FEW SPIRITS PARTNERS WITH WIRTZ BEVERAGE ILLINOIS
Jun. 4, 2015
FEW Spirits, a handcrafted, small-batch distillery with worldwide recognition, and Wirtz Beverage Illinois announced plans today to expand the availability of the company’s brands through a new distribution agreement. FEW Spirits is highly-touted for its Rye Whiskey, Barrel Gin, Bourbon Whiskey and American Gin. The company’s Rye Whiskey was recognized as Whisky Advocate’s Craft Whisky of the Year and the Beverage Testing Institute has rated FEW Rye as one of the top five rye whiskies in the world.
"We take great pride in our timeless processes to produce the best quality spirits," said Paul Hletko, FEW Spirits Founder. "The approach Wirtz Beverage brings to craft spirits through education and focus is really similar and it makes a lot of sense to work together in our hometown. We are excited to see our growth continue with this new partnership in Illinois."
The new distribution agreement will make FEW Spirits available statewide in both the on and off premise. Leading Wirtz Beverage’s craft efforts will be Business Manager Jason Griffin, along with an expert team of Craft and Beverage Development specialists. This high-performing team will engage with Chicago’s premier craft accounts, providing product education and usage occasions.
"We are very excited to partner with FEW and add to our craft spirits portfolio. FEW’s dedication and commitment to quality put them on the right path for the future," said Jason Griffin, Wirtz Beverage Illinois. "Consumers are driving craft spirits growth and increasingly looking for local options. Chicago is the anchor market for FEW and Wirtz Beverage; making this the right partnership."
In less than five years since their founding, FEW Spirits has grown exponentially from its beginnings in Evanston, IL. Its award-winning whiskies and gins are loved by drinkers and bartenders alike. Accolades include World Whiskey Award’s Gold Medal, American Craft Spirits Association’s Gold Medal Gin, and multiple Beverage Testing Institute’s Gold Medals, among prestigious others. Sales have doubled every year since inception, and FEW is now available in 20 states including Washington, D.C. as well as throughout the UK, Europe, and select locations in Australia, Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong.
About FEW Spirits
FEW Spirits offers a new take on timeless distilling techniques, and transcends the oft-ordinary taste. FEW’s master distiller overturned century-old prohibition laws to become Evanston’s first distiller of grain spirits within the city limits and now is a globally recognized brand. A true grain-to-glass distillery, FEW Spirits ferments, distills and bottles all of its products from scratch on-site. FEW is recognized for its award-winning artisan spirits: Bourbon Whiskey, American Gin, Barrel Gin and Rye Whiskey. To learn more about FEW Spirits, visit its website at www.fewspirits.com.
About Wirtz Beverage Illinois
Wirtz Beverage Illinois is a statewide leader in the distribution of fine wine, spirits and beer brands. The company combines its time-honored tradition of execution excellence with a reputation for best-in-class service and brand building throughout Illinois. The company is a member of Wirtz Beverage Group, a leading wholesaler and broker with interests in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada and throughout Canada. To learn more, visit www.wirtzbev.com or engage with us on Facebook or Twitter.