an organic beer to celebrate four decades of Patagonia’s good work is very gratifying.”

Patagonia played a key role throughout the development of the beer, and when it came time to name the beer, California Route was at the top of the list. The name of the beer pays homage to the California Route on Patagonia’s Mount Fitz Roy. First climbed in 1968 by Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, Dick Dorworth, Lito Tejada-Flores and Chris Jones, the California Route is considered a Patagonia classic, with good rock and fun free-climbing in a wildly beautiful setting.

"When my sister, Claire, had the idea of brewing a 40th anniversary beer, the folks at New Belgium immediately came to mind," notes Fletcher Chouinard. "Not only are they forward-thinking in their business and brewing practices, but their beers have been a go-to for our crew and customers around the country for a long time. They were great to work with and we couldn’t be more stoked about the project!"