Bloomington-based Upland Brewing Company extended its reach by partnering with Heartland Beverage to begin distribution in Chicago this month.
David Bower is president of Upland Brewing Co. He said the brewery, which already distributes in major cities like Atlanta and Washington D.C., was getting regular requests from IU alumni to start selling its beer in the Windy City.
“We’re really invested in becoming part of Chicago, not just in a transactional way, but to get involved with the community, develop relationships with the retailers," he said. "And I think if we do all those things, we’ll have staying power.”
Now, you can find Upland’s beer at places like The Beer Temple and The Open Bottle.
Bower says there has been particular interest in their Pilsener, Champagne Velvet.
“That’s a heritage brand for us that we revived," Bower said. "It has a long, storied history in Indiana and throughout the Midwest. And it seems to especially resonate in Chicago.”
Bower said his company decided to partner with Heartland because they are the last independent craft beer distributor in Chicago, which he says aligns with Upland’s values and growth trajectory.
