There are few San Diego County businesses viewed to be as locally focused and engrained in their community’s fibrous being as Mother Earth Brew Co. This family-run operation started as a tiny nano-sized brewery and homebrew supply store in a single business suite measuring just over 2,000 square feet. It has since taken over most of its home-base business park, moved the recreational retail component to a large combo homebrew store and bar in the heart of Vista’s old town area, grown into a “mid-sized brewery” (per classification of industry group, the Brewers Association) with a staff of nearly 50 employees, and upped distribution to seven states. All that without leaving what has become one of the county’s densest municipalities, brewery-wise (with 11 operating brewhouses, it’s second only to the City of San Diego). But the next step in Mother Earth’s evolution will take it far from Vista—namely…Idaho?
MEBC chief branding officer Kevin Hopkins reports that the company is building a second, much larger brewery in Nampa, about 20 miles west of Boise. At first, it may seem a bit of an odd choice, constructing a second production facility so far from home, and in a part of the country that lacks a defined craft beer culture. But the decision falls in line with Mother Earth’s geographically strategic growth plan, which sees the company attempting to build out across the country in a regional manner. Idaho presents a cost-effective option with the potential for increased distribution to the Pacific Northwest and various markets where MEBC beer is not currently sold west of the Mississippi.
The Nampa facility will come in at 40,000 square feet and include room and options for expansion. A four-vessel, 40-barel Mueller brewing system will also be configured for add-ons, as needed. There will also be a public tasting room and corporate office space. Adding the second brewery should allow MEBC to double its current beer barrelage. Initially, Nampa production should mirror that of Vista—which will support distribution throughout California, Arizona and Hawaii, with remaining markets being supplied by the new brewery—but should demand justify it, the Idaho facility can ramp up so that total annual totals exceed 100,000 barrels.
Mother Earth founder and CEO Dan Love and head brewer Chris Baker will relocate to Nampa to head the new project. Back in Vista, expansion will continue until maximum capacity is reached. Hopkins estimates that will occur sometime next year. Items on the nearer horizon for the company include the release of several limited-edition beers, including a barrel-aged Belgian-style quadrupel and barrel-aged version of MEBC’s Sin Tax imperial peanut butter stout for the autumn and winter editions of its Four Seasons of Mother Earth line, plus the return of a Russian imperial stout called Quit Stalin during San Diego Beer Week.
Shari says
I say, welcome Mother Earth and enjoy the beer - or not. I’ve lived in Montana, Washington, Texas and Southern California - they all have their great points. But San Diego county does come out on top when it comes to craft beers, without a doubt. I’m heading to Boise this month to visit family and can’t wait to try out a few of Boise’s craft beers. In the meantime, Brandon Hernández, your comment was the most insightful and broadminded of them all. I like you!
Kim says
When someone says that Boise does not have a defined craft beer culture without actually looking into the stats I will obviously take offense. The brewery is moving here because we have water, grow hops here which are becoming a shortage with the amount of breweries popping up throughout the country, and we also grow barley. It is all about water and the fact that real estate is cheap here. They chose this area for the resources as well as the fact that craft beer is growing here faster than a lot of other areas of the country and they can continue to expand into the Pacific Northwest taking a piece of that pie. We might not be as big as San Francisco, but they are moving up here to take advantage of our resources, cheaper cost of operations/facilities, and geographic position not because of a lack of beer culture. Like I said, do your research first.
Beers says
Forgot to add there are literally as many breweries along a single street in San Diego than of all of Boise combined. Not to mention more breweries planned than all of Boise combined.
So relax and maybe attempt to be hospitable to some outsiders that just want to make good beer in your area.
Beers says
@kim San Diego has 115 breweries and won more medals at gabf than any city in the US. In comparison to Boise… there is no comparison. So his statement is simply just facts.
Kim says
I would say that the author needs to do their homework before claiming that Idaho, specifically Boise, lacks a defined craft beer culture. As of fall 2015 Breweries within 20 miles of where Mother Earth will build their new facility- Boise Brewing (who just happened to win a silver for their Stout at the GABF in Denver this year), Sockeye (2 locations), Highlands Hollow, Cloud 9, Crooked Fence (2 locations), Post Modern, Haff Brewing, County Line, Payette (1 location now, 1 under construction), Slanted Rock, 10 Barrel, Ram (2 locations), Edge Brewing, Crescent Brewery, and Woodland Empire. That’s 15 breweries, some with multiple locations here right now with Mad Swede Brewing to open in early 2016. Like I said.. might want to do your homework fist before making claims that Idaho doesn’t have a defined beer culture or that you have more per capita.
From what I can see in this article I would guess the author is more of a light beer or chardonnay drinker.
Brandon Hernández says
Hi Kim, I’m not really sure where your degree of anger is coming from or where you draw the connection that I would somehow enjoy Lite beer or Chardonnay (the latter can be great). I wasn’t badmouthing Boise. I was merely talking about Nampa. It takes some research for an outsider to simply find out where Nampa is located (no offense, but most haven’t heard of it…this in no way takes away from the fact it’s probably a lovely place). If it has a defined craft beer culture, it is known mostly, if not only, to those who are in close geographic proximity, because it’s surely not widely spread public knowledge. This is not an insult…it’s fact. I do apologize if I somehow offended you (or anyone else). Cheers, Brandon
Ellen Thomas says
Daniel Love is a person dedicated to his craft, and has contributed alot to the San Diego Craft Brewery Industry. Not only is Daniel knowledgeable, but a person that will involve the community when he gets to Idaho! Nampa is lucky to have Daniel Love. Daniel you will be missed in San Diego, but Mother Earth will still be here.
North 40 Urban Farm- Ellen
Bob Hubler says
Matt Ganz pretty much said it all - Thanks Matt!!!
I will add: Welcome to Idaho guys and Welcome to Nampa.
I am a 5th generation Idahoan and a Nampa Native.
Plus I am really into craft beer and welcome more breweries to Idaho.
You will be the second established brewery from out of state to start a brewery in Idaho. 10 Barrel paved the way a couple of years ago. And by “paved the way”, I mean they got the laws changed to allow you to build a brewery in Idaho.
I still live in Canyon County and visit Nampa often. Look forward to your tasting room opening. Just wish you could had a brewpub too.
-Bob Hubler
-Boise Beer Culture - writing about the Beer Culture in Idaho
Matt Ganz says
I appreciate the craft beer news flash for Idaho! I trust Mother Earth will only strengthen our already strong craft beer culture here. Nampa is an affordable place for a large production brewery, energy rates are pretty stable, water outlook is decent, and all of the basic ingredients needed for beer are right here.
Statistics are fun to play with. Here is a great stat: San Diego County population 2013 = 3.2 million. Entire state of Idaho 2014 = 1.6 million. There are 3 brewery’s in our town of 2,900 people, McCall Brewing celebrating their 20th anniversary last year. Over 50 breweries now in Idaho,including Grand Teton, with 25+ years under their belt, who has the distinction of inventing the modern growler, and making great beer to fill them. Grand Teton, Sockeye, Payette, and Laughing Dog are all bucking 10,000 bbls per year, and growing fast. A large list of 50+ employee brew pubs, and all kinds of eclectic, quality small scale production breweries. Many award winning beers across the state, and impressive list of craft beer supported causes.
Idaho is a well known, unknown out there in the wider world. Not many know we have the 3 deepest river canyons in North America, or the largest road-less wilderness area in the lower 48 states, or over 100 mountain peaks above 11,000ft., or one of the furthest inland wild salmon runs in the world at 900 miles, or a robust, and top-tier craft beer industry, both past, and present.
Alas, It is all in the eye of the Beerholder!
CHEERS Brandon,
and Welcome to Idaho Mother Earth Brewing!
Matt Ganz
- President Idaho Brewers United -
- Co-owner/brewer The Salmon River Brewery -
dain says
Stay in CA you clown.
Beers says
Wait a sec… Idaho is still a state? Who knew.
Dani says
Let me guess, you’ve never actually been to Idaho and the only thing you know about Idaho is some smart ass comment about potatoes. I lived in SoCal for five years and if you think Mother Earth bringing beer to Idaho is an upgrade you should put down your keyboard and visit Boise. I actually laughed that they picked Nampa. Not exactly a prime location to bring us “craft beer culture”.
Brandon Hernández says
Hi Dani, So, you laughed when you heard they selected Nampa because it didn’t seem like a prime location, but you’re complaining because I merely stated it didn’t seem like an obvious choice. Worst-case scenario, there’s a double standard at play. Best case scenario, a bit of hypocrisy. Either way, I in no way doubt that what you say is true and Boise has great craft beer. High quality craft beer is available nearly everywhere now and I’m sure we can both agree that is a wonderful thing. Cheers, Brandon
Brandon Hernández says
Hi Mick, Please know that the purpose of that comment was not to offend, but merely state that Mother Earth has elected to go to a less-saturated craft beer region rather than head to a hotbed of craft brewing activity such as Asheville, North Carolina or Portland, Oregon. At the close of 2014, Idaho ranked 23rd of all U.S. states in number of breweries with 43 in the entire state. Not the least bit shabby, but to put it in perspective, San Diego County has well over 100 on its own and that constitutes what I, personally, would refer to as a “defined craft beer culture.” (https://www.brewersassociation.org/statistics/by-state/?state=ID) Still, this is not a contest and having fewer breweries than another state, county or city, or being less well known as a craft beer region in no way takes away from the quality of Idaho’s native beers or brewers nor the state’s potential to be a first-tier craft brewing region. I’d say landing MEBC is a great step to accomplishing that and wish Idahoans the best. Last but not least, I in no way accused Idahoans of being of lesser intelligence (or “dumb ol hayseeds”), but I’m OK with you accusing my writing of being “dumb.” It’s your prerogative, however, if this is truly the “dumbest thing [you’ve] read all day,” I’d say you’re having a pretty great day devoid of stupidity. Cheers, Brandon
Mick says
And the award for dumbest thing Ive read all day goes to… “in a part of the country that lacks a defined craft beer culture.”
One of the issues Idahoans have with Californians that move here is that they dont seem to realize the world doesnt really revolve around them. With this single line, the author appears to make this point. At least to this dumb ol hayseed Idahoan…