The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians has acquired Mad River Brewery from the Yurok Tribe in Northwestern California.
Mad River Brewery has changed ownership hands this week- now officially owned and female-led by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. The deal closed this week.
In 2019, Mad River Brewery became one of the first tribal breweries in the United States and the first tribal-owned brewery to partner with a Major League Baseball team, the San Francisco Giants. In 2021, the Paskenta Band opened The Paskenta Brewery and Distillery, the first tribal-owned distillery in California. This week, the Band extended its brewing and distilling portfolio with the Mad River Brewery acquisition.
“We’ve enjoyed great community response since opening Paskenta Brewery & Distillery. Now, with the acquisition of Mad River Brewery, we’re honored to extend our expertise in blending tribal identity and craft beer to the Northern California community and tribes across the nation. As we continue to innovate, we proudly lead the way in crafting beers and spirits within Indian Country.” – Andrew “Dru” Alejandre, Tribal Chairman
Linda Cooley heads Mad River Brewery as the Chief Executive Officer. “It fills my heart to know the business will remain in tribal hands and continue supporting the tribal community. I have no doubt Mad River Brewery will continue its growth with this Paskenta Partnership,” she says.
Mad River Brewing was opened in 1989 by brewmaster Bob Smith in Blue Lake, California, using some of Sierra Nevada’s original brewing equipment.
