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(Courtesy Mad River Brewing)
Beginning more than three decades ago, as a female-owned operation that was eventually purchased by the Yurok Tribe in 2019, Mad River Brewing has now been acquired by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians.
What a journey!
On March 20 the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians announced the acquisition of the Mad River Brewery from the Yurok Tribe in Northwestern California.
Founded in 1989, Mad River Brewery, remains a women-led independent craft brewery located in Blue Lake, California that has been brewing serious beer for more than thirty years. In 2019 this award-winning operation was purchased by the Yurok Tribe who in turn have now sold the brewery to Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians.
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians also owns Rolling Hills Casino & Resort, which includes the Casino, three restaurants, two conference centers, a Brewery & Distillery, RV Park and Travel Center, The Equestrian Center at Rolling Hills and The Links at Rolling Hills Golf Course. And they employ more than 500 team members.
(Courtesy Mad River Brewing)
The Casino and the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians are strong community partners supporting local programs through generous grants and sponsorships. The Paskenta Nomlaki Foundation donates hundreds of thousands of dollars to community organizations each year, with over $9 million donated to benefit local health, safety and education programs.
In November 2021, The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians opened The Paskenta Brewery and Distillery, becoming the first tribal-owned distillery in California. And with the acquisition of Mad River Brewery, the Paskenta Tribe continues to build its economic and beverage portfolio.
“Acquiring Mad River Brewery is another milestone in Paskenta’s commitment to building an economically sustainable future for our tribe and serving as an economic growth driver for our neighbors,” said Tribal Chairman Andrew “Dru” Alejandre.
As one of the first Tribal Breweries in the US, Mad River has established itself as a trailblazer in the craft beer industry. The women-led company went on to form the first partnership between a tribally owned brewery and a professional baseball team, making Mad River Brewery hand-crafted a staple at San Francisco Giants home games at Oracle Park.
Mad River Brewery has won numerous local, national, and international awards throughout its 35 years of brewing, including multiple Word Beer Cup wins and the Great American Beer Festival medals.
“As we continue to innovate, we proudly lead the way in crafting beers and spirits within Indian Country,” Alejandre added. “We’re honored to extend our expertise in blending tribal identity and craft beer to the Northern California community and tribes across the nation.”
