Press Release: 

(Chicago, IL) – This year has already been abuzz with news about hard cider’s exploding popularity in Chicago, especially following the second annual Cider Summit last month and the announcement of two cider-focused bars to open later in 2014. As a leader in craft beverages in this area, distributor Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. has been at the forefront of the cider movement, with more than 32 products already in its portfolio, and is proud to announce the arrival of Uncle John’s Fruit House Winery from St. Johns, MI. Offerings include the signature Uncle John’s Apple, Cherry, and Perry ciders, as well as other year-round offerings and a rotating seasonally inspired selection.

“With the craft cider market really booming, we love that we can offer Chicagoans a great regional product from our neighbors in Michigan, less than four hours away,” says Anthony Norkus, Glunz craft and specialty import brands manager. “Uncle John’s makes ciders the old-fashioned way, as they have for nearly 100 years, using local products and time-honored fermentation methods that yield a superior taste.”

Uncle John’s ciders currently distributed throughout Chicagoland by Glunz include:

Uncle John’s Apple (6.5% ABV)
Full-flavored, crisp, and refreshing with just the right amount of carbonation, this cider’s award-winning flavor comes from apples grown just steps away from the Michigan cider mill. Available in four-pack 16-ounce cans and on draft.

Uncle John’s Cherry (6.5% ABV)
Starting with the estate Apple hard cider, then using a special family recipe that mixes in Michigan cherry juice, this carbonated blush beverage brings together two of the state’s best tastes. Available in four-pack 16-ounce cans and on draft.

Uncle John’s Perry (6.5% ABV)
This semi-dry and sparkling hard cider is made from juicy Bartlett pears grown in Michigan. Available in four-pack 16-ounce cans.

Uncle John’s Cranberry Apple (6.5% ABV)
This sweet and tart blend combines Uncle John’s traditional Apple hard cider with cranberry juice. Winter seasonal available in four-pack 16-ounce cans.

Uncle John’s Melded (6.8% ABV)
Made from traditional American and English cider apples, this blend has a soft tannic bite with crisp acidity. Available in 750 mL bottles and on draft.

Uncle John’s Russett (6.8% ABV)
This cider offers a crisp and fruity blend of Russett apples. Available in 750 mL bottles and on draft.

Choosing Glunz as a partner in Chicago was a natural fit, explains Brian Rutzen, Midwest sales manager for Uncle John’s.

“When we met with the senior management team at Glunz, we were immediately struck by the sense of working with a family business,” Rutzen says. “Uncle John’s Cider is the culmination of a family business that began over a hundred years ago. The Beck Family has been growing apples on the same farm for generations, and it has been an important part of our success. The passing down of traditions and a deep knowledge of tree fruit impacts everything that goes into our cider. We take pride in making the highest quality product at an affordable price. Glunz takes great pride in that same knowledge of its own history.”