HOUSTON, June 9, 2004 - Saint Arnold Brewing Company, the oldest microbrewery in Texas, will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the delivery of its first keg of beer this weekend.

The Houston brewery has come a long way from its humble beginnings when its only beer was Saint Arnold Amber Ale. Today, Saint Arnold is brewing at full capacity and turning out 10 flavorful brews, many of which have been judged to be among the finest in the world.

Founder and CEO Brock Wagner has grown as well, becoming a recognized leader of America's brewery industry. In recent weeks Wagner was named to the Association of Brewers' board of directors. It's a long way from the admittedly naive investment banker-turned-brewmaster who founded the company with a fellow Rice University Alumnus in the mid 1990s.

"One thing that has never changed is our commitment to using the finest ingredients to produce beer that has taste, character and integrity," said Wagner. "When I look back at the past 10 years, the thing I am most proud of is that we have created a special connection with people throughout Texas. In a very real way, they are the Saint Arnold family."

As the brewery turns 10, it is boosting capacity by 25 percent with the installation of new tanks. The brewery’s 11-person team will shatter its record for volume this year and may come close to 9,000 barrels, up from the record 7,000 barrels brewed last year. They recently introduced their fifth year-round beer, Saint Arnold Elissa IPA, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Galveston Historical Foundation’s preservation of the tall ship ELISSA. And their weekly brewery tour has grown to become a must-do event for Houston visitors, attracting hundreds each week, many toting stacks of 6-pack holders in support of the brewery’s recycling efforts.

Saint Arnold Brewing will say "thanks" to its legion of passionate supporters with a 10th anniversary celebration at the brewery starting at 6:00 p.m., Saturday June 12th. Admission is $25, which includes a barbeque dinner, a commemorative ceramic pint glass and music by the Zydeco Dots. Those interested in should e-mail mary@saintarnold.com or call 713-686-9494.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company’s ten brews are made and sold by the company's staff of 11 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 five year-round and five seasonal beers as well as root beer, log on to http://www.saintarnold.com.

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