At the California Travel Summit award ceremony this month, Karl Strauss was named Brewery of the Year for 2016 by the California Travel (CalTravel) Association for its role in developing the state’s tourism brand. In 2015, Firestone Walker received the award, preceded by Russian River in 2014 and Sierra Nevada in 2013.
The San Diego-based brewery, which got its start in 1989, began distributing beer outside Southern California in the summer of 2012.
Within the state, the company has brewery restaurants in Downtown San Diego, La Jolla, Sorrento Mesa, Costa Mesa, 4S Ranch, Temecula, Universal City Walk, and a recently-remodeled Carlsbad location. Karl Strauss’ brewing headquarters just east of Pacific Beach now includes a tasting room and beer garden, while Disney fans can find their products at a beer truck inside the California Adventure theme park.
CalTravel noted that several company leaders reside on the boards of key support groups such as the San Diego Brewers Guild, California Craft Brewers Association, and the San Diego Tourism Authority.
Karl Strauss was ranked #46 on the Brewers Association’s list of the top 50 craft breweries by sales volume in 2015.
“We are humbled and honored to be recognized for the mark we’ve made in the development of California’s rich craft beer culture and beer tourism. We take a lot of pride in our San Diego roots and have always made an effort to support our community in the way we represent our brand and the ways we give back through our service,” said Matt Rattner, the brewery’s President & Co-Founder. Karl Strauss CEO & Co-Founder, Chris Cramer, was in attendance to accept the award.