Creating handcrafted award-winning beers, Napa Smith is a small independent brewery, and their story is linked to the very beginning of the craft beer movement.
All of their beers are “Brewed for Food” through their balanced use of roasted malts and aromatic hops, and they believe they should be invited to the dinner table just like a bottle of fine wine.
In their very first year entered, Napa Smith was fortunate to win numerous Gold Medals at prestigious beer competitions such as the California State Fair and the Los Angeles International Fair.
Head Brewer Don Barkley
Napa Smith is proud to feature the beers of America’s most experienced craft brewer – Don Barkley.
A passion for brewing inspired Don Barkely to give up his job in Silicon Valley and enroll in the world-renowned Brewing program at UC Davis. Don made craft beer from 1978-83 at New Albion Brewery, America’s first new brewery since Prohibition. When Don started, budgets were tight, so he really did work for beer while living in a small tent on the mountainside above the brewery. The beer and tent were literally his “Room & Board” – but he was doing what he loved.
Don went on to help found Mendocino Brewing Company, and during his 25 years there as Master Brewer, Don became an icon, creating such legendary beers as Red Tail Ale and Eye of the Hawk Select Ale.
Don has now joined Napa Smith Brewery, coming home to his deep roots in Napa. Don’s great-great-grandfather settled in the Napa Valley in the 1850’s as one of the very first hop farmers. So while Don is now being paid a real salary (don’t worry, he still gets beer), he is doing what he loves and carrying on the family legacy.
Freshness Is The Rule
The best beers are fresh beers – so Napa Smith adds a dose of nitrogen before filling and closes each bottle with an oxygen scavenging bottle cap to prevent oxidation, and also uses a UV protectant glass to reduce the negative effects of light.