Exciting news fro Saint Arnold Brewing:
HOUSTON, August 8, 2012 - Saint Arnold Brewing Company (www.saintarnold.com), the oldest craft brewery in Texas, continued to experience strong growth in the first half of 2012, reporting an increase of 37.6 percent in production. The 23,413 barrels of beer produced in the first six months of 2012 exceeded the amount Saint Arnold produced in all of 2008.
These are heady times for craft brewers in general. Earlier this week, the Brewers Association, the trade organization representing the majority of U.S. brewing companies, released strong mid-year numbers for America’s small and independent craft brewers. Nationwide, the volume of craft brewed beer sold increased 12 percent during the first half of 2012. The U.S. now boasts 2,126 breweries – an increase of 350 breweries since June 2011.
“When people think beer, more and more they are really thinking craft beer,” said Brock Wagner, Founder/Brewer of Saint Arnold Brewing. “We continue to focus on brewing world class beer and creating the community that surrounds beer. Last week’s launch of Divine Reserve No. 12 was an example where both of these came together.”
Saint Arnold saw growth across all brands. Santo, a unique ‘black Kölsch’ that was introduced in October 2011, has been a star performer. The brewery’s seasonal offerings have also seen significant growth.
Year Production % Growth
2012 (1st half) 23,413 barrels 37 percent
2011 40,416 barrels 29 percent
2010 31,445 barrels 22 percent
2009 25,710 barrels 13 percent
2008 22,749 barrels 28 percent
The first half of 2012 was also notable for the introduction of Saint Arnold Endeavour, the brewery’s first Double IPA. Saint Arnold also participated in Hops for Heroes during the first half of 2012, releasing Saint Arnold Homefront IPA to raise more than $130,000 for Operation Homefront Texas.
The continued success of Saint Arnold and other Texas craft breweries are good for the state’s economy. A recent study for the Texas Craft Brewers Guild found that in 2011 Texas brewpubs and small craft brewers employ more than 1,200 workers, paid $16 million in state and local taxes and had a total economic impact of $608 million in 2011.
Saint Arnold and other craft brewers are hoping to convince state legislators to change antiquated laws that create unnecessary legal obstacles between craft brewers and their customers. The Texas Craft Brewers Guild study estimates that if brewpubs and small craft brewers had better access to consumers, they could generate an economic impact for the state of approximately $5.6 billion.
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