Beyond the Pale: The Story of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Ken Grossman couldn't have known that his early fascination with taking apart household appliances would eventually lead to welding together Sierra Nevada's first malt mill and customizing its bottling equipment. Although obstacles obscured Grossman's path, his determination to brew the kind of beer he liked to drink and be his own boss led to the success of one of America's best-loved craft breweries.From his youthful adventures to his experience in dealing with the complex landscape of the beer industry,Beyond the Palechronicles Grossman's trials and tribulations in building a brewery that now produces more than 800,000 barrels of beer annually. Grossman recalls the role models and life experiences that fed his curiosity and drive—from a neighbor's obsession with science and gadgets, to the friends who drew him to hiking, and, finally, to the brewing community that provided both support and friendly competition.Beyond the Paledetails Grossman's start, from homebrewing as a teenager, to becoming a skilled brewer, and, later, to building a small brewery in the town of Chico, California. It shares the business decisions that nearly broke him, yet eventually drove him to success. The sum total of his life provides the foundation of the "Sierra Nevada way," a company philosophy that emphasizes sustainability, nonconformity, following one's passion, and doing things the right way.Since Grossman founded Sierra Nevada in 1980, part of a growing beer revolution in America, critics have proclaimed his beer to be "among the best brewed anywhere in the world."Beyond the Paledescribes Grossman's unique approach, focusing on people, the planet, and the product. His story shows how, with hard work, dedication, and integrity, you can be successful in following your dream.