Anderson Valley Brewing Company was founded in 1987 by David Norfleet and Kim and Ken Allen. At the time, it was one of just 20 craft breweries in the United States. The original 10-barrel brewhouse was designed and installed by owner and original brewer David Norfleet. The original brewery was located in the lower level of the brewpub, The Buckhorn Saloon, in downtown Boonville. Early on the goal was to create outstanding ales, porters, and stouts. In its first year the company produced approximately 600 barrels of beer. In 1996 when the demand for their beers exceeded the capacity of the 10-barrel brewery below the pub, a 30-barrel facility was installed just a mile from downtown Boonville at the corner of Highways 128 and 253. This brewery saw them through a dramatic period of growth, which included the introduction of a 12-ounce bottling line. By 1998 production had reached 15,000 barrels annually and construction began on a three-story Bavarian-style brewhouse. Two vintage brewhouses were installed, a 100-barrel and an 85-barrel. These all copper "onion dome" brewhouses had been rescued from two defunct German breweries during a trip to Europe in 1995. The new brewhouse went online and started producing beer once again in August 2000. In April 2010 the brewery sold to industry veteran Trey White, the former executive vice president of United States Beverage, and two silent partners. In September of that year Fal Allen returned to the brewery as brewmaster. White introduced the Bahl Hornin’ Series, expanded the barrel aged and sour beer programs, and increased brewing capacity. In 2016, the brewery produced about 55,000 barrels of beer. In December of 2019 the brewery was sold to the McGee Family and beer and wine industry veteran Kevin McGee assumed the role of President and CEO.
Beers
Anderson Valley Brewing Company's main lineup of beers includes Boont Amber Ale, Poleeko Pale Ale and Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout. Hop Ottin' IPA was added in the mid 1990s. Additionally the brewery produces Brother David's Belgian style Double and Triple, Heelch O'Hops Imperial IPA, and the Summer and Winter Solstice beers, as well as several barrel-aged sour beers. In 2012 they collaborated with Wild Turkey bourbon to release Anderson Valley Bourbon Barrel Stout. Other beers in the "Barl" series followed including Boont Barl and Huge Arker Imperial Stout. In 2014, they expanded into the gose style, releasing The Kimmie, The Yink, & The Holy Gose, Blood Orange Gose, and Briney Melon Gose. Esquire magazine named Anderson's Boont Amber Ale as one of the "Best Canned Beers to Drink Now" in February 2012.
Awards
Marketing
The brewery often uses words and phrases from the localBoontling lingo on their labels and packaging, as well as in some of their beer names. Their packaging also features the company mascot, Barkley the "Legendary Boonville Beer". This fictional Anderson Valley native is part bear, part deer and looks like a bear with antlers.
Visitors
In 2004 the brewery sold the Buckhorn Saloon and opened its own tasting room pub on the current brewery property. The pub has over 15 beers on draft, many of which can not be found at any other location. Tours of the brewing facility are offered daily at 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. The brewery also has an 18-hole disc golf course. Course fees are $5.00 per player, per day, and fees include a coupon that can be redeemed immediately for $5.00 OFF of any Anderson Valley Brewing Company retail purchase of $10.00 or more. The course is open from 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Course features are DGA Mach II baskets, par 3 all around, with distances ranging from about 200–350 ft, Ponds, trees, buildings, and oak groves as play hazards, and only small variations in elevation.
Since 1997, the brewery has hosted the Boonville Beer Festival. The festival is held annually each spring and featuring dozens of breweries from around North America, multi-stage live music performances and local foods. The festival has grown each year. In 2010 the festival hosted 80 breweries featuring over 250 beers and over 6000 festival goers. The festival encourages people to consume responsibly and not to drive - there is camping available throughout the valley including over 100 camp sites at the county fair ground adjacent to the festival proper and the local senior center offers free mini bus transportation between the festival grounds and local camp sites. All the proceeds from the festival are donated to local charities. As of 2018 the festival has raised and donated over $1,600,000.00 to local charities.
Environmental efforts
In 2006, the brewery installed an $860,000 photovoltaic solar array which provides near half of the company's electrical needs with a peak of 125 kilowatts of solar power. The brewery recycles its plastic wrap, paper, cardboard, steel, glass, plastic bottles and aluminium cans. Anderson Valley Brewing Company has been a five time WRAP Award Winner in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005. The Waste Reduction Awards Program recognizes California businesses for their outstanding waste reduction efforts. Organic waste is recycled. Like many breweries, the spent grain, hops and yeast are all used by local farmers for animal feed and composting. The brewery also operates its own wastewater treatment plant. The brewery's effluent waste water after treatment is used for irrigation on the brewery's 28 acres.
