• by Danielle Oster , October 4, 2023

A beer may seem an unlikely choice for a salt brand collaboration, but when you’re already used in virtually every food item, you’ve got to be creative.

As part of its big bash celebrating its 175th anniversary, Chicago-based Morton Salt collaborated with local brewery Alter Brewing, “known for its highly creative and tasteful craft brew selections,” according to Morton Salt Senior Brand Licensing Manager Kristin Edstrom in a statement.

The resulting limited-release brew was “inspired by Morton Salt,” and is named Pure Joy, an homage to founder Joy Morton. And yes, it does include salt. The brewery went with a hybrid style somewhere between a gose -- a traditional German style of sour beer employing coriander and salt revived in recent decades largely by American craft brewers -- and a hoppier style customers are undoubtedly already familiar with.

In a statement, Alter Brewing Head Brewer Matt McCowan described the beer as “a hazy IPA/Gose blend featuring a sweet and citrusy aroma, a smooth, flavorful, and juicy flavor profile, and a noticeable punch of salt that blends well with an overall sweet, smooth backbone,” acting as a “showcase” for Morton Salt.

Pure Joy is available on draft at or in to-go four-packs at all three Alter Brewing locations in Illinois, and well as through limited distribution for sale locally. Additionally, Morton Salt is making the beer available at The Morton Arboretum's Ginkgo Restaurant and Café in Lisle, Illinois.

The phenomenon of brands partnering with craft breweries has taken off over the course of the past half decade or so, with recent examples including Stone Brewing teaming up with NuZee to introduce a line of coffee, and a collaboration between Massachusetts brands Grillo’s Pickles and Lord Hobo Brewing. Patagonia’s food and beverage business -- Patagonia Provisions -- even launched a full brewery partnership program back in June, aimed at promoting organic and Regenerative Organic Certified ingredients.