Une Année Brewery hits Chicago via Wirtz Beverage, plans to bottle

Emerging craft beer producer, Une Année Brewery, announced plans to expand the availability of its 100 percent artisanal ales. Launched in the Chicago market September 2013, the craft beer producer’s seasonally focused French and Belgian style offerings are gaining a loyal local following, despite limited availability. On Oct. 15, Une Année will be available at bars and restaurants throughout the greater Chicagoland area thanks to a new distribution agreement with Wirtz Beverage Illinois.

“Une Année was born out of a passion and respect for great beer. So, our plan is to make few beers, very well,” said Une Année Brewery Founder Jerry Nelson. “Our company is young but it’s gaining a nice local following thanks to our devotion to the quality of our beers. Our new partnership with Wirtz Beverage is a great opportunity for us to get Une Année into even more people’s hands. We’re just getting started.”

Brewed in Chicago’s Kinzie Industrial Corridor, Une Année means “one year” in French and underscores the brewery’s commitment to producing Belgian-inspired ales annually, seasonally and quarterly. When its agreement with Wirtz Beverage begins, accounts within the Metro Chicago region will have greater access to Une Année’s original draft ales, which currently include its flagship Maya Belgian IPA, Less is More Session Saison and limited-release collaboration The Devil’s Reign Belgian Golden-Strong. Two more beers will launch in its autumn lineup: Masquerade Tripel and Truth Against the World Autumn Saison.

“Jerry’s brewing philosophy is all about quality which is why a partnership is really appealing to us,” said Amy Gasca, director of craft beer sales, Wirtz Beverage Illinois. “We’re able to help them get off the ground from a business planning perspective while they can focus on making and perfecting really great beers. Craft beer lovers can expect many interesting things from Une Année.”

In the year ahead, Une Année plans to release new  offerings including yearly, single-batched and limited-release beer. The company also has plans to bottle its beer.

Wirtz Beverage Illinois is the state’s most established alcohol beverage distributor with operations statewide serving premium wine, spirits and craft beer brands. The family-owned and operated company is an affiliate of Wirtz Beverage Group, one of the nation’s leading alcohol beverage distributors. With nearly $2 billion in annual sales and 2,500 employees, Wirtz Beverage Group has interests in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada and Wisconsin. To learn more about Wirtz Beverage, visit its website here.