Rahr Brewery sees surge in sales

Rahr Brewery can barely keep up with demand these days. 

Sales jumped 71 percent this year as people opt to cut back on higher prices items and indulge on cheaper items, such as a six pack of beer. 

"We certainly weren't expecting the growth that we've seen in 2009 as a result of that we are behind in our production," said General Manager Tony Formby.

The increase in due to several factors. Part of the increase is based on the stumbling economy that has caused people to cut back on high prices items but indulge on cheaper items. 

The rest of the increase is a product of the surge over the last few years in craft beers and more people have become interested in beer -- much in the same way people have embraced wine. 

As a result, less known beers have boomed while more mainstream beers have stabilized. 

According to The Brewers Association, sales are up more than 6 percent for craft breweries this year compared to last year, and experts point for that trend to continue.

Formby said that'll translate into a great 2009 year. 

"They do say, 'Beer is the champagne of recession,'" he said.