Baderbräu to distribute via Louis Glunz Beer

Baderbräu has announced its new distribution partner, Louis Glunz Beer, Inc., one of the oldest and largest craft and specialty beer distributors in Chicago.

“We are thrilled to work with Louis Glunz Beer, Inc.,“ said Baderbräu Founder Rob Sama.  “With their proven track record at building brands, and Baderbräu continuing to build momentum in Chicago, we could not have asked for a better partner.”

Originally Baderbräu was brewed starting in 1989 by the Pavichevich Brewing Co. of Elmhurst, Ill., which at its height produced more than 14,000 barrels (bbls) of Baderbräu annually. The highly regarded beer was sold into the top 250 Chicago area restaurants, hotels, clubs and bars at a time when the craft beer movement was in it’s infancy and only major domestic beers from Anheuser-Busch, Miller and Heileman were even available in Chicagoland. At it’s peak, Baderbräu was distributed across 12 states and sold in over 2,000 foodservice and retail establishments.

In 1998, as  Pavichevich Brewing met with financial difficulties and closed, Goose Island acquired the rights to brew Baderbräu and did so until 2002, when it decided to focus entirely on Goose Island branded products sunsetting the brand. In 2010, Rob Sama formed Baderbräu Brewing Co. Armed with the original recipe and the assistance of original Baderbräu Pilsener creator and master brewer, Douglas Babcook, Sama has resurrected a truly great Chicago original, reestablishing Baderbräu Chicago Pilsener back to it’s former prominence. Baderbräu Brewing Co. features beers in the style east of the Rhine River and continues to develop their take on unique lager recipes to compliment the portfolio.

Baderbräu’s varietal portfolio currently includes the original year-round flagship Chicago Pilsener, as well as limited edition seasonal expressions including Lawnmower Lager IPL and Red Velvet Bock (to be released for its second year winter 2015).

Louis Glunz, the 126-year-old company, continually receives recognition for its innovative, family-owned business, including Beverage Industry’s 2013 Wholesaler of the Year, the National Beer Wholesalers Association 2013 Public Affairs Award, a 2013 Loyola Illinois Family Business of the Year Award, and 2012 Distributor of the Year by Beverage World.