Blue Lake, CA
Release for Times Standard
LOCAL BREWERY MAKES GREAT BEER WITH A CONCIENCE.
The sleepy little town of BLUE LAKE, CA is home to MAD RIVER BREWING COMPANY. This microbrewery has been turning out handcrafted ales here since 1989. Their STEELHEAD EXTRA PALE ALE, STEELHEAD SCOTCH PORTER, STEELHEAD EXTRA STOUT, JAMAICA RED, and JAMAICA SUNSET IPA are staples on northern California beer shelves.
MAD RIVER BREWING is known throughout the brewing industry as a leader in environmental and social consciousness. They were awarded a seventh consecutive WRAP (Waste Reduction Awareness Program) award from the STATE OF CALIFORNIA in 2001. The award is given to businesses that develop innovative waste reduction programs. MAD RIVER recycles or reuses 98% of the waste that is generated from their brewery. That means that they put less trash into the landfills each week then most households. Their staff cares enough to take the time to make the program work. Office staff separates paper into wastebaskets marked white, colored, and other. Brewers have spent grain picked up by local ranchers for animal feed. The cardboard boxes that their six-pack carriers come in are given to local businesses for re-use. The list goes on and on. Employees of this small brewery have been asked to do presentations at waste reduction seminars as far away as Ireland.
MAD RIVER BREWING is an active member of the Humboldt county community. They donate thousands of dollars worth of their fine ales to local service clubs and non-profit entities each year. That beer is then sold at events, dinners, and fundraisers netting local groups over $25,000 a year in proceeds. They believe that a business needs to be part of their community, and they practice that belief. The brewery offers tours Tuesday through Saturday, and can be reached by calling 707-668-4151. You can also reach them on line at www.madriverbrewing.com.