Beer Not Included: Saint Arnold Brewing Puts Naming Rights for New Tank Up for Bid

HOUSTON, January 17, 2006 – Racing to keep up with rapid growth, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Texas’ oldest craft brewery, has installed its first 120 barrel fermenter. The brewery is auctioning off naming rights to the tank on eBay to offset the cost of the new tank and other capital improvements, and to generate excitement among its faithful fans.

The auction is open at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5657357601. Saint Arnold Brewing has a tradition of naming its fermentation tanks after saints who have connections with beer through the ages, including St. Adrian, St. Brigid, St. Columbanus, St. Dorothy, St. Edmond, St. Florian, St. Gall, St. Hildegard, St. Idesbald, St. Jacobus, St. Lawrence, St. Matthew and St. Nicholas.

Although this level of community involvement in a private enterprise may seem unusual, this is the third time Saint Arnold Brewing has offered customers the opportunity to truly become a part of the brewery.

• In 2004, the brewery held a similar auction for one of its tanks, which led to the christening of the “St. Gonzo” tank. 
• In 2003, the brewery’s supporters gladly handed over close to $7,500 to help the brewery pay for a reverse osmosis system to purify its water. Those who donated to the cause have their names displayed on the water tank.

Just like last time, no bids for naming the tank after a company will be accepted. The brewery will only accept bids for naming the tank after a person. The auction continues through Friday, January 27th.

“We have been just barely keeping up with demand for the past year so there is lots of excitement about our expansion and we wanted to give our customers a chance to be a part of it,” said Saint Arnold founder Brock Wagner. “Getting this big tank online will ensure that Texans can always find Saint Arnold’s fresh, flavorful, quality beer on the shelves.”

The new tank can brew 3,720 gallons or close to 40,000 bottles of beer, which is twice the volume of the brewery’s existing tanks. A second tank is also being installed with two more on the way. Along with a new bright beer tank and extra refrigeration, the six-figure investment will boost the brewery’s capacity by 67 percent.

About Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Saint Arnold Brewing’s eleven brews are made and sold by the company''s staff of 16 dedicated employees. The brewery is located at 2522 Fairway Park Drive and its free brewery tour and tasting is offered every Saturday at 1:00 P.M. For more information on Saint Arnold''s 11 beers as well as root beer, log on to http://www.saintarnold.com.