Wirtz Beverage Illinois Partners with San Diego's AleSmith Brewing Co.
Aug. 31, 2015
Wirtz Beverage Illinois is excited to announce a new craft beer partnership that will bolster its growing craft beer portfolio: AleSmith Brewing Co. Effective August 31, Wirtz Beverage will be AleSmith's distributor in 52 Illinois counties, including Chicagoland metro.
"AleSmith has been producing some of the most awarded and respected beers in the U.S. for more than 20 years," said Amy Abraham, Wirtz Beverage Illinois Craft Beer Sales Director. "It is an honor to partner with a brewery of this caliber and we're eager to bring Peter and Vicky Zien's craft beers into Illinois."
"This is an important strategic partnership for AleSmith and we look forward to working closely with Wirtz Beverage in growing distribution and volume in the Chicago area," said AleSmith Sales Director James Valles. "Adding Wirtz Beverage to our distributor network completes the build out of our footprint within the state of Illinois."
Founded in 1995, AleSmith Brewing Company is a San Diego based artisanal craft brewery that specializes in handcrafted ales inspired by the European classics. This year, AleSmith is celebrating its 20th year in production and because of the brewery's tremendous growth, it is opening a brand new, state-of-the-art brewery in San Diego's Miramar neighborhood. This new brewery will feature a brew system with the capability to produce more than 100,000 barrels/year.
It's impressive to see a brewery like AleSmith continue to grow and flourish," said Abraham. "Celebrating 20 years is no easy task in a craft beer market that is as competitive as ever. It is a privilege to be chosen as their Illinois distributor, and we're going to take pride in helping them AleSmith grow even bigger over next 20+ years."
While AleSmith might be new to some, the brand and its beers have been craft beer industry stars for over a decade. In 2008, AleSmith won Small Brewing Company of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. In 2014, RateBeer.com users rated AleSmith the No. 1 Best Brewery in the World, in addition to being No. 1 in California as well. In total the brewery has won 18 medals at GABF.
At launch, accounts will be able to order a number of AleSmith's core beers, seasonals and special releases, including: X, ESB, IPA, Nut Brown, Horny Devil, Speedway Stout and Old Numbskull. Learn more about these styles below.
Anvil ESB
Style: Extra Special Bitter ABV: 5.5% IBUs: 30
Anvil ESB is AleSmith's interpretation of a traditional British-style pub ale. Deep amber in color, a toasty character from British malts and a touch of kettle caramelization blend seamlessly with a mild English hop profile. Its delicate balance of flavors will keep you coming back pint after pint, making it a complex creation that AleSmith is proud to call its flagship beer.
IPA
Style: IPA ABV: 7.25% IBUs: 73
It’s Pretty Awesome. A San Diego classic, AleSmith IPA showcases the versatility of American hops. Aromas of grapefruit and tangerine lead into an abundance of fresh pine and tropical fruit notes followed by a crisp, resinous bitterness. The complex hop profile is supported by a firm malt presence to create an incredibly flavorful and well-balanced IPA.
Xtra Pale Ale
Style: American Pale Ale ABV: 5.25% IBUs: 35
This refreshing, light-golden Extra Pale Ale embodies drinkability. AleSmith X pushes the limits by offering a level of flavor not often found in this classic style. Fresh American hops are abundant but carefully balanced by a light, crisp body and smooth bitterness. Notes of citrus and pine combine with a delicate malt sweetness to create a flavorful drinking experience.
Nut Brown
Style: Brown Ale ABV: 5.0% IBUs :17
AleSmith Nut Brown is a tribute to one of our favorite British styles. Deep mahogany in color, its rich, malt-forward flavor profile balances notes of biscuit, mild cocoa and earthy hops. A creamy mouth-feel and full body enhances its drinkability, making Nut Brown an extremely sessionable ale that embodies our commitment to quality.
Old Numbskull
Style: Barleywine Ale ABV: 11% IBUs: 96
Caramel and toffee notes abound in this deep copper-colored American Barleywine-style ale alongside toasted malt and a hint of ripe dark fruits. Old Numbskull showcases malt sweetness, intense American hops, and an aggressive bitterness. Extremely well-balanced, the full-bodied mouthfeel and assertive hop profile leads into a deceptively smooth finish. Old Numbskull can be enjoyed now or laid down for years to come.
Horny Devil
Style: Imperial Stout ABV: 10% IBUs: 25
Horny Devil is our interpretation of a Belgian-style Golden Ale. Brewed with authentic Belgian ingredients including Belgian candi sugar and a Trappist yeast strain, its fruity and spicy aromas include notes of orange, banana, and peppercorns. Coriander seeds add refreshing citrus notes which meld seamlessly with the beer’s delicate malt. Horny Devil finishes with a lively carbonation and a refreshingly dry finish.
Speedway Stout
Style: Imperial Stout ABV: 12% IBUs: 70
Speedway Stout’s ominous, pitch-black appearance has become a hallmark of this modern-day classic. Chocolate and roasted malts dominate the flavor, supported by notes of dark fruit, toffee, and caramel. A healthy dose of locally-roasted coffee from Ryan Bros. Coffee, Inc. added to each batch brings out the beer’s dark chocolate flavors and enhances its drinkability. Despite its intensity, Speedway Stout’s fine carbonation and creamy mouthfeel make it very smooth and surprisingly easy to drink. This beer ages very well and will continue to mature for many years to come.s to come.
About AleSmith Brewing Company
Since 1995, AleSmith Brewing Company has been handcrafting European-inspired beer in the heart of San Diego. Characterized by quality craftsmanship, AleSmith’s award-winning classics include Speedway Stout, Wee Heavy, Olde Ale, and the .394 Pale Ale. To celebrate its 20th year in production, AleSmith will open a 105,500 square foot state-of-the-art brewery, featuring a new 80-barrel brew system and larger tasting room. www.alesmith.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/AleSmith-Brewing-Company/112192372125546.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AleSmithBrewing. Instagram: https://instagram.com/alesmithbrewing/.
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.