Posts Tagged ‘Full Sail Brewing’

Full Sail Brewing Company

Portland, Or – Full Sail Brewing Company was honored by the State of Oregon for their outstanding commitment to sustainable business practices. The Brewery received the Governor’s Sustainability Award for small business. The State of Oregon, ranked the greenest state in the nation by Forbes.com and Business Facilities Magazine, presents the awards annually to innovative companies and organizations that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to sustainability.

The second annual Governor’s Sustainability Awards were recently presented by Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury as part of the Oregon Business Council’s Leadership Summit. The Oregon Sustainability Board selected winners from more than 50 nominations.

“Businesses increasingly understand that sustainability benefits the bottom line in three ways,” said Bradbury, who also chairs the Oregon Sustainability Board. “First it helps the economy, second, the environment and third, our citizens.”

The judges noted that Full Sail demonstrated outstanding sustainability practices in social equity, energy and water efficiency, renewable energy, use of recycled materials, procurement of local ingredients, community involvement, and waste management.

“To be acknowledged for our sustainable business practices by Oregon, a state that has been at the forefront in its commitment to responsible business practices is an honor. For us, this sense of responsibility has been part of our core principals since we first started brewing beer over 21 years ago. Over the years we have been committed to being stewards of the environment and have remained dedicated to operating our brewery in the most responsible manner possible. As an employee owned company we share this award with our all employees who are a key part of our daily commitment to these practices. Open communication and suggestions from employees have contributed greatly to the success of managing and maintaining a socially and environmentally fair business,” said Irene Firmat, Full Sail’s Founder and CEO.

Full Sail Brewing Company

“Our brewery’s amazing location nestled between the Columbia River and the snow-capped peak of Mt. Hood, in Hood River, Oregon makes us all feel a deep connection for our surroundings. Employees are the owners at Full Sail – and because Oregon is our home – we feel empowered to run the brewery in the most responsible manner every day. As much as we are committed to brew great beers, we are also committed to our community. It would be impossible to live and work in the Columbia River Gorge and not be inspired by the sheer beauty of the place. It is the blue skies, green forests, snow-capped mountains and pristine rivers surrounding us that insure our dedication,” added Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster.

Some of the company’s sustainability measures include:

* Efficient brewhouse: The brewery is as sustainable and efficient as possible, starting with the parts of the building that were reclaimed and recycled when the brewery first opened in the old Diamond Fruit cannery. The company utilizes energy measures such as energy-efficient lighting and air compressors, and compresses the work week into four very productive days, which helps reduce water and energy consumption by 20 percent.

* Sustainable brew process: Pure water literally flows from the peaks that surround the brewery, so Full Sail takes care to conserve this precious resource. While average breweries consume six to eight gallons of water for every gallon of beer produced, Full Sail has reduced its consumption to a mere 3.45 gallons, and operates its own on-site wastewater treatment facility. Local farms supply the other essential ingredients for award-winning brews: 85 percent of hops and 95 percent of barley come straight from Northwest farms.

* Reduce-Reuse-Recycle: Full Sail uses 100% recycled paperboard on all its packaging (and was one of the first in the industry to commit to long-term purchasing of recycled paper products). Everything from office paper to glass to stretch wrap to wooden pallets is recycled. Even dairy cows are beneficiaries of brewery waste: 4,160 tons of spent grain and 1,248 tons of spent yeast are sent back to farmers every year to use as feed for cows.

* Community-wide practices: Full Sail purchases 140 blocks of Pacific Power Blue Sky renewable energy per month. This practice results in the reduction of 168 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of planting 33,000 trees. Full Sail also supports over 300 events and charities each year, with a focus on those in Oregon. Employees at the company have inspired environmental change among other businesses in the Hood River area as well. Full Sail was a founding member of the Hood River Chamber of Commerce’s Green Smart program, an initiative that helps businesses and organizations within the Hood River watershed increase their productivity and profitability by improving resource efficiency and by reducing waste and pollution.

Earlier this year, Full Sail was honored with a BEST (Businesses for an Environmental Sustainable Tomorrow) award by The City of Portland Office of Sustainable Development for their energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies and for demonstrating a commitment to responsible business practices and innovation in sustainability. In addition the company’s Portland Riverplace Brewery and offices received recognition as a RecycleWorks business for its excellent track record of recycling, reducing waste and buying environmentally preferable products.

About Full Sail Brewing Company
Full Sail Brewing Company (www.fullsailbrewing.com) is an independent, employee-owned brewery operating for 21 years in Hood River, Oregon. Full Sail is committed to brewing great beer while adhering to socially and environmentally sustainable practices. Among the company’s most popular brews are Full Sail Amber, IPA, Pale, LTD, and Session premium American lager. Full Sail is the only brewery to have ever been named to the “Best 100 Companies to Work for in Oregon” list by Oregon Business Magazine and maintained that distinction for five consecutive years. Full Sail is a member of the Sustainable Business Network of Portland, a founding sponsor for the Hood River Chamber of commerce’s “Green Smart” program, and supports over 300 events and charities each year, the majority of which are local.

Hood River, Or – A few unmistakable signs tell us when winter has arrived in Hood River. The waterfalls in the Gorge start kicking out the jams. The snow report for the backcountry regains its hold over us. And the Wassail starts flowing once again. And that means friends and family will surely be close behind.

“Historically, brewers craft small batches of darker beers, generously adding extra hops and malts to make exceptionally robust tasty ales to celebrate the season and as a way of sharing the bounty of the season with their customers. We carry on this tradition with Wassail. Choosing our ingredients for Wassail is like taking time to choose the perfect gift. Each year we carefully select the best hops and malts to brew this special beer. This year’s Wassail is brewed with a range of caramel malts and dark chocolate malts giving it a deep mahogany color and a full malty body. We used a blend of European noble hops and Pacific Northwest aroma hops for a pleasantly hoppy finish creating a deliciously balanced beer that appeals to both hop and malt lovers alike. In other words, a Christmas miracle! It’s our gift from the brewery to our loyal beer patrons – it’s our way of giving thanks. We have brewed Wassail every holiday season since 1988 and it’s now as much a part of the festivities as sharing a roaring fire with our closest family and friends,” recalled Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster.

The packaging features a vintage postcard of the scenic Hood River Valley dusted with snow. In the spirit of tradition, a snow-covered douglas-fir tree looms in the foreground and Mt. Hood rises majestically in the background. Wassail makes the ideal gift for the beer enthusiasts in your life, and is the perfect accompaniment to the desserts and flavorful dishes that the holidays bring. Look for Wassail six packs at your favorite store, or on draught at your local restaurant or pub. Wassail will be widely available October through December.

Wassail was recently awarded another gold medal, and was rated “Exceptional” at the 2008 World Beer Championships (WBC). Wassail previously won a platinum medal and a “superlative” rating at the 2005 WBC, a gold medal at the 2007, 2006 and 2004 WBC, and three silver medals in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment 47 specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. The Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar since 1987. Their award winning brews are now available in nineteen states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view. www.fullsailbrewing.com

Full Sail’s “21″ Doppelbock.

Hood River Oregon – “Over the last year, we have been working on a special beer to celebrate a special occasion – the brewery’s 21st birthday which is coming up in September. This means we are finally old enough to drink our own beer. They say your 21st birthday is a rite of passage – the milepost that marks your evolution from child to adult, with all the attendant privileges & responsibilities. We say it’s a great excuse to brew a killer doppelbock. Concocted by our brew crew in celebration of our epic and glorious 21st birthday, we bring you “21″ a deep amber colored lager brewed in the doppelbock style,” said Jamie Emmerson, Full Sail’s Executive Brewmaster.

“Twenty-one years ago, we dreamed of opening a brewery. That dream became a reality, and now here we are celebrating our 21st birthday. Our little brewery never would have made it without the support of friends, fans, and family over the years. Many thanks for all you’ve done to help us reach our 21st birthday,” said Irene Firmat, Full Sail’s CEO and Founder.

You’re invited to come celebrate Full Sail’s “twenty-onederful years” and raise a toast to 21 with the Full Sail crew. The brewery will launch “21″ at their Tasting Room and Pub on Thursday, September 25 at 5:00pm. This same evening, the brewery will tap a keg of 15 year old Full Sail Porter and launch their seasonal Brewmaster Dinners with a four course Brewmaster Dinner menu featuring “21″. The brewery will continue to offer the special menu every Thursday night that takes you through four different courses with a special beer pairing with each course. The menu will change based on the seasonality of the ingredients and the release of the brewery’s seasonal and reserve programs. The cost of the dinner including beer is $25 per person. The Brewery will begin serving the menu at 5:00PM. Quantities are limited. (Full Sail’s regular menu will also be available.) The brewery will also tap a keg of 21 at their Riverplace Brewery in Portland, Oregon on Wednesday, Oct 1 at 5:00 pm. For a complete list of Full Sail’s birthday festivities or to send a birthday message to the Full Sail Crew visit http://www.fsb21.com/

“This beer is a labor of love. From brewhouse to bottle, 21 was given the care that only an employee-owner can provide with all the time and attention that a beer this special deserves. Summer’s brewing gives this beer a luxurious 12 weeks of lagering creating a deep amber colored brew in the German Doppelbock style. Its ample malt body complements the generous warming alcohol with just a hint of Noble hop character. 21 will be released in specially hand labeled bottles this September. Tastes like a great way to celebrate your birthday,” added Emmerson. 21 is part of Full Sail’s Brewmaster Reserve line up. This special anniversary beer will be available in 22 oz bottles in limited quantities in September.

The independent and employee-owned Full Sail brewery is perched on a bluff in Hood River, Oregon, overlooking the most epic wind and kite surfing spot in the world. At this very moment 47 specialists in the liquid refreshment arts are crafting barley and hops into your next beer. The Full Sail crew has been fermenting godlike nectar since 1987. Their award winning brews are now available in nineteen states. The Full Sail Tasting Room and Pub is open seven days a week. Swing by for a pint, grab a bite, tour the brewery, or just soak up the view.