"What's your moment?"

Saint Arnold Brewery Entrance

Everyone who enjoys beer will say something different about it. People can talk about their favorite brands, flavors, styles, and brewers, but on top of all that, people who drink beer talk about their favorite memories with it. That first time you shared a beer with your Dad. A first date to that "perfect little bar nobody knows about." Toasting to my brother at his wedding. The common factor  is the connection. You shared that beer with someone. You enjoyed that moment with that person and with that beer.

"Beer is about community. We've always believed that at Saint Arnold." Brock Wagner knows beer. Starting his professional life as an investment banker, Wagner realized that he needed a change in his life. He had to lead from passion. Beer. "I have been homebrewing since college. I learned in my dorm at Rice University."He put everything on the line to try his hand in the then uncharted territory of Texas Craft Beer. Wagner is the Founder and Owner of Saint Arnold Brewing Company, a Houston Based Mircrobrewery that can claim the auspicious title of, "Texas' Oldest Craft Brewery." Founded in 1994, Saint Arnold is a strong name in Texas and recently, Louisiana.  Shipping over 50,000 barrels from El Paso to New Orleans. The brand, which consists of eight year-round brews and ten more seasonal or limited edition varieties, has a bottle for even the most discriminating of Beer Nerds. "When we brew our beer, we use four ingredients, malt, hops, yeast, and water. That's it…we never use any preservatives." It is important to keep the beer tasting fresh. And it is that sentiment that has made Saint Arnold such a respected name in the beer community. The company has won awards from numerous festivals and competitions, including "The World Beer Cup" and "The World Beer Championships". In addition to their unique beers and style, Saint Arnold also has a rather unique recycling program. You can trade in Saint Arnold cardboard beer carriers for company merchandise. If you are ever able to return 200,000 carriers, Wagner will give you the keys to the "Official Saint Arnold's 1957 Bentley".

A view from the Brewery Floor.

Stepping into the brewery, located north of Downtown Houston, the energy and passion is contagious. From the employees to the customers,everyone is animated. Saint Arnold is a place to explore beer. The brewery reveals itself to anyone that takes a tour, allowing the guests to walk the factory floor and travel at their own pace. Wagner also said that 2013 is going to be a big year for the company. The Saint Arnold Brewing Company will beginning finding its way into stores in Colorado and Florida. Wagner has been given the option to sell the brewery at a high price but he refuses, simply saying, "I love running a brewery." 

Having a Saint Arnold's that day was not my first beer. But, it was my first with that memory. Enjoying a fresh and cold "Weedwacker" in the hot Texas summer. Journeying through the brewery. Sharing a few words with Brock Wagner. Now, every time I have a Saint Arnold's beer, it will take me back to that moment of pleasure that was specific to me. What's your moment?

- Jeff




Learn more about Saint Arnold Brewing Company by visiting their website here.

For information about visiting hours and tours, click here.