Mendocino Brewing Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Brewing |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Michael Laybourn and Norman Franks |
| Headquarters | Ukiah, California , United States |
| Products | Beer (Red Tail Ale, Peregrine Pale Ale, Eye of the Hawk Stout, seasonal varieties) |
Mendocino Brewing Company () originated in 1983 under the name Hopland Brewery located in Hopland, California, within Mendocino County. In 1997, it expanded operations and moved to a larger site in Ukiah, California.
Background
Homebrewers Michael Laybourn and Norman Franks established the Hopland Brewery, utilizing brewing equipment purchased from the defunct New Albion Brewing Company. They employed former New Albion brewers Jack McAuliffe and Don Barkley to manage brewing activities. The brewery's signature beer, Red Tail Ale, was inspired by its amber hue and a regional hymn, continuing a tradition of naming beers after avian species.
Launched on August 14, 1983, Hopland Brewery became California’s inaugural brewpub—authorized to serve both its own beer and food on premises—and was the second such establishment in the United States.
By 2014, Mendocino Brewing stood out as the only craft brewery in the Northwest with union representation, with its Ukiah location organized under the Teamsters.
Production halted in January 2018. However, in March 2019, a group of investors alongside former staff resumed brewing operations, focusing on limited local releases of Red Tail Ale and Eye of the Hawk.
Public offering
The company conducted a direct public offering in 1994, distributing its shares through promotional flyers included in six-packs of its beer. In 1997, Vijay Mallya, head of the UB Group, acquired a controlling interest amounting to approximately 75% ownership.
Beers
Mendocino Brewing’s selection comprised Red Tail Ale, Peregrine Pale Ale, Eye of the Hawk Stout, along with several seasonal varieties. Most beers bore names of raptors and displayed their images on labels, with Blue Heron as an exception. Initially focusing on draft beer and food service only, the brewery later introduced bottled beer packaged in champagne magnums sold in six-packs, branded as "the world's largest six pack."
Following acquisition by UB Group, Mendocino Brewing took ownership of Olde Saratoga Brewing Company based in Saratoga Springs, New York and produced Kingfisher brand beers for distribution within the U.S. market.
Sponsorship
The brewery provided sponsorship for the Mendocino Steam Donkeys Rugby Football Club, a local men’s Division III rugby team.