The Register Guard ran a story this morning on the growth and success of Ninkasi. For those of you interested, the article is available HERE.
I have mentioned before that Ninkasi is currently Oregon’s fastest growing brewery; the figure attached to this statement being output in barrels. Ninkasi produced 3,000 barrel in 2007, their inaugural year. Since then, they have more than double production in each consecutive year; 7,800 barrels in 2008 and 17,000 barrels in 2009. This morning’s article hit on this fact, but also several others that I was unaware of.
Here is a run down of Ninkasi’s achievements over the last year:
- Distribution was expanded to Idaho and Alaska (with Nor-Cal coming in 2010).
- In April, Total Domination was the number 1 single-serve beer in Oregon.
- In August, Total Domination was the 10th highest sold single-serve beer in the country.
- At 17,000+ barrels for 2009, Ninkasi became a regional brewery (15,000+ barrels), the first Oregon brewery to do so in over 10 years.
- By the end of 2009 the brewery had 32 employees, 10 more than they started the year with.
- At the request of local Costco employees, Ninkasi worked a deal with the chain to carry their beer on a trial basis in Oregon and Washington stores.
- In 2009 Ninkasi completed a 4 million dollar renovation which included a new tasting room and expansions to the brewery that will allow them to produce 30,000 barrels in 2010.
- Ninkasi ended 2009 as the 6th largest brewery in Oregon (by production).
Co-Founder Jamie Floyd did mention in the article that he wonders if Ninkasi’s rapid success will lead to some sort of backlash as the brewery is seen as more “corporate.” If the tap devotion I saw on New Year’s Eve is any indication, they don’t have to worry just yet. The first bar I stopped at had Total Domination, Sleigh’R and Ninkasi’s new ESB on tap. At the second, the brewery controlled four of the handles. Yes, Eugene still hearts its Ninkasi.
Whether you still enjoy slogging Total Doms, or have grown a little weary of seeing the little teal ‘N” plastered everywhere, it’s hard to argue that 2009 wasn’t the year of Ninkasi. Personally, I think it’s great to see the local guys doing so well.
Congratulations Nikos and Jamie; I hope 2010 treats you as well, if not better than 2009.
Cheers!
Kevin