New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, Colo., and Imperfect Foods announced the release of Citrus Rescue IPA, a fruited IPA brewed using oranges that might not be “perfect” by society's narrow beauty standards due to little scars and blemishes but are just as adorable, healthy and delicious, the companies say.

The two companies ― both certified B Corporations ― came together to make this first-of-its-kind beer with the goal of educating beer drinkers about the state of our broken food system, working to change the perception around the aesthetics of food, and encouraging more people to take steps to reduce food waste in their own lives, it adds.

To make Citrus Rescue IPA, New Belgium used approximately 35,000 imperfect oranges from Imperfect Foods’ supply chain of farmers. The beer was dry hopped with Citra, Lotus and Mosaic hops to amplify those citrus flavors, for a tangy, orange creamsicle like experience. 

Available nationwide, Citrus Rescue IPA features a 6.5% ABV and has a flavor profile that delivers moderate sweetness with slight-moderate sourness and lingering moderate bitterness, it says.

The companies collaborated on a set of digital resources for customers who want to adopt food-rescue practices at home ― including several tips for beer drinkers who want to learn how to extend the life of their beer and keep it tasting fresh.

“Beer is a powerful vehicle to create impact. With every beer we make at New Belgium, we ask what purpose it serves for the people in our community,” said New Belgium Brand Manager Astrid Moresco, in a statement. “Citrus Rescue IPA is a delicious way for beer drinkers to start reducing the food ― and beer ― wasted in their own homes, and we hope it inspires beer drinkers to seek out and support certified B Corps like Imperfect Foods and New Belgium, which make the wellbeing of people and our planet a business imperative as equal to financial success.”

One-third of all food grown in the United States is wasted, according to reFED, which produces a greenhouse gas footprint greater than the airline industry. New Belgium has prioritized waste reduction practices for more than 30 years and the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council has awarded New Belgium platinum certification ― the highest level possible ― for its achievements in diverting waste from landfills. Imperfect Foods is on a mission to eliminate food waste by building a better food system. This partnership with New Belgium underscores both brands’ commitments to helping solve major social, economic and environmental issues, they say. 

“For our first national retail beverage partnership, we’re thrilled to be working with fellow B-Corp New Belgium Brewing to shine a light on food waste with this delicious and waste-fighting beer. This Citrus Rescue IPA is made using cosmetically imperfect, oranges. We hope this collaboration encourages people to think differently about how their food looks and to engage in conversations around food waste over a cold beer,” said Maddy Rotman, head of sustainability for Imperfect Foods, in a statement.