Russian River Brewing Company

 Russian River Brewing Company a Legacy 

    Russian River Brewing Company is built on passion and love. Co-founders Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo have a strong passion for brewing beer and crafting their products from the heart.  The documentary follows the couple's journey through life, growing their own company together, and how it led to the empire they have built today.  Vinnie Cilurzo has always loved brewing beer and has had a long career since 1989 with his first beer and commercializing it into Russian River Brewing Company today.  The couple has had a cute connection to beer since their first day. Natalie had to pay for their first date beers since Vinnie wasn’t old enough then; they have continued to grow their company ever since.  The documentary is touching in that the couple raised a love for each other, their passion for beer, and their goal of creating a “world-class everything” company. 

The company has had a long journey. Vinnie started brewing in 1989 and then started the first modern IPA in 1994.  His company and dreams all came true. A VC invested in his company, and then he began working for Corbelle.  Cary Beck was the President of Corbelle at the time, and Vinnie came in as a full-time hire to launch their brewery business.  By 2004, they had 30 investors with $6,000 in the bank to launch their first brewery and restaurant.  As time passed, their company grew, and they opened an automated system for their new brewery in Santa Rosa.  The most notable aspect of Russian River Brewing Company is its loyal customer base. 

The signs of a successful company are the founders, the timing of the product, and the customers.  The Cilurzos are passionate about brewing beer and making their company the best.  The product is of the highest quality and provides quality taste and an affordable price.  When it comes to their customers, they are willing to fly out for important updates and to open store locations.  The documentary showed business people who willingly extended their stay in the area one more night so they could attend the once-a-year event that people lined up for.  It is highly admirable that consumers would travel, wait, and pay for a product. It just speaks of how great the Russian River Brewing Company beer is and how likable the company is.

Unfortunately, I am not a Russian River Brewing Company's target market since I do not consume beer; I am more of a white wine connoisseur.  That being said, Natalie has a beautiful sense of writing and easy readability for readers.  Although I am not a fan of beer, it was interesting to read the history of the Russian River Brewing Company and learn more about the tedious process of making beer.  I have never sipped Pliny the Elder, but I have had 805 and Corona and enjoyed those more than any other beer I have ever tried.