Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Logo

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is a prominent American brewing company founded in 1980 by Ken Grossman and Paul Camusi in Chico, California. It is renowned for its pioneering role in the craft beer movement and is one of the largest craft breweries in the United States.

History

The company was established with a modest homebrewing setup, which quickly expanded due to the popularity of its flagship product, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. The brewery's name is inspired by the Sierra Nevada mountain range, reflecting the founders' love for the outdoors and commitment to quality.

Early Years

In the early 1980s, the American beer market was dominated by large macrobreweries, and craft beer was a nascent concept. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company was among the first to challenge this status quo by offering a distinctive, hop-forward pale ale that captured the attention of beer enthusiasts.

Expansion

Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, California, April 2021

As demand for its beers grew, Sierra Nevada expanded its operations. In 1989, the company moved to a larger facility in Chico, which allowed for increased production capacity. The brewery continued to innovate, introducing new styles and brewing techniques.

In 2014, Sierra Nevada opened a second brewery in Mills River, North Carolina, to better serve the East Coast market and reduce the environmental impact of shipping beer across the country.

Beers

Sierra Nevada is best known for its Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, a classic American pale ale that helped define the style. The brewery also produces a wide range of other beers, including seasonal and limited-edition offerings.

Flagship Beers

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

• Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: This beer is characterized by its deep amber color and complex, piney, and citrusy hop aroma. It is brewed with whole-cone Cascade hops, which contribute to its distinctive flavor.

• Torpedo Extra IPA: A bold India Pale Ale with intense hop aromas and a balanced malt backbone. It is named after the "Hop Torpedo," a device developed by Sierra Nevada to enhance hop flavor and aroma.

Torpedo Ale Label

Seasonal and Special Releases

Sierra Nevada offers a variety of seasonal beers, such as the Celebration Fresh Hop IPA, which is brewed with freshly harvested hops each year. The brewery also experiments with barrel-aged beers and collaborations with other breweries.

Sustainability

Sierra Nevada is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Chico brewery features one of the largest privately owned solar arrays in the country, and both breweries utilize energy-efficient practices and water conservation measures.

Community Involvement

The company is actively involved in supporting local communities and charitable causes. It hosts events such as the "Beer Camp Across America" festival, which brings together craft brewers and beer lovers from across the nation.

Related Pages

• Craft beer
• India Pale Ale
• Cascade hops
• Ken Grossman

External Links

• [Official Sierra Nevada Brewing Company website](https://www.sierranevada.com)