Gnarly Barley Brewing Ranked Among Fastest Growing Craft Breweries of 2018 by the Brewers Association

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Contact: Cari Caramonta
cari@gnarlybeer.com
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Gnarly Barley Brewing Ranked Among Fastest Growing
Craft Breweries of 2018 by the Brewers Association

Hammond, LA • March 27, 2019— Gnarly Barley Brewing was named one of the fastest growing small and independent craft breweries of 2018 by the Brewers Association (BA)—the not-for-profit trade group representing small and independent craft brewers. The second annual list offers insight into the depth and diversity of growth within the craft brewing industry.

“2018 was another great year for the company as a whole. Not only did we grow in production capacity, but grew as craft brewers, as well. We are continuously humbled by the dedication of our team. They are willing to strive for excellence by pushing, growing, and learning in order to elevate our beers,” said Zac Caramonta, co-founder of Gnarly Barley Brewing.

“We are appreciative of our loyal craft drinkers. These passionate people allow us to do what we love to do. We are proud to contribute our small part to the economy from Tangi Parish. It’s an honor to be recognized on a national level while we do it our way in Hammond, LA. As for Gnarly’s future, we plan to continue to maintain our commitment to the quality of this craft.”

Gnarly Barley Brewing was ranked 37th among 50 small and independent breweries from across 27 states. This is the second year Gnarly Barley is ranked among the fastest growing breweries in the nation. In 2017, Gnarly Barley was ranked 43rd among 50 independent breweries by the Brewers Association.

The Hammond brewery reached this ranking by increasing production from 3,740 barrels in 2017 to 8,904 barrels in 2018, as well as bringing on new employees to reach increased market demand. The company growth has come organically without entering new markets in the last three years. Because they have not expanded into any new geographical locations, their current distribution sits in southeast Louisiana only.

Median growth from all the breweries on the list was 163 percent with the median size being 1,350 barrels of in-house production in 2018. Breweries on the list range from 50 barrels to more than 40,000, and grew from less than 70,000 barrels collectively in 2017 to more than 170,000 barrels in 2018. As a group, these brewing companies represent approximately 10 percent of total craft growth by volume for the year, and include 13 brewpubs, 35 microbreweries and two regional craft breweries.

"Even as market competition continues to increase, these small and independent breweries and brewpubs demonstrate there are still growth opportunities across a diverse set of regions and business models," said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association.

View & Download Map of Top 50 Fastest Craft Brewing Companies

Methodology: The list presented includes only small and independent breweries. Growth is measured based on production at their own facilities. Breweries must have opened by December 31, 2016 or earlier to be considered. It only includes breweries that reported 2018 production to the Brewers Association’s annual Beer Industry Production Survey; breweries with staff estimates or data from state excise tax reports were not considered. Breweries also needed a validated production figure for 2017, either via the production survey, or state excise tax data.

About Gnarly Barley Brewing Co:

Gnarly Barley Brewing Co. was founded by Zac & Cari Caramonta in 2014 as the 11th brewery to open in Louisiana. Gnarly Barley’s focus is to provide a truly original experience by blurring the lines of traditional beer styles. We are dedicated to making top quality, hand crafted beer that pushes innovation and combines premium ingredients with proper process. Gnarly Barley Brewing currently distributes their flagship brands Catahoula Common, Radical Rye P.A., Korova Milk Porter and Jucifer IPA in Southeast Louisiana. For more information visit gnarlybeer.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @gnarlybarley. 1709 Corbin Rd. Hammond, LA 70403.