Craft beverage passport celebrates Nevada producers.
“Way out in the land of the setting sun,” Nevada’s official state song goes, “… home means Nevada to me.” A phrase from that opening line became the name of a beer that kicked off the state’s inaugural craft beverage passport program established by Made in Nevada and the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
Land of the Setting Sun, a pre-Prohibition lager brewed in a collaborative effort by IMBĪB Custom Brews, Great Basin Brewing Co., and Pigeon Head Brewery in the Reno-Sparks area, and CraftHaus Brewery in Las Vegas, showcases the state’s agricultural prowess with its 100 percent Nevada-grown and malted barley from 40 Mile Malt in Fallon and (now-defunct) Bently Heritage Estate in Minden.
The passport does not stop at beer. Enthusiasts ages 21 and up are invited to “taste the state” by visiting all 37 of the participating craft alcohol beverage makers throughout Nevada, which include breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Drinkers receive a stamp on each establishment’s designated page and, at the end of the year, can mail completed (partially or fully!) passport books to the NDA for a chance to win prizes.
Nevada Grown
Participating business owners who use locally grown agriculture ingredients are recognized with a Nevada state icon so that “passport holders know they are supporting Nevada businesses all along the supply chain,” says NDA director Jennifer Ott.
As part of the NDA’s mission to promote statewide agriculture, it’s important to highlight craft beverage makers utilizing Nevada-produced ingredients in their processes. This aspect of the passport program presented an opportunity for IMBĪB Custom Brews to partner with 40 Mile Malt, Nevada’s only craft maltster.
“Our decision to participate has encouraged us to think about using more locally grown ingredients,” says Matt Johnson, IMBĪB’s co-founder.
Johnson also points out the special circumstances of small businesses working together with local government officials.
“We love any opportunity to showcase what makes our craft beverages unique,” he says. “We are excited that the department of agriculture wanted to invest in a project like this.”
The collaboration makes perfect sense to Ott.
“Talented makers across the state are producing award-winning beers and spirits,” she says, “and we’re proud these small businesses have decided to call Nevada home.”
The interactive passport book celebrates the connection between agriculture and commerce by inviting both residents and visitors to experience the state’s diverse craft beverage industry. For details about the Nevada Craft Beverage Passport or to print your own, visit Agri.nv.gov/passport.
Emma Schmitz is a writer living in Truckee. She’s a certified cicerone, beer judge, and overall lover of tasty liquids.
