Four San Diego County breweries are among the top 50 craft and overall brewing companies in the United States, according to a list released Tuesday by the Brewers Association.
Stone Brewing Co. of Escondido was ranked ninth in the top 50 craft breweries for 2014.
Nickie Peña, the media coordinator for Stone Brewing, said the company stands apart because its beers are "bold, flavorful and hop centric."
She said the company's sales topped $135 million last year.
Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits was ranked 31st, followed by Karl Strauss Brewing Co., 45th, and Green Flash Brewing Co., ranked 48th.
The annual list of top breweries from the Brewers Association — which represents small and independent craft brewers — is based on beer sales volume.
The largest craft brewery in the United States for 2014 was D.G Yuengling and Son Inc. of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, followed by Boston Beer Co. of Boston, Massachusetts. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., based in Chico, California, was ranked third.