EARLY HOLIDAY GIFT FROM SAINT ARNOLD BREWING: SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO A BEER AISLE NEAR YOU

HOUSTON, October 12, 2004 - Grocers, tavern owners throughout Texas and Texans who appreciate good beer are making room for some holiday cheer. The 2004 supply of Saint Arnold Christmas Ale will ship from the oldest microbrewery in Texas on October 14th.

Saint Arnold Christmas Ale is rich and hearty with a malty sweetness and pleasantly spicy bitterness. The generous use of five different malts is responsible for Saint Arnold Christmas Ale’s full flavor and relatively high alcohol level. It was introduced into Saint Arnold’s rotation of seasonal brews in 1995.

"For many Texas families, keeping a supply of Saint Arnold Christmas Ale on hand has become part of their holiday tradition," said Brock Wagner, founder of Saint Arnold Brewing Company, which is the oldest microbrewery in Texas. "We have even heard that some families are kind enough to leave Santa a Saint Arnold Christmas Ale to take back to the North Pole with him."

In brewing Saint Arnold Christmas Ale, the Saint Arnold’s team uses five different types of malted barley and refrains from adding any other grains or cereals such as corn or rice. They also use two different Pacific Northwest hop varieties.

The tradition of brewing winter beers, such as Saint Arnold Christmas Ale, predates industrial brewing, originating in the pagan celebrations of winter solstice. The style that emerged over the centuries typically produces big, malty sweet, strong and warming beers, which are best for fending off the cold of a long winter night.

Beginning October 14, 2004, Saint Arnold Christmas Ale will be available on tap and in 12-ounce bottles sold in six-packs and cases. It will be available throughout Texas at grocery and liquor stores, bars and restaurants.

Saint Arnold Christmas Ale was recognized with the Gold Medal at the 1998 and 2000 Real Ale Festival in the Old Ale/Strong Ale category, the Bronze Medal at the 1998 World Beer Cup in the Old Ale/Strong Ale category and a Silver Medal at the World Beer Championships in the Strong Ale category.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company’s ten brews are made and sold by the company's staff of 13 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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