Nestled in the picturesque Anderson Valley of Mendocino County, California, Anderson Valley Brewing Company (AVBC) has etched its name into the annals of American craft beer history. Known for its balanced ales, innovative sours, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, AVBC stands as a testament to the craft beer revolution that began in the late 20th century. From humble beginnings in a small brewpub to becoming a solar-powered powerhouse, here’s a comprehensive look at the brewery’s journey.
Founding and Early Years: The Birth of a Craft Pioneer
Anderson Valley Brewing Company was established on December 26, 1987, in the quaint town of Boonville, California. Founded by Ken Allen, his wife Kim Allen, and David Norfleet—who designed the original brewhouse—the company emerged during a time when craft brewing was still a nascent industry. At its inception, AVBC was one of only about 20 craft breweries operating in the United States, making it a true pioneer in the movement.
The brewery started modestly in a 10-barrel brewhouse located in the lower level of The Buckhorn Saloon, a local brewpub that doubled as the company’s initial headquarters. In its first year, AVBC produced around 600 barrels of beer, focusing on traditional styles like ales, porters, and stouts. The name “Anderson Valley” pays homage to its location, and the brewery’s iconic mascot—a mythical bear-deer hybrid called the “Boont” (short for Boontling, a local dialect)—draws from regional folklore, adding a unique cultural flair to its branding.
Early distribution efforts included selling kegs to notable spots like the Toronado bar in San Francisco, which opened the same year and helped introduce AVBC’s beers to a broader audience. By the mid-1990s, the brewery had introduced flagship beers such as Boont Amber Ale, Poleeko Pale Ale, Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout, and Hop Ottin’ IPA, which quickly gained a loyal following for their balanced flavors.
Expansion and Growth: Scaling Up in the Valley
As demand for AVBC’s award-winning beers surged, the brewery outgrew its original setup. In 1995–1996, the company relocated to a new 28-acre (later expanded to 30-acre) facility at the intersection of Highways 128 and 253, just a mile from downtown Boonville. This site, dubbed “Beer Park,” featured a 30-barrel brewhouse and a 12-ounce bottling line, boosting production to 15,000 barrels annually by 1998.
A major milestone came in 1998 with the construction of a three-story Bavarian-style brewhouse, incorporating salvaged 100-barrel and 85-barrel copper “onion dome” kettles from defunct German breweries. Operational by August 2000, this expansion allowed AVBC to innovate further. In 2004, after selling The Buckhorn Saloon, the brewery opened a dedicated tasting room at Beer Park, complete with a beer garden, outdoor music stage, lounge lawn, and the world’s first 18-hole disc golf course at a brewery.
The brewery also launched the annual Boonville Beer Festival in 1997, which has raised over $1.75 million for local charities by 2020, solidifying AVBC’s role in the community. Production continued to climb, reaching about 55,000 barrels by 2016.
Ownership Changes: Evolving Leadership
AVBC’s ownership has transitioned several times, reflecting the dynamic nature of the craft beer industry. In April 2010, founder Ken Allen sold the brewery to Trey White, a former executive at United States Beverage, along with two silent partners. This era saw the return of Fal Allen as brewmaster in September 2010, who had previously served from 2000 to 2004. Under White’s leadership, AVBC expanded its barrel-aged and sour beer programs.
In December 2019, the brewery was acquired by the McGee Family, with Kevin McGee—a veteran in the beer and wine industries—appointed as President and CEO. This period emphasized sustainability and innovation.
Most recently, in March 2025, AVBC was sold to local entrepreneur Jason McConnell, who brings extensive experience from the wine industry, including co-founding Rivino Estate Vineyard and Winery in 2008. McConnell aims to usher in an era of rejuvenation, leveraging Beer Park’s destination appeal with its music venue and disc golf course while preserving the brewery’s quality standards.
Innovations and Notable Products: Pushing Beer Boundaries
AVBC has been at the forefront of beer innovation. In 2011, an exclusive partnership with a leading bourbon maker birthed the Bourbon Barrel Series, featuring beers like Bourbon Barrel Stout, Salted Caramel Porter, and Huge Arker Imperial Stout. A 2012 collaboration with Wild Turkey further elevated this line.
In 2013, the brewery revived the ancient gose style—a tart, salty German wheat beer—releasing The Kimmie, The Yink, & The Holy Gose in 2014 as the first year-round canned gose in the U.S. This sparked a gose renaissance, with variations like Blood Orange, Briney Melon, Cherry, and G&T Gose following.
The barrel-aging program expanded to wine barrel-aged sours, ranging from light Horse Tongue Wheat to robust Gatlin Damnosus Sour Barleywine. Other offerings include Belgian-style Brother David’s Double and Triple, Heelch O’Hops Imperial IPA, and seasonal Solstice beers.
AVBC’s excellence has earned numerous accolades, including gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup for beers like Barney Flats Stout, Brother David’s Double, and Holy Gose (2022). Esquire magazine even hailed Boont Amber Ale as one of the “Best Canned Beers to Drink Now” in 2012.
Sustainability and Community Impact: Brewing with Purpose
From its early days, AVBC has prioritized environmental stewardship. In 2005, it became the world’s first solar-powered brewery, with photovoltaic arrays supplying nearly half its electricity. The company operates a self-contained water system, treating and reusing 100% of wastewater for irrigation on its property. A nitrogen generator cuts CO2 usage by up to 80%, and all packaging is plastic-free aluminum and cardboard, reducing trucking needs by 60% compared to glass. Spent grains and yeast feed local cattle, closing the loop on waste.
This philosophy aligns with AVBC’s community focus, evident in the Boonville Beer Festival and its role as a destination brewery amid redwood forests and rolling hills.
Current Status: A Legacy in Motion
As of 2025, under Jason McConnell’s ownership, AVBC continues to thrive on its 30-acre Beer Park, blending tradition with innovation. With a portfolio of balanced, complex beers and a dedication to sustainability, the brewery remains a beacon for craft beer enthusiasts. From its pioneering roots in 1987 to its modern eco-conscious operations, Anderson Valley Brewing Company exemplifies how passion and perseverance can brew lasting success.
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