Eel River Brewing Company

Eel River Brewing Company

The Eel River Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Fortuna, California. It was founded in 1995 by Ted Vivatson and Margaret Frigon, making it one of the oldest craft breweries in Northern California. The brewery is known for its commitment to sustainability and organic brewing practices.

History

The Eel River Brewing Company was established in 1995 by Ted Vivatson and Margaret Frigon. Inspired by their love for craft beer and the natural beauty of the Eel River Valley, they set out to create a brewery that would not only produce high-quality beer but also prioritize environmental sustainability.

From the beginning, the brewery focused on using organic ingredients and implementing eco-friendly practices. They became the first certified organic brewery in the United States in 1999, setting a new standard for the industry. Today, the Eel River Brewing Company continues to be a leader in sustainable brewing.

Beers

The Eel River Brewing Company offers a wide range of beers, each crafted with care and using organic ingredients. Some of their popular brews include:

• Organic Amber Ale: A smooth and malty ale with a rich amber color.
• Raven's Eye Imperial Stout: A bold and robust stout with notes of chocolate and coffee.
• California Blonde Ale: A light and refreshing ale with a crisp finish.
• Emerald Triangle IPA: A hop-forward IPA with citrus and pine flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the core of the Eel River Brewing Company's philosophy. They strive to minimize their environmental impact through various initiatives, including:

• Renewable Energy: The brewery is powered by a combination of solar panels and a micro-hydro generator, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.
• Water Conservation: They have implemented water-saving measures throughout the brewing process, such as using a closed-loop cooling system and reusing water for cleaning.
• Waste Reduction: The brewery recycles and composts as much waste as possible, minimizing landfill contributions.
• Organic Farming: They work closely with local organic farmers to source their ingredients, supporting sustainable agriculture.

Awards and Recognition

The Eel River Brewing Company has received numerous awards and recognition for their exceptional beers and commitment to sustainability. Some of their notable achievements include:

• Great American Beer Festival: They have won multiple medals at this prestigious beer competition, including gold medals for their Organic Amber Ale and Raven's Eye Imperial Stout.
• California State Fair Commercial Beer Competition: They have been recognized with several awards, including Best of Show for their Organic Amber Ale.
• Sustainable Business Certification: The brewery has been certified as a sustainable business by various organizations, highlighting their commitment to environmental stewardship.

See Also

• Craft brewery
• Organic beer
• Sustainable brewing