TEMPE, Ariz. – Born in Arizona, Sleepy Dog Brewing is now being adopted by Illinois. A craft beer staple in the Arizona market, Sleepy Dog Brewing will expand its distribution into the Chicagoland area starting in August 2018.
The newest addition to the craft beer scene will be distributed in Illinois by Chas. Herdrich and Son, Lakeshore Beverage and Schamberger Brothers Inc.
Sleepy Dog Brewing was founded out of Tempe in 2009 with the goal of brewing handcrafted, specialty beers. In its first eight years, the brewery grew in sales and reputation throughout the state of Arizona, distributing to hundreds of bars and restaurants and most major grocery and retail chains.
In 2017, a group of investors, which included Two Brothers Brewing Company (Warrenville, IL), was presented the opportunity to rescue Sleepy Dog in order to secure the Tempe-based brewery’s long-term viability. Since then, that team and Two Brothers has used their local resources and 21 years of brewing experience to keep the brand alive and better than ever.
Now with a deep and loyal fan base established in Arizona, Sleepy Dog is bringing its fun and creative craft beers to Illinois. With a focus on creating new and innovative styles, Sleepy Dog beers are brewed to be unconventional, yet flavorful.
Initial distribution will include four updated products: Desert Dog Pale Ale, Feisty Chihuahua Mexican Lager, Tail Chaser IPA and Wet Snout Peanut Butter Milk Stout. These beers – which have been mainstays in the Sleepy Dog lineup – have been modified and revamped using new brewing methods and ingredients to create a more balanced and flavorful beer for current palate expectations.
These beers will be available on draft and in 6-pack cans both in bars/restaurants and retailers.
Through its nine-year history, Sleepy Dog has embraced the relationship between craft beer and dog lovers. True to its namesake, the brand will continue to support its canine friends, with plans to team with local animal shelters and organizations, both in Arizona and Illinois.
To help celebrate its new adoption in Chicago, Sleepy Dog Brewing will host several release parties throughout the Chicagoland area in the coming months.
For more information and updates, visit SleepyDogBrewing.com.