Press Release:

(Chicago, IL) – Local brewery, BuckleDown Brewing, and the state’s leading wholesale distributor, Wirtz Beverage Illinois, announced today a new partnership to market and sell the independent brewer’s craft beer brands throughout the Chicagoland region. The agreement marks the first time BuckleDown will be available for purchase outside of the brewery. The company, based in Lyons, IL, also becomes Wirtz Beverage Illinois’ first craft beer partner based in the Chicago-area.

“BuckleDown is young and hungry and they are making really great beers,” explained Amy Gasca, Director of Sales, Craft Beer. “They are willing and excited to try new things whether it’s a unique recipe or a completely different market approach. We like that kind of enthusiasm and passion; it’s a good fit for us and what we do at Wirtz Beverage.”

BuckleDown Brewing was founded by Sean Mahoney and head brewer, Ike Orcutt, in January of 2013. The company is known for its flavorful beers, which include four year-round selections and an ambitious program of seasonal and specialty releases. When BuckleDown hits the market November 1, it will launch four artisanal beer offerings including Belgian-style Single Mirth and Belgian-style IPA Fiddlesticks; American IPA Belt & Suspenders; and Shady Aftermath, a robust porter.

“Being based in Illinois, we’ve had the opportunity to watch Wirtz Beverage and see firsthand the way they do business,” said Sean Mahoney. “It’s a lot like the BuckleDown philosophy: hard work, creativity, determination. They’ve got an incredible craft beer team committed to developing a focused set of brands in this market. As a growing brewery, that’s really important to us.”

BuckleDown Brewing marks the fifth craft beer partner to join the Wirtz Beverage Illinois portfolio. The company began craft beer distribution statewide in January 2013. Since, it has strategically expanded its portfolio to include local, regional and national craft beer partners. In the near term, BuckleDown will focus on the Chicagoland on-premise market. The new agreement between the companies becomes effective Fall 2013.

“We look forward to growing a strong partnership with Wirtz Beverage,” said Ike Orcutt. “There’s an amazing and growing craft movement happening in our own backyard and we can’t wait to share our products with other beer lovers like us.”

About BuckleDown Brewing
BuckleDown Brewing is a small craft brewery making bold, flavorful beers in Lyons, Illinois. Its artisanal beer selections are brought to life by founders Ike Orcutt and Sean Mahoney, who believe that all great things are the product of creativity and determination. The brewery’s taproom opens Fall 2013. For more information, visit http://buckledownbrewing.com.

About Wirtz Beverage Illinois
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.