Sierra Nevada and ChicoFest 2009: Proving that green beer does taste good!

April 7, 11:16 PMSouthern California Craft Beer ExaminerOwen Smigelski

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Sierra Nevada Brewery- looking good in green!

When most of us hear about "green beer," it usually refers to the horrible tradition of pouring green food coloring in beer for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Any true beer aficionado would prefer to drink anything other than such adulterated brews (or enjoy a fine Guinness), rather than have a pale yellow beer dyed green.

Sierra Nevada has a different approach to green beer.  The brewery, which was founded in 1980, is set to dedicate a new 1.5 megawatt solar array during ChicoFest 2009 on April 26.  This solar array is another part of Sierra Nevada's efforts for resource conservation and sustainable business practices- including on-site wastewater management system, 1.2 megawatt co-generation fuel cell, extensive byproduct recycling, and organically grown hops on the premises. The solar array and fuel cell will provide over 80% of Sierra Nevada's electrical needs- very green indeed. 

We’ve been able to combine environmental stewardship with a high quality product. The completion of the new solar array helps bring us one step closer to our goal of 100% sustainable energy production.

- Ken Grossman, Sierra Nevada founder and owner

More importantly, in addition to the dedication of the solar array, ChicoFest 2009 will feature an environmental exposition, food vendors, tours of the brewery, and Sierra Nevada beer on tap.  ChicoFest is free and open to the public, and runs April 25 and 26.  The event is in conjunction with the City of Chico and Chico State University. 

Come out and support a great brewery, with wonderful beers, and celebrate Mother Earth!  Anyone in the area (or anyone looking for a road trip) should be sure to check out ChicoFest 2009. If you can't make it up to Chico for ChicoFest 2009, be sure to pick up some Sierra Nevada beers to show your appreciation for a brewery that cares for the environment!

Cheers,

Owen