— EST. 1996 —
GREG KOCH, CEO & CO-FOUNDER | STEVE WAGNER, PRESIDENT, SENIOR BREWMASTER, & CO-FOUNDER
A MESSAGE FROM THE CO-FOUNDERS Stone Brewing Co. has come a long way since opening in 1996. We have grown from a small microbrewery with just two founders into the 10th largest craft brewery in the United States, employing more than 700 amazing men and women. Stone beers are now distributed in 37 states and five countries. From the beginning, our goal has been to brew outstanding, unique beers while maintaining an unwavering commitment to sustainability, business ethics, and the art of brewing. Over the last 17 years, Stone Brewing Co. has been the fastest growing brewery in the U.S. (based on year-over-year average growth), averaging 52% annual increases in revenue and 41% annual increases in production of beer. That tremendous growth is strictly the result of word-of-mouth demand for our beers, as we have never paid to advertise our beer in print or broadcast media. That’s correct. Never. We have also never discounted our beer. This is quite unusual in the U.S., as advertising and discounting are two of the primary techniques brewers often use to drive the growth of their brands. But not Stone. We are also proud that over the years we have grown without compromising our commitment to business ethics. In an industry known for its vigorous–and at times unseemly–competition, we have embraced collaboration, integrity, and quality as the hallmarks of our business. Stone has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in north San Diego County. Last year Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens hosted at least 600,000 visitors and more than 60,000 toured the brewery. We pride ourselves on being an asset to our region; as such, our community and philanthropic efforts far exceed what can be presented here. We believe that building a strong business means being a vital component of the economic, social, and environmental life of the community. Thank you for taking the time to learn about Stone Brewing Co.
CONTENTS Beers A Leader in Craft Brewing Brewery Tours Restaurants Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Escondido Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Liberty Station Food Events Farm Stores Sustainability Growth Stone Packaging Hall Stone at San Diego International Airport Community Involvement
BEERS We pride ourselves on brewing the beers that we like to drink. Yes, Stone has won prestigious awards and received countless accolades; however, we choose to brew our beers the way we do because we love them. They are unique, big-character beers featuring bold flavors that defy traditional style guidelines and expectations. Our brewing decisions do not take into account cost or focus-group preferences. We reject lowest-commondenominator flavor profiles and mediocrity. We treat beer as an art form, rather than as a commodity. In short, our beers reflect our passion for brewing.
“Stone Brewing Co. has mentored brewmasters and created demand for some seriously offbeat ales.”
YEAR-ROUND RELEASES
SCORES
ABV
STONE LEVITATION ALE
94
4.4%
STONE PALE ALE
96
5.4%
STONE SMOKED PORTER
99
5.9%
STONE IPA
100
6.9%
STONE CALI-BELGIQUE IPA
98
6.9%
STONE RUINATION IPA
100
7.7%
STONE SUBLIMELY SELF-RIGHTEOUS ALE
100
8.7%
ARROGANT BASTARD ALE
99
7.2%
OAKED ARROGANT BASTARD ALE
99
7.2%
VARIES
VARIES
STONE OLD GUARDIAN BARLEY WINE
99
11.0%
STONE IMPERIAL RUSSIAN STOUT
100
10.5%
DOUBLE BASTARD ALE
100
10.5%
STONE ENJOY BY IPA
100
9.4%
SPECIAL RELEASES STONE ANNIVERSARY ALE
BEERS A Leader in Craft Brewing We don’t just make beer; we make craft beer. That means we’re independently owned, comparatively small, and use traditional brewing methods and ingredients. We focus exclusively on making distinctive, high-quality beers that taste nothing like massproduced lagers. In the United States, craft beer has been the fastest-growing segment of the alcohol industry for the last decade, outpacing wine, spirits, imported beer and major-brand domestic beer. U.S. craft beer volume has grown 96% in the last seven years, and its momentum continues to increase, even during the current slow economy. Stone has been recognized by the industry’s leading voices as one of the top brewers in the world. BeerAdvocate magazine, a highly respected craft beer publication and website, named Stone “All-Time Top Brewery on Planet Earth”–twice. RateBeer. com, a highly trafficked beer enthusiast website, has included Stone Brewing Co. in the top 10 of its annual “Best Brewers of the World” list 11 times–making Stone one of only three breweries in the world to earn that honor. Stone is one of the principal originators and leaders of the “West Coast” style of brewing, which is known for big character and aggressive “hoppiness” (hop aroma, flavor, and bitterness). This approach has inspired small brewers all over the world to create similarly styled beers. We are honored by the recognition and have often been inspired in return.
“All-Time Top Brewery on Planet Earth. The most popular and high-rated brewery –ever.” 2008 & 2009
“Stone has one of the most advanced breweries in the craft brewing industry, reflecting our commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability.” —Mitch Steele, Brewmaster Stone Brewing Co.
BREWERY A major contender in the United States craft beer market, Stone currently employs more than 700 people. Our company occupies more than 235,000 sq ft of brewing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, and office space, which includes two large restaurants and five retail stores. Due to ever-increasing demand, our production capacity has been in a state of constant expansion since our inception in 1996. Part of our success can be attributed to an insistence on purchasing the most upto-date and efficient brewing equipment available. Of the more than 250 craft breweries operating in California, we are one of only two to employ state-of-the-art brewhouse systems manufactured by ROLEC GmbH of Munich, Germany. A major investment of several million U.S. dollars, these systems have provided a significant increase in production and efficiency. Using both of our ROLEC systems, we typically brew up to 1,000 barrels of beer in a single day.
The 10th largest craft brewery in the United States. 2013
BREWERY Tours We have long been committed to promoting craft beer culture by making our brewery a memorable destination. Tens of thousands of fans visit us annually from all over the world, and out-of-town guests frequently plan entire holidays around a visit to our brewery and restaurant. Brewery tours at Stone have fast become one of the most popular tourist activities in the San Diego region. Our entertaining and informative tours, conducted by energetic guides several times daily throughout the year, showcase craft beer production and craft beer culture while leading visitors through the heart of the brewery. In 2012 alone, more than 66,000 guests enjoyed guided tours of our facility, complete with tasting sessions afterward (touring a brewery is thirsty work!). Additionally, hundreds of craft beer enthusiasts visit our five Stone Company Store locations every day to purchase takeaway beer and shop from our vast array of distinctive, contemporary merchandise.
“Stone has America’s Top Brewery Tour!”
OUR RESTAURANTS We serve food that complements the harmonious nature of the physical surroundings: Our restaurants specialize in using locally grown, organic ingredients to create eclectic, world-inspired cuisine. As ambassadors of the craft beer movement, we proudly feature extensive arrays of exceptional craft and specialty beers from all over the world on tap and in bottles. Outstanding wine selections and house-made sodas round out our lineup of worldclass artisanal beverages.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – ESCONDIDO Over 12,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor dining and bars adjoins a lush one-acre garden. Our award-winning architecture has been described as “industrial-becoming-organic”, and embodies our affinity for melding organic features of reclaimed wood, stone, plant life, water, and fresh air with industrial elements of metal concrete, and glass. The San Diego Architectural Foundation awarded the Stone Brewing World Bistro - Escondido its coveted “People’s Choice Orchid” award and named it “a bold symphony of concrete, stone and steel.” This compelling and unique environment reflects our culinary and ethical philosophy.
“Stone Brewing Co. in Escondido... the grounds rival any winery in Napa Valley.”
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – LIBERTY STATION A building complex in the now-historic Naval Training Center near downtown San Diego provides a unique and beautiful setting for the second outpost of our award-winning restaurant. Creative contemporary additions like water features, solid granite wall siding and beer bottle light fixtures enhance the striking historic architecture of the expansive restaurant. The venue opened in May 2013 and encompasses 55,000 sq ft, including dining and bar areas, a bocce ball court, outdoor cinema space and an 11,300-square-foot landscaped garden. The facility also houses a ten-barrel brewing system that brews original beers exclusively for the Stone Company Store located onsite, where guests can purchase growler fills of fresh Stone beer to take home.
“The bistro is a maze of soaring banquet halls, intimate dining alcoves, indoor bars, outdoor bars, a court for bocce ball, and a courtyard for outdoor movies.”
FOOD We are proud supporters of the international Slow Food movement. We have hosted many of our local chapter’s events at the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Escondido, but even more importantly, we make sure that every dish we prepare in our kitchen is made from ingredients adhering to Slow Food’s principles of good, clean, and fair food. We insist that the food we serve is healthful and full of fresh flavors, and it’s important to us that we support local farms and lessen our impact on the environment. Because of our dedication to environmental responsibility and highquality food, we are now the largest restaurant purchaser of local, small-farm organic produce in San Diego County. We staunchly refuse to use high fructose corn syrup and other processed ingredients because of what we believe to be their considerable negative environmental, social, and health impact. We even create our own ketchup in our kitchen using local, organically grown tomatoes and unrefined cane sugar. Our commitment to high-quality craft beer is evident in both our restaurants’ extensive draft systems and bottle lists, which prominently feature beers from small craft breweries all over the world; we have NEVER served mass-marketed beer. We play a positive role in our communities: both our local community and the larger worldwide community of craft brewers.
“Not for the faint of heart, [Stone’s] bold brews have a strong and fast-growing fanbase.”
EVENTS Creating a culture of social enrichment, community outreach, and connoisseurship, the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido has become a center of diverse community activities since opening in November 2006. We believe in being more than simply a tourist destination; in addition to providing upscale dining experiences based on our environmentally conscious philosophy, our restaurant is a hub for private and community events. We proudly offer meeting space for community-oriented gatherings such as fundraisers, homebrew club meetings, mixers for environmental groups, and screenings of educational and socially responsible films. In our efforts to promote awareness and appreciation of the craft brewing industry and local businesses, we provide numerous recreational and educational opportunities for patrons. Each month we hold “Beer University” classes and beer pairing events that educate guests while they sample craft beers paired with such diverse foods as sushi, cheese, and chocolates. At these events, we customarily feature foods and goods produced within our own region, such as gourmet chocolates from local chocolatiers and fresh-pressed olive oils from local orchards. Our very popular Fresh Dinner series has become an icon of the Slow Food movement, showcasing food harvested in the morning from local farms and served that evening for dinner. During the summer, we show popular movies outdoors in our gardens, promoting a convivial and relaxed atmosphere where hundreds of local residents congregate for entertainment and socializing.
“San Diego has become a premiere destination in the world for craft beer; thanks in part to the innovative Stone Brewing Co.” FOX News
STONE FARMS In 2011, Stone Brewing Co. took over operations of a local 19-acre farm. Currently, we are farming just over a third of the land to provide fresh organic vegetables for our own use and for visitors to the farm. Operating our own farm is a hands-on demonstration of our commitment to sustainable food production, and is an important source of fresh organic produce for Stone Catering and both Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens locations. Stone Farms is also open to the public on weekends, and guests can participate in guided tours, stroll the grounds while enjoying a pint of beer made with farm ingredients, and visit the on-site Stone Company Store where growler fills of Stone beers and freshly picked produce are available for purchase. The property also provides a rustic, out-of-the-ordinary site for events and large gatherings. Portions of the un-farmable area have been landscaped to provide an expansive and peaceful atmosphere for weddings, corporate events, and other social gathering requiring naturally beautiful outdoor space.
“Stone Farms is a welcome presence in our local food landscape.�
STORES Our five Stone Company Store locations offer unique retail experiences and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We provide our fans with the opportunity to explore and enjoy Stone beer in a relaxed, intimate setting framed by our signature architectural elements of concrete, stone, metal, reclaimed wood, plant life and natural lighting. Each Stone Company Store offers a similar yet distinctive tasting experience with numerous rotating taps of Stone Brewing Co. beers, including year-round beers, special and one-time releases, and periodic archived vintages. Fans may also purchase growler fills of fresh Stone beer, kegs, bottles, and Stone Brewing Co. merchandise and gifts ranging from favorite staples to uncommon novelties, including t-shirts, glassware, soap, candles, dog treats, jewelry, books and more.
Oceanside
Escondido
Pasadena
South Park “The famed Stone Brewing Co. chose Pasadena for its first retail location outside of its native San Diego County, and thirsty Angelenos have happily flocked to the Raymond Avenue location since it opened in October.�
Liberty Station
SUSTAINABILITY A biodiesel fuel blend is used in all of our delivery trucks.
Our rooftop photovoltaic system is among the largest such solar arrays in California, supplying enough power for our entire 12,000-sq-ft restaurant, and preventing the release of 160 metric tons of CO2 annually.
Our in-house recycling program helps reduce office and restaurant waste.
We maximize water efficiency in our offices and restaurant by using low-flow & waterless fixtures.
“...surely among the greenest breweries in the world.�
Our water consumption levels are well below industry standards, thanks to our water reclamation system. A typical craft brewery uses a water-to-beer ration of 6:1; Stone uses just 3.5:1.
Spent grain from the brewing process is used as animal feed by local dairy farmers.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens is the largest restaurant purchaser of local, small-farm, organic produce in San Diego County.
Numerous salvaged and repurposed materials, from bricks to tabletops, were used in the construction and furnishing of Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Escondido.
Our one-acre gardens are maintained using 100% organic methods and are SITES certified.
GROWTH Since our founding in 1996, Stone Brewing Co. has been the fastest growing brewery in America. From producing 2,100 barrels in our first full year of operation to more than 177,000 barrels in 2012, we have had to work diligently to keep up with the strong demand for our beers. In addition to the brewery, we also operate Stone Distributing Co., a beer wholesaler in Southern California, delivering beer in 46 refrigerated trucks to more than 5,500 pubs, restaurants, hotels, markets & grocery stores. Reflecting our commitments to collaboration, growing the craft beer category, and mutual economic benefit, Stone also distributes beer from over 30 U.S. and import craft breweries, providing crucial access to market for these valuable small- and medium-sized businesses. For example, Stone is now the 2nd largest U.S. wholesaler for Belgium’s famed Duvel brand, and is the largest wholesaler for respected breweries such as AleSmith, Lost Abbey, Russian River, The Bruery, Avery Brewing, Bear Republic, and others.
REVENUE
2002
$6,025,318
1998
$940,895
MILESTONES 1996
2001
2003
2005
Stone Brewing Co. established
New 72-head bottle filler increases packaging capacity and speed by 20 times; today we have 23 packaging and QA employees
We begin distributing to New York, our 17th state; today we distribute to 37 states and employ 74 sales representatives nationwide
We relocate to our new Citracado Parkway facility with eight times more floor space; today we have 109 Stone Company Store and office employees
• 3 employees • Available in San Diego only • 400 barrels brewed
2013 PROJECTION
$131,000,000
2012
$103,325,538
2009
$48,404,836
2006
$16,782,217
“Stone Brewing Co. [is] considered one of the industry leaders...”
2005
2006
2010-2011
2013
Installation of our modern Rolec brewing system more than quadruples our brewing potential; today we have 36 people on our brewing team
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Escondido opens, more than doubling our number of employees; today our restaurant provides jobs for 450 people
Two warehouses totaling 77,500 sq ft quadruple our refrigerated storage area; today we employ 81 people in warehouse and distribution
• Added 341 employees • Opened second, 23,000-sq-ft restaurant • Expected production: 210,000 barrels
GROWTH Stone Packaging Hall To keep up with our monumental growth, in 2012 we began construction of a 59,800-sq-ft bottling and kegging facility next to our current brewery. Dedicating this new building entirely to packaging freed up a large amount of space in our original brewery and allowed us to install a second 120-barrel brewing system and additional fermentation tanks. This nearly $7 million property will begin operating Summer 2013.
Stone at San Diego International Airport We are proud to have been selected by the San Diego International Airport Authority Board to represent our local beer scene and the flavor of Southern California. Our newest culinary venture will offer a selection of craft beers from other local craft brewers as well as our own lineup, accompanied by some of the most popular signature dishes from the eclectic menu served at our two restaurants. A new craft beer bar located in Terminal 2 will also feature a significant selection of Stone beers. Discerning travelers can discover and explore the distinctive flavors of our beers at the airport beginning in August 2013.
“Companies involved in the program represent the best of local brands to 17 million visitors annually.� San Diego Regional Airport Authority
DISASTER RELIEF Since Stone’s founding in 1996, we have contributed a total of well over $2.3 million to charity. And in 2012 alone, we also made beer donations exceeding $300,000 in value to more than 300 charitable fundraisers. However, our dedication to philanthropy isn’t limited to our own community or even our own country.
From left to right: Mitch Steele, Brewmaster at Stone Brewing Co., Tosh Ishii, President of Ishii Brewing Co., and Bryan Baird, Brewmaster of Baird Brewing Co.
In 2011, we collaborated with four out-of-state and international brewers to create two special fundraising beers that raised more than $85,000 for disaster relief. These funds provided help for victims of the Tohuko tsunami in Japan and Tropical Storm Irene in Vermont, USA.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT We are dedicated to supporting our community and promoting a culture of social responsibility. Over the years, we have raised more than $1,400,000 on behalf of local charitable organizations through our annual “Stone Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festival.” We focus our philanthropic efforts primarily on local groups so that our money goes back to the community where we live and work. In addition to direct donations, we also host numerous fundraisers at our restaurant, and provide meeting space for local environmental, social, and community groups. Members of our ownership and management teams also take social responsibility personally and sit on the boards of several local charitable organizations.
“As a philanthropic leader in the community, Stone Brewing Co. has raised the bar for other local businesses to get involved in making an impact on the lives of others.”
—Shelly Anguiano Figueroa, CEO
1999 Citracado Parkway | Escondido, CA 92029 WWW.STONEBREWING.COM