North Coast Brewing Company

North Coast Brewing Company
Company type	For-profit B Corporation
Industry	Craft beer brewing
Founded	1988
Founder	Mark Ruedrich, Tom Allen, Doug Moody
Headquarters	Fort Bragg, United States
Area served	United States (national distribution)
Key people	Jennifer Owen (CEO and CFO since 2019), Chuck Martins (Brewmaster since 2022)
Products	Craft beers including Old Rasputin, Brother Thelonious, Blue Star, and others
Number of employees	75 (2018)
Website	northcoastbrewing.com

Overview

North Coast Brewing Company is a craft beer producer based in Fort Bragg, California. Established in 1988, it was ranked as the 46th-largest craft brewery in the United States by sales volume in 2018. Operating as a for-profit B Corporation, the brewery produced around 44,516 barrels in 2021.

Leadership and Corporate Structure

The company's leadership team features Jennifer Owen, who has held the roles of CEO and CFO since 2019, alongside Brewmaster Chuck Martins, appointed in 2022. With approximately 75 employees as of 2018, North Coast Brewing maintains a mid-sized footprint within the craft beer sector.

Products and Market Position

North Coast Brewing Company presents an extensive selection of beers, including signature brews like Old Rasputin (a Russian imperial stout), Brother Thelonious (a Belgian strong dark ale), and Blue Star (an American wheat beer). Their lineup covers a variety of styles catering to both specialized and mainstream markets. Seasonal releases such as Tart Cherry Berliner Weisse enhance their core offerings and contribute to ongoing business expansion through innovation.

Financial Performance

In 2018, the company’s estimated revenue was approximately US$13.2 million, reflecting consistent financial stability within the competitive craft brewing industry. Their business approach focuses on quality and brand distinction to sustain market presence amid growing international operations.

Strategic Leadership and Market Influence

Under CEO Jennifer Owen’s strategic guidance, North Coast Brewing has bolstered its market position by emphasizing reliable product excellence and environmentally responsible practices aligned with its B Corporation status. While headquartered in Fort Bragg, the brewery leverages national distribution networks to extend its reach beyond regional boundaries.

History

Founded in 1988 as a brewpub by entrepreneurs Mark Ruedrich, Tom Allen, and Doug Moody, North Coast Brewing initially produced 400 barrels during its inaugural year. The company expanded its portfolio in 1996 by acquiring rights to the Acme Brewing Company brand, originally founded in San Francisco in 1907.

Current

North Coast Brewing Company produces 13 beers available year-round along with 4 seasonal varieties released quarterly.

Year-round

Blue Star – unfiltered American wheat beer
Brother Thelonious – Belgian-style strong dark ale named after Thelonious Monk; a portion of proceeds supports education at the Monterey Jazz Festival
Foggy Day IPA – hazy India pale ale
Laguna Baja – Vienna-style dark lager
Le Merle – saison
North Coast Steller IPA – India pale ale
Old No. 38 – Dublin dry stout
Old Rasputin – Russian imperial stout
Old Stock Ale – old ale including limited reserve vintages and barrel-aged editions benefiting charitable organizations
Pacific Magic IPA – West Coast-style IPA
PranQster – Belgian-style golden ale
Red Seal – American amber ale
Scrimshaw – pilsner

Barrel-aged

Barrel Aged Old Rasputin XXIV - Russian imperial stout matured in bourbon whiskey barrels
Barrel Aged Old Rasputin XXIII - Russian imperial stout aged in barrels of bourbon and rye whiskey
Barrel Aged Old Rasputin XXII - Russian imperial stout matured in bourbon and rye whiskey barrels
Barrel Aged Old Rasputin XXI - Russian imperial stout aged in bourbon whiskey barrels

Limited reserve

Anniversary XX - pale ale brewed with agave nectar to commemorate the brewery's 20th year

Discontinued

Acme California Brown - Brown ale variety
Acme IPA - California-style India pale ale
Beer Engine Red - Irish red ale
Black Hart - dry stout inspired by Irish tradition
Class of '88 - barley wine created in partnership with Rogue Ales, distributed through Deschutes Brewery
Cru D'or - Dubbel style ale
Grand Cru - brewed using agave nectar and aged in previously used bourbon barrels
Mary's Pilsner - Pilsner beer
Puck the Beer - Petite Saison style
Wintertime Ale - seasonal Christmas beer

Awards

Gold and platinum honors received
Beer	Style	Competitions
Blue Star	Unfiltered American wheat beer	World Beer Championships, Chicago (gold medals from 2001 to 2005)
Brother Thelonious	Belgian-style strong dark ale	World Beer Championships, Chicago (platinum in 2019); European Beer Star (gold in 2015)
Le Merle	Saison	Brussels Beer Challenge (gold in 2012); World Beer Championships, Chicago (gold in 2005 and 2006)
Old No. 38	Dublin dry stout	World Beer Championships, Chicago (gold in 2003)
Old Rasputin	Russian imperial stout	Multiple accolades including Stockholm Beer and Whiskey Festival (gold in 2006 and 2012), World Beer Championships (gold in 2014 and 2018), Great American Beer Festival (gold in 1999 and 2002), and World Beer Cup (gold in 1996)
Old Stock Ale	Old ale	World Beer Championships, Chicago (gold from 2003 to 2006)
PranQster	Belgian-style golden ale	International Beer Competition, San Diego (gold in 2014); World Beer Championships, Chicago (gold from 1996 to 2003)
Red Seal Ale	American amber ale	World Beer Championships, Chicago (gold between 1994 and 2006); Great American Beer Festival (gold in 2000); Spring Beer & Wine Fest, Portland (gold in 2004); Stockholm Beer and Whiskey Festival (gold in 2000)
Scrimshaw	Pilsner	North American Brewers Association (gold in 2001); Great American Beer Festival (gold in 1992)

External links