Anderson Valley Brewing Company

Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Company type	Private
Industry	Brewing
Founded	1987
Founder	David Norfleet, Kim Allen, Ken Allen
Headquarters	Boonville, United States
Area served	United States
Key people	Kevin McGee (President and CEO as of 2019), Jason McConnell (owner and strategic manager as of 2025)
Products	Beer (ales, porters, stouts, IPAs, sour beers)

Anderson Valley Brewing Company is a brewery established in 1987, located in Boonville, California. The brewery’s name is derived from its setting within the Anderson Valley, Mendocino County region.

History

David Norfleet alongside Kim and Ken Allen founded Anderson Valley, positioning it among the earliest 20 craft breweries in the United States. The initial 10-barrel brewhouse, crafted by Norfleet, operated underneath The Buckhorn Saloon in Boonville’s downtown area. Early production concentrated on ales, porters, and stouts, achieving roughly 600 barrels during its inaugural year.

As demand increased by 1996, the brewery upgraded to a 30-barrel facility near the intersection of Highways 128 and 253. This expansion facilitated considerable growth and introduced a 12-ounce bottling line. Production escalated to 15,000 barrels by 1998. That same year marked the start of constructing a three-story brewhouse with Bavarian architectural influences, incorporating two historic copper brewhouses (100-barrel and 85-barrel) imported from Germany. This new complex commenced operations in August 2000.

In April 2010, Trey White, a seasoned industry executive and former EVP of United States Beverage, purchased the brewery along with two partners. Fal Allen rejoined as brewmaster, enhancing the Bahl Hornin’ series along with barrel-aged and sour beer programs while increasing brewing capacity. By 2016, output had grown to nearly 55,000 barrels.

The McGee Family acquired Anderson Valley Brewing Company in December 2019, appointing Kevin McGee as President and CEO. Later, in March 2025, local business leader Jason McConnell took ownership and assumed strategic management responsibilities.

Beers

The flagship lineup of Anderson Valley Brewing Company features Boont Amber Ale, Poleeko Pale Ale, and Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout. The mid-1990s introduced Hop Ottin' IPA to their portfolio. Limited-release beers include Brother David's Belgian Double and Triple, Heelch O'Hops Imperial IPA, seasonal Solstice varieties, and barrel-aged sour beer selections. In 2012, a collaboration with Wild Turkey led to the launch of Anderson Valley Bourbon Barrel Stout, expanding their "Barl" series which also includes Boont Barl and Huge Arker Imperial Stout. By 2014, they expanded into the gose style market with offerings such as The Kimmie, The Yink, & The Holy Gose, Blood Orange Gose, and Briney Melon Gose.

Boont Amber Ale received acclaim when Esquire recognized it among the "Best Canned Beers to Drink Now" in 2012.

Awards

Name	Style	Year	Event	Award
Barney Flats	Stout	2010	World Beer Cup	Template:Awards table sorting
		2004	World Beer Cup	Template:Awards table sorting
		2004	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
		1990	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
Belk's	ESB	1996	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
		1995	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
		1994	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
Brother David's Double		2014	World Beer Cup	Template:Awards table sorting
		2011	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
		2010	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
		2008	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
		2008	World Beer Cup	Template:Awards table sorting
Boont	Amber Ale	2003	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
		1998	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
		1995	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
Deep Enders	Porter	1996	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
High Rollers	Wheat Ale	2000	Great American Beer Festival	Template:Awards table sorting
Hop Ottin'	India Pale Ale	2000	World Beer Cup	Template:Awards table sorting
Holy Gose	Gose	2022	World Beer Cup	Template:Awards table sorting

Marketing

The brewery integrates local Boontling expressions into its beer names and labels, exemplified by products like Hop Ottin'. Packaging prominently showcases the brand's mascot, Barkley, the "Legendary Boonville Beer"—an imaginative creature blending characteristics of both a bear and a deer, serving as a symbol of the brewery’s unique identity.

Visitors

In 2004, the brewery launched the on-site "Beer Park" tasting room, featuring 20 draft options, many of which are exclusive to this venue. This family- and pet-friendly space also includes an 18-hole disc golf course that has received recognition from the DPA, enriching the overall visitor experience and engagement.

Boonville Beer Festival

Beginning in 1997, the brewery has organized the annual Boonville Beer Festival each spring, drawing numerous breweries from across North America alongside live musical performances and local food vendors. The festival has expanded considerably, with attendance surpassing 6,000 in 2010 and showcasing 80 breweries offering 250 different beers. Funds raised benefit local charities, totaling over $1.75 million by 2020. The event emphasizes responsible drinking and provides transportation and camping facilities for attendees.

Environmental efforts

Anderson Valley Brewing Company holds the distinction of being the first brewery worldwide powered by solar energy. In 2005, it invested $860,000 in a photovoltaic solar system that supplies nearly half of its electricity needs with a maximum capacity of 125 kilowatts. The brewery maintains comprehensive recycling initiatives covering materials such as plastic wrap, paper, cardboard, steel, glass, bottles, and cans. It manages its own wastewater treatment facility, reusing treated water for irrigation throughout its 28-acre grounds. Organic byproducts like spent grains, hops, and yeast are recycled as animal feed and compost material. Between 2000 and 2005, the company received five WRAP Awards recognizing its efforts in waste reduction, highlighting its dedication to environmentally responsible operations.

External links