The heart of your question looks back to one man–Ken Grossman the founder of the brewery. Ken grew up in Southern California and always had a passion for the outdoors. He was an avid cyclist, hiker, mountaineer and backpacker and would often take extended hiking and camping trips into the Sierra Nevada Mountains which run most of the way down the eastern edge of California. Ken loved the mountains so much, he skipped his high school graduation to go camping with some friends up in the hills, much to his mother’s chagrin!
Ken learned to homebrew at an early age and his passion for brewing beer mirrored his passion for the outdoors. He moved from Southern California to the small town of Chico in the mid 70s and found the town’s location at the base of the Sierras to be one of the best features of this easy-going Northern California hamlet.
As Ken was dreaming of starting brewery, he would take long camping trips and hikes in the nearby mountains and it was there that he landed on the idea to name the future fledgling brewery after his favorite spot.
Bill Manley, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Sierra Nevada is located in Chico, California. I have not visited myself, but I have had countless Sierra Nevada Pale Ales. When no local craft brews are available, it has saved me from settling for blander options, most recently at BB’s Jazz, Blues, and Soups music club here in St. Louis. Thanks for looking out for me, Sierra Nevada!
Why It’s Named … is an ongoing feature about the stories behind brewery names