Is organic beer bad?

I've often heard many people share their dislike of organic beer. The common misconception is that the quality of the beer is poor because of the ingredients.

This is quite far from the truth.

I think the reason for organic beer getting a bad rap is the approach commercial organic producers take in their business choices. Instead of getting into the beer business with a first and foremost passion for quality beer, they step into this arena with their motivation being things like a great marketing concept or they are excited about organic agriculture and sustainability. These are not a bad thing, but they won't make good beer.

As a homebrewer, the majority of the beer I make comes from organic ingredients (here is a great source for buying organic). I'm proud of this fact and have never thought once that it hurts the quality of the beer I make. Making a great product is always my first priority, but sustainability constantly floats around in the back of my mind.

In the commercial spectrum, the shelves are filled with many great organic choices. In places like Portland, OR almost everyone's making organic beer; Roots Brewing Co., Laurelwood, Hair of the Dog, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Etc. For beers that are more widely distributed there are some truely great choices; New Belguims Mothership Wit, Deschutes has some organic products, Bison makes some fine organic beers (they made a farmhouse saison 2 years ago that was one of my favorite beers of the year), and the list continues to grow all the time.

So, don't count the beer out because it is organic, that is no reason to stereotype some really great breweries.