Buffalo Creek Brewing Partners with Glunz, Expands into Chicago and Beyond

Despite the pandemic, Buffalo Creek Brewing in historic downtown Long Grove experienced a stunning growth surge over the last year and has signed with Louis Glunz Beer Inc., to expand it distribution into Chicago and beyond in 2021.

Since opening three years ago, the Bavarian-themed brewery and taproom helmed by owner/brew master Mike Marr has become a Lake County destination, renowned for its authentic German-style beer and atmosphere. During COVID-19, while others shuttered or scaled-back operations, Buffalo Creek Brewery invested mightily in its signature biergarten, implemented curbside pickup, and broke sales records.

“Over the last year we've had to ramp up operations efforts to meet the unprecedented demand,” said Mike, who produced 20% more beer in 2020 than 2019 despite being shutdown for three months because of COVID. “With our scaled-up production system in place, we're ready to expand and become a big brewery. I'm excited to have a partner like Glunz who's focused on the craft beer industry to help make Buffalo Creek Brewing a household name.”

Previously, Buffalo Creek Brewing was using its equipment basically half-way with 15-barrel fermenter output. With the increase in territory distribution, Mike will be doing 30-barrel batches and essentially doubling production. He anticipates not only bigger yields, but better quality beer as well. As Mike puts it, increasing the size and scale enables him to be a “much more efficient brewer.”

Buffalo Creek Brewing beer is now being distributed to alcohol retailers across Lake, McHenry, Cook, DuPage, Kane, DeKalb, Kendall, and Will counties - with plans to expand in the future. Consumers can expect to see their three signature beers typically on sale: Marrvelous (German Kolsch), Farmer's Illegit Daughter (Farmhouse Saison), and Muttersholtz (German Wheat) - as well as some other specialties.

Here's a look at other key happenings over the next month at Buffalo Creek Brewing:

Pint of Music: 6, 13, 20, 27

The brewery's Alpine Biergarten transforms into one of the only suburban live music venues on Saturdays at 3 pm when some of the most renowned local talent hits the main stage for free open-air concerts. Mike invites guests to bundle up, grab a pint, and warm up next to a roaring bond fire while they are entertained! The current March lineup is as follows: Mar 6: E-Man, acoustic artists influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Dylan, and Dave Matthews; Mar 13: Bill Uhler, a solo acoustic artist ubiquitous with suburban guitar lore; Mar 20: Low-reen, a soulful sultry voice carefully curated by smokes and whiskey that many have compared to Janis; Mar 27: Peter Warren, an artist who combines a unique blend of instrumentals, bassa novas, jazz standards and contemporary songs into his craft.

New Releases: Mar 12, 20, 26, 27

Each month, Mike brews new handmade beers and hard seltzers to add to his extensive menu. From crafty small batch releases to old favorites back by popular demand, Mike gives his fans a wide selection of fresh choices each month. BCB creations are available on tap at the brewery or in growlers or cans for takeout or curbside pickup. The March release lineup is as follows:

Mango Habanero Black Hoof: March 12: The latest addition to BCB's popular hard seltzer line is made with mango extract that starts off sweet and ends with a smooth burn.

Bye Bye Truck: March 20: An Imperial Cream ale inspired by the most recent and now viral video of Long Grove's latest covered bridge truck run-in. As an added tribute, the beer will have 8.6% alcohol to match the bridge's 8 feet 6 inches of clearance!

Buffalo Kriek: March 26: A Kriek-inspired sweet tart sour ale bursting with fresh cherries.

Obligatory: March 27: A small batch IPA made with Azacca hops with notes of mango, grapefruit, orange, lemon, pine, spice, and dried pineapple.

St. Pat's Green Eggs & Hash Party: Mar 13

Buffalo Creek Brewing pays tribute to the Emerald Isle on Saturday, March 13th with its annual St. Pat's Green Eggs & Hash Party. All eyes will be smiling - Irish and otherwise - when brewery doors open at 9 am with complimentary green eggs and hash for guests and plenty of cold BCB beer on tap to wash it down. At 1 pm, The McNulty Irish Dancers will captivate the brewery's Alpine Biergarten as they have audiences around the world with the beautiful, traditional dances of Ireland. Then, to top it all off, at 3 pm on the mainstage outside a live Irish folk band will start the party jigging till the wee hours!

Pre-St. Patrick's Day Virtual Beer Tasting: Mar 15

In partnership with Service Partners of Lake County, BCB is proud to host this Pre-St. Patrick's Day Virtual Beer Tasting charity event. Mike will present beer lovers four craft beer selections for virtual taster enjoyment from the comfort of their home while they view an exclusive tour of the brewery. Tickets are $25 and proceeds go to local charities. The price includes a 4-pack craft beer sampler, the virtual tasting, and tour. Register at: bit.ly/SPLCbeertasting.

Spring Fling: Apr 10

Buffalo Creek Brewing is bringing spring break to Lake County for anyone who's not yet ready to travel far! On Saturday, April 10th, the Alpine Biergarten will morph into a spring break hedonism, starting with the release of a tall blonde ale lovingly brewed with lots of passion fruit and guava. Officially stepping off at noon, the all day/night Spring Fling at BCB will feature food trucks, a DJ setting the beat, and other classic spring break draws such as beer pong, limbo, dance contests, glow stick pumping, and a temporary tattoo station so Spring Flingers can commemorate the occasion with their favorite Chinese character or tribal stamp!

(Buffalo Creek Brewing complies with all State and local COVID-19 health and safety regulations to protect customers and staff, including tables distanced at least 6-feet apart, the implementation of sanitation stations, and mask-wearing when not seated.)

WHERE: Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove, IL 60047

CONTACT: www.buffalocreekbrewing.com / phone (847) 821-6140 / email: info@buffalocreekbrewing.com