USA, CA: Mad River Brewing Company acquired by California’s largest tribe

California's largest tribe is buying one of Humboldt county's beloved small town breweries, KRCRTV.com reported on October 17.

The Yurok Agricultural Corporation announced the signing of an agreement to purchase the Mad River Brewing Company, Tap Room and family-friendly restaurant for its traditional brewing methods and environmentally-friendly methods of waste reduction.

The small Humboldt craft brewery tucked away in Blue Lake, California is celebrating its 30 year anniversary this year. Mad River Brewery CEO Richard Hanger said he is looking forward to brewing with passion for another 30 years under new ownership.

"Mad River Brewing Company has been brewing quality craft beer since 1989," Hanger said. "Under this new ownership we will modernize our plant and develop new markets while maintaining the important relationships we have developed with our employees and the community."

Mad River Brewery has won seven of the California Integrated Waste Management Board's Waste Reduction Awards. The brewery has a 98% waste reduction rate with most of the organic waste, ten tons of spent barley malt and yeast a year used as feed to local livestock, or used as composting material.

“This perfectly aligns with the Yurok Agriculture Corporation’s vision of holistic business operations, and the Yurok Tribe’s dedication to its role as a protective steward of the environment, Tribal ancestral lands and the Klamath River” Yurok Agricultrual Corporation Board Member Toby Vanlandingham said.

The brewery said there would be no delay in production and normal business for the restaurant, tap room and distribution.

"Mad River Brewery's story and mission is exactly what we have been looking for in a business," Yurok Agricultural Corporation President Frankie Myers said. "Practicing the most traditional brewing methods for almost three decades, giving you the Northern California experience every time you raise your glass. We intend to expand this tremendous brand, lead with quality and share with the world."

Mad River Brewery is home to the award-winning Steelhead Extra Pale Ale and other renowned brews.

20 October, 2019