Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is a pioneering force in the American craft beer movement, renowned for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Founded in 1980 by Ken Grossman in Chico, California, Sierra Nevada has grown from a small, homebrew-inspired operation into one of the most respected craft breweries in the United States.

The brewery's flagship beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, is widely credited with influencing the American craft beer scene, particularly with its generous use of Cascade hops, which impart a distinctive piney and citrusy character. This beer has become a benchmark for the American Pale Ale style, celebrated for its balanced flavor and hop-forward aroma.

Sierra Nevada's portfolio has expanded significantly over the years to include a wide range of styles, from IPAs, stouts, and lagers to barrel-aged and experimental brews. Each beer showcases the brewery's dedication to quality ingredients and brewing excellence, often featuring whole-cone hops and innovative brewing techniques.

Sustainability is a core principle for Sierra Nevada. The brewery has implemented numerous eco-friendly initiatives, such as using solar energy, employing CO2 recovery systems, and treating and reusing water, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship. Sierra Nevada's Chico facility is one of the largest private solar arrays in the country, illustrating the brewery's dedication to renewable energy.

In addition to its Chico brewery, Sierra Nevada expanded its operations by opening a second brewery in Mills River, North Carolina, in 2014. This expansion helped to reduce the brewery's carbon footprint by minimizing the distance its beers need to travel to reach customers on the East Coast.

Sierra Nevada is also known for its collaborative spirit within the craft beer community, often participating in collaborative brews, charitable initiatives, and efforts to support the industry, such as the Resilience Butte County Proud IPA, which raised funds for Camp Fire relief efforts.

For beer enthusiasts, Sierra Nevada represents more than just a brewery; it's a symbol of craft beer's potential to innovate, inspire, and create a positive impact on communities and the environment. Whether you're enjoying a classic Pale Ale or exploring one of their seasonal or limited releases, each sip of Sierra Nevada beer is a testament to the brewery's enduring legacy and passion for the craft.