Louis Glunz Beer to Distribute Around the Bend Beer’s Puffing Billy in 6-Packs

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LINCOLNWOOD, IL. — Louis Glunz Beer, Inc., Chicagoland’s oldest family-run beer distributor and specialty importer, announces the arrival of Around the Bend Beer Co.’s Puffing Billy American brown ale, available now in six-packs. Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. begins distribution of the brand-new six-packs this month across Chicagoland retailers. Puffing Billy debuted in October 2015 on draft only, and plans for bottling the beer soon followed as a result of the beer’s overall response in the marketplace.

For its third year-round beer in the lineup, Around the Bend decided on brewing an American brown ale based on Founder Dan Schedler’s passion for the style. Named after a legendary steam locomotive, Puffing Billy presents a label that fits into the Chicago-based startup brewery’s existing profile with an imaginative steampunk-inspired design.

At 6.9% ABV and 35 IBUs, Puffing Billy pours black with a chocolaty aroma. Brewed using 100% Northdown hops and a mix of caramel, chocolate, Munich, oat, and pale malts, Puffing Billy showcases a distinct malt character and balanced, spicy hop bitterness. This robust beer is finished with cacao nibs, the key ingredient, which adds layers of nuanced flavors and a natural subtle sweetness for a complex, sessionable ale.

“Cacao nibs were always in the plan from the beginning. Northdown hops naturally tend to bring out the subtle chocolaty notes of a beer, which is what we were going for,” explains Dan Schedler, founder at Around the Bend Beer Co. “It took us about a year to get Puffing Billy to where it is today, and what makes us most excited about bottling the beer in six-packs is having the chance to share it. It’s really different than what’s already out there—it’s very approachable for a dark beer and is smooth-drinking.”

Around the Bend uses creative ingredient testing and traditional brewing methods in every beer it makes. The brewery currently operates out of the collective space at Ale Syndicate in Logan Square, with plans to break ground on its own brewing facility in the future.

For more information about Around the Bend Beer Co., visit them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information Louis Glunz Beer, Inc., find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Louis Glunz Beer, Inc.

Founded in 1888 by Louis Glunz I in Chicago, Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. (7100 N. Capitol Drive, Lincolnwood, IL 60712; 847.676.9500) is among the oldest beer distributors in the United States, proudly offering Chicagoland the most comprehensive selection of craft, specialty, and import beers representing more than 190 breweries around the globe. The 128-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, and the 2013 Loyola Illinois Family Business of the Year Award. Heading the company is President Jack Glunz, the grandson of the founder, with day-to-day operations led by five of his seven children as members of the fourth generation and with members of the fifth generation also on staff. Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. is dedicated to quality service and beer education. For more information, visit www.glunzbeers.com. Find Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.