The Illinois Farm Bureau [IFB] now has its own beer, using corn from Knox County. The Farm Bureau is partnering with Destihl Brewery in Normal to brew “Roots Lager."
"We are always looking for fun, innovative ways to tell people about the value of an Illinois Farm Bureau membership,” said IFB President Brian Duncan
The beer uses corn grown on the Williamsfield-area farm of Les Potts, who is the father of Destihl CEO and founder Matt Potts.
"Using corn from our family farm in Roots Lager is a full circle moment for me," Matt Potts said.
Roots Lager is a Munich Helles-Style Lager. It has a “radiant golden hue, delicate malt sweetness and subtle hop presence that imparts a gentle floral aroma, balancing the brew with a smooth, crisp finish,” according to Destihl.
“The beer turned out great, and while I may be a bit biased knowing that my dad's corn is in it, the corn contributes an added, very pleasant flavor dimension to the beer," Matt Potts said. "Our brewmaster did an excellent job with this recipe to highlight Illinois corn."
This is the latest in a series of partnerships and contract brewing by Destihl that includes the IWU Brew for Illinois Wesleyan University, a Redbird Ale for Illinois State University, and Pink Moonlight for the pop band Hanson.
Roots Lager will be served at the Destihl Brewery and Beer Hall and the Destihl Restaurant — both of which are in Normal. It will also be made available for purchase at select retailers.
