The New Brewer (a publication of the Brewers Association) just released their Annual Industry Review Issue where they discuss 2008 craft beer statistics. We are delighted to announce that for the second year in a row, Boundary Bay Brewery ranked in as the largest brewpub in the nation (based on number of barrels sold).
The brewing industry defines a brewpub as a restaurant-brewery that sells 25% or more of its beer on site. The beer is brewed primarily for sale in the restaurant and bar. The beer is often dispensed directly from the brewery’s storage tanks. Where allowed by law, brewpubs often sell beer “to go” and /or distribute to off site accounts. As opposed to a microbrewery (like McMenamins) which is defined as a brewery that produces less than 15,000 barrels of beer per year with 75% or more of its beer sold off site. Microbreweries sell to the public by one or more of the following methods: the traditional three-tier system (brewer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer); the two-tier system (brewer acting as wholesaler to retailer to consumer); and, directly to the consumer through carryouts and/or on-site tap-room or restaurant sales.
So thank you, to all of our loyal customers, for being a part of not just our success, but the growing success of craft brewing as an industry. And next time you’re here at Boundary Bay Brewery, head down to the beer garden and sign our declaration supporting craft beer and beer independence.