Blake’s Hard Cider Enters Chicago Market with Louis Glunz Beer

LINCOLNWOOD, IL — Louis Glunz Beer, Inc., Chicago’s premier craft and specialty import beer distributor, announces the addition of Blake’s Hard Cider Co. to its catalog, available now. The partnerships with Glunz and other select Chicagoland retailers marks Blake’s entry into the Chicago market.

“Blake’s makes ciders with serious style, which contributes greatly to the brands we represent in Chicago,” says Anthony Norkus, brand manager for Louis Glunz Beer, Inc. “Beyond the amazingly drinkable Beard Bender, Blake’s appeals to a wide variety of palates with products like The Tonic, a refreshing take with cucumber and ginger, and the habanero-infused fruity El Chavo.”

Blake’s Hard Cider Co. products currently distributed by Glunz and available to area restaurants, bars, and retailers include:

• Beard Bender (6.5% ABV) — Blake’s Beard Bender 100% natural hard cider has no added sweeteners, allowing the true characteristics of the apple come through. Derived from a variety of Bittersweet and Bittersharp apples, this cider packs a punch. Tart and crisp, Beard Bender comes from apples grown only at Blake Farms in Armada, MI.
• El Chavo (6.5% ABV) — This blend of habanero pepper, mango, and Blake’s apples delivers a hard cider experience of sweet and heat.
• WakeFire (6.5% ABV) — Blake’s replicates Michigan’s summer with its WakeFire hard cider. This easy drinking cider also showcases a comforting blend of Michigan-grown cherries, orange peel, and Blake’s apples.
• The Tonic (6.5% ABV) — Fresh ginger root and cool cucumber combine to deliver a crisp, light-bodied elixir to awaken the senses.
• Flannel Mouth (6.5% ABV) — The succulent combination of late-season table and dessert apples comprises Blake’s Flannel Mouth with its sweet flavor and smooth finish. Flannel Mouth is made 100% with Michigan-grown apples.

Blake’s Hard Cider Co. stems from Founder Andrew Blake’s family owned and operated apple orchard and cider mill, established in 1946. Andrew and his father began Blake’s Hard Cider Co. in 2013. Before joining Glunz for Chicagoland distribution, Blake’s sold cider throughout Michigan, as well as at its Ciderhouse and Winery located on the family’s orchard in Armada, MI. Ciderhouse hours are Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more on Blake’s Hard Cider, visit the website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.