Louis Glunz Beer Inc. Announces CBC Chicago Events

Thursday, April 8 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Whole Foods Lincoln Park

Chicago, March 29, 2010 – April 5th starts a banner week for Chicago beer geeks!   Thanks to Chicagoland’s premier distributor of micro, specialty and import beers, Lincolnwood, Ill.-based Louis Glunz Beer, Inc., and several of its brewery and retail partners, who are planning a series of special events for the trade and public alike around the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC).  Glunz Beer is among the local sponsors of the CBC, the brewing industry’s largest gathering in North America, which will be presented by the Brewers Association from April 7-10 at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Chicago with attendance restricted to beer industry professionals.

“We’re thrilled that the Brewers Association chose Chicago as host city for this Conference,” said Jerry Glunz, General Manager of Glunz Beer.  “The growth and popularity of craft beer in Chicago is a testimonial to both our brewery and retail partners, who have helped us educate local beer lovers to fully appreciate full-flavored beers,” he explained.  “We look forward to showcasing this city’s great craft beer culture to the thousands of craft brewers pouring into town, and as the local distributor with the largest portfolio of craft beers, we’ve planned an exciting line-up!”

1. Glunz Global Beer Expo XVI — featuring the owners and representatives of more than 100 breweries from around the world sampling nearly 300 different micro, super-premium, specialty and import beers to over 2,500 Chicagoland restaurant, bar, liquor and grocery store owners, managers and beer buyers, as they look to plan their beer selections for the coming year.  Among the new offerings are New Holland’s El Mole Ocho, based on Mexico’s legendary sauce; Brewery of Silly’s Pink Killer, made with grapefruit juice; Porterhouse Oyster Stout brewed with fresh oysters; Granit Bock, brewed according to the historic style “Stone Beer” with white hot granite rocks added to the wort; and, a host of organic and gluten-free beers.  The 16th annual event will be held on Monday, April 5 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Rd. in Rosemont, Ill.  Free parking.  Shuttle service from the Blue Line.
2. Glunz Rare Beer Tour – a guided journey through Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and top craft beer bars, each sampling a different rare or limited release beer especially created for the tour by Glunz Beer’s participating craft brewery partners.  Registration required at CBC check-in and limited to the first 750 people.  Three routes on Friday, April 9 with first bus departing at 6 p.m.
3. Culinary Collaborations — a panel featuring Glunz Beer Culinary Council members Mindy Segal, chef/owner, Hot Chocolate; Mike Roper, co-owner, The Hopleaf; Randy Mosher, author, Tasting Beer; and, Lucy Saunders, author and founder of beercook.com, sharing their best practices for bringing better beer to the city’s restaurants and home dining tables.  Registration required at CBC check-in.  Seminar on Saturday, April 10 from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. in Ballroom V.

1. Dogfloydapalooza 2 — a rare opportunity to enjoy the specialty beers of Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, Del. and Three Floyds Brewing Co. in Munster, Ind., in the company of brewing warlords, Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head and Nick Floyd of Three Floyds.  Featuring 10 craft beers on draft, to be revealed at the event; five each from the two award-winning breweries on Tuesday, April 6 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St. in Chicago.  Tickets $20, include first pint of beer.  To order in advance, visit www.bottomlounge.com.
2. “Grandfather of Microbrewing” – Fritz Maytag, hosts an Anchor Family of Products Tasting including Anchor Beers, Junipero Gin, and York Creek Wines from his Anchor Brewing & Distilling Company and York Creek Vineyards in Napa Valley, complemented by samples of famous Maytag Blue Cheese.  Mr. Maytag will talk about the history of microbrewing and the burgeoning artisanal distilling movement during his appearance on Thursday, April 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Whole Foods Market, 1550 N. Kingsbury St. in Chicago.  No reservations required.
3. The Publican Beer Dinner – a six-course menu specially created by Chef Paul Kahan, also a member of the Glunz Beer Culinary Council, and his crew, paired with beers from Michigan’s New Holland Brewing Co. and Colorado’s New Belgium Brewing Co., including a unique “blending” course that combines beer from both breweries.  “Eat with the Brewers” seating with brewery notables at 7 p.m.; the full menu will also be available to all other guests that evening.  The special event takes place on Friday, April 9 at The Publican, 837 W. Fulton Market, Chicago.  Price is $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity).  For reservations, call (312) 733-9555.

Founded in 1888 by Louis Glunz I in Chicago, Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. is among the oldest beer distributors in the United States and the recipient of the 2007 “Craft Beer Distributor Achievement Award” from the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Brewers Association for promoting craft beer and making consumer choice a top priority.  The 122-year-old company is family-owned and operated by president, Jack Glunz, the grandson of Louis Glunz I, with day-to-day operations led by five of his and his late wife Patricia’s seven children as members of the fourth generation.

The first member of the fifth generation has also joined the staff, with other members working during school breaks.  Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. features an extensive portfolio of 665 micro, specialty and import beers from 67 suppliers representing 172 breweries worldwide, and is the premier distributor to restaurants, bars, liquor and grocery stores in Chicagoland.  The company is dedicated to quality service and to educating its customers and the public about beer tastes and trends through expos, tasting classes and training.  For more information, including beer tutorials, full product descriptions and a zip code search finder, visit www.glunzbeers.com.

Tweet