![#](www.e-malt.com/images/left_top_corner16x200.gif) | E-Malt.com News article: USA: All top 20 craft breweries enjoy sales growth in 2011![Brewery news](https://e-malt.com/Images/BeerBullet2.gif)
In 2011, all top 20 craft breweries in the US experienced increases in revenues, Huffington Post reported on February, 7.
Craft breweries recorded 15 percent growth in volume of barrels shipped, compared to a 1.5 percent decrease in the beer industry overall, according to industry estimates from Beer Marketer's Insights. Currently, 1,900 craft breweries are in operation across the nation, with an additional 900 in the planning stages, making great beer a more accessible treat for the 95 million beer lovers in the U.S.
Craft brewers, defined by the Brewers Association as breweries that produce 6 million barrels of beer or less annually, often use traditional methods to create malts and incorporate unique adjuncts to enhance flavors. "A light American lager no longer satisfies every taste," said Julia Herz, the craft beer program director at the Brewers Association. "Americans have developed a discerning palate, so if it's not world class quality, it won't survive." In an age where the majority of Americans live within 10 miles of a brewery, Herz points out that a great shift in the industry has been the localization of beer, creating a greater following for businesses heavily involved in their communities.
"They are carving out their version of the American dream," Herz said. "Where there's a cause, there is a great willingness to roll up their sleeves and start a business."
According to industry estimates from Beer Marketer's Insights, here are the top 20 craft breweries in the U.S.:
#1 - The Boston Beer Company Location: Jamaica Plain, Mass. Barrels Sold in 2011: 2,440,000 - 8 percent increase since 2010 Popular brands: Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea
#2 - Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Location: Chico, Calif. Barrels Sold in 2011: 858,000 - 9.2 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Ovila Abbey Ales
#3 - New Belgium Brewing Location: Fort Collins, Colo. Barrels Sold in 2011: 713,000 - 7.9 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Fat Tire, Lips of Faith
#4 - Craft Brew Alliance Location: Portland, Ore. Barrels Sold in 2011: 635,000 - 8.5 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Red Hook, Kona
#5 - Spoetzl Brewery Location: Shiner, Texas Barrels Sold in 2011: 487,000 - 13 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Shiner Bock
#6 - Magic Hat Brewing Company Location: South Burlington, Vt. Barrels Sold in 2011: 336,000 - 4.3 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: #9, Single Chair
#7 - Deschutes Brewery Location: Bend, Ore. Barrels Sold in 2011: 223,000 - 9.9 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Red Chair NWPA, Mirror Pond Pale Ale
#8 - Matt Brewing Company Location: Utica, N.Y. Barrels Sold in 2011: 196,000 - 7.7 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Saranac
#9 - Bell's Brewery Location: Galesburg, Mich. Barrels Sold in 2011: 180,000 - 16.9 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Bell's Lager, Java Stout
#10 - Harpoon Brewery Location: Boston, Mass. Barrels Sold in 2011: 173,000 - 15.3 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Harpoon IPA, UFO Hefeweizen
#11 - Lagunitas Brewing Company Location: Petaluma, Calif. Barrels Sold in 2011: 165,000 - 55.7 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Lagunitas IPA
#12 - Boulevard Brewing Company Location: Kansas City, Mo. Barrels Sold in 2011: 157,000 - 5.4 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Single-Wide IPA, Chocolate Ale
#13 - Stone Brewing Company Location: Escondido, Calif. Barrels Sold in 2011: 149,000 - 29.6 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Stone IPA, Arrogant Bastard Ale
#14 - Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Location: Milton, Del. Barrels Sold in 2011: 144,000 - 19 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: 60 Minute IPA
#15 - Brooklyn Brewery Location: Brooklyn, N.Y. Barrels Sold in 2011: 140,000 - 29.6 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Brooklyn Lager
#16 - Alaskan Brewing Company Location: Juneau, Alaska Barrels Sold in 2011: 130,000 - 11.1 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Alaskan Amber
#17 - Shipyard Brewing Company Location: Portland, Maine Barrels Sold in 2011: 129,000 - 31.6 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Shipyard Export Ale
#18 - Abita Brewing Company
Location: Abita Springs, La. Barrels Sold in 2011: 125,000 - 14.7 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Abita Jockamo IPA
#19 - Long Trail Brewing Company Location: Bridgewater Corners, Vt. Barrels Sold in 2011: 120,000 - 10.1 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Double Bag Ale
#20 - Great Lakes Brewing Company Location: Cleveland, Ohio Barrels Sold in 2011: 120,000 - 31.9 percent increase since 2010 Popular Brands: Dortmunder Gold
08 February, 2012
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