Anderson Valley’s new Pilsner is the subject as Kevin McGhee and Fal Allen from Anderson Valley Brewing join Harry Duke on Brew Ha Ha today. Also in the studio for the conversation is cognac expert Frank Jacuba. This episode is all about Anderson Valley Brewing. Visit this other podcast episode to hear their conversation about cognac, from the same live show.

Anderson Valley Brewing has just launched a new Pilsner beer, which is now in national distribution for the first time in their 35-year history. Fal Allen tells about how they wanted this to be a traditional Pils, with a strong malt backbone and not too hoppy.

Anderson Valley started in 1987, so it celebrates 35 years this December. They focus on classic West Coast style IPA. They distribute nationally and internationally. Kevin’s family purchased the brewery in December of 2019, just before the pandemic hit. This gave them the opportunity to review their branding and their sustainability practices. They are the world’s first solar-powered brewery. They also recycle all of their water on site.

Frank Jacuba who knows flavors, gives his appreciation of this beer as a potential pairing with barbeque. Juicy Session IPA, a West Coast session style, fruit forward, an easy drinking beer. “That’s what we go for at Anderson Valley, beers you can have a second of.”

You can visit Anderson Valley Brewing at what they call the Beer Park, which is around 30 acres, located at the intersection of Hwy 128 and Hwy 253 in Mendocino Valley. They have an 18-hole disc golf course, which is free to play, it is dog friendly and they have an outdoor stage. There is a lawn with chairs so it is designed for people to enjoy the outdoor scene. They usually have a food truck and now they have their own menu Fridays and Saturdays. There are other food options in town. There is a group of musician/carpenters who built an outdoor stage with local redwood. They will have as many local musicians as possible there. They have an event page on their website, here.

Fal Allen says Anderson Valley is the most beautiful place he has ever been that has a brewery so he enjoys living and working there.