Today is the 30th birthday of Barkley the Beer, the mascot of the Anderson Valley Brewing Co. in Boonville, California. Be sure to toast Barkley with a bottle (or can or draft) of your favorite Anderson Valley beer today. And join me in wishing Barkley a very happy birthday.
Alice and Porter posing with Barkley at the Boonville Beer Festival a number of years ago.
And here’s why, according to Anderson Valley’s website, Barkley is a “beer” and not a “bear:”
It’s not a bear. Bears don’t have antlers. Of course not. Whoever heard of such a thing?
It is, however, a BEER. The Legendary Boonville Beer to be exact. Barkley, by name, who could be considered a cross between a bear and a deer (thus a beer). Barkley and his brethren are often seen about Anderson Valley by lovers of truly fine beers (especially if they’ve had a few).
So now you know. Never again will you be tormented by friends and relations who know the secret of the Beer and won’t give. Now you can go out and torture your friends and relations.
Though he used to have a collar, as seen in this 2008 photo of Barkley.
And not everyone treats him with reverence.
Barkley in front of the gift shop/tasting room.
Happy Birthday Barkley!
I once met Barkley in the woods at Anderson Valley. I thought he might eat me or something like that, but instead he invited me into the tap room at the brewery, so we could share a pint.
Nice Beer, that Barkley is.