AleSmith Brewing Co. expands distribution to Chicagoland

AleSmith Brewing Co., a 20-year-old, award-winning San Diego craft brewery, signed with Wirtz Beverage Group to start distributing its hand-crafted ales throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs next month.

AleSmith Brewing will be selling its portfolio of craft beers including Speedway Stout, AleSmith IPA, Nut Brown Ale, X Extra Pale Ale, Seasonal brews and more.

“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.”

Since 1995, AleSmith Brewing has been handcrafting European-inspired beer in the heart of San Diego. To celebrate its 20th year in production, AleSmith recently opened a 105,500 square foot state-of-the-art brewery, featuring a new 80-barrel brew system and larger tasting room.

Wirtz Beverage says it is an honor to be chosen as AleSmith’s distributor in Chicago.

“It’s impressive to see a brewery like AleSmith continue to grow and flourish,” said Wirtz Beverage Director of Sales Amy Abraham. “Celebrating 20 years is no easy task in the craft beer market that is as competitive as ever. It is a privilege to be chosen as their Chicagoland distributor, and we’re going to take great pride in helping AleSmith grow even bigger over the next 20 plus years.”