Finch’s Beer Co. is going local. The Chicago-based craft brewer has teamed up with Rexam, choosing the company’s 16oz cans as the ideal packaging choice for its lineup of beers. Rexam is a leading global beverage can maker with North American headquarters in Chicago.
Finch’s has already launched Secret Stache Stout, Hardcore Chimera, Finch’s Pale Ale and Nuclear Winter in Rexam cans with Sobek & Set, Fascist Pig and Threadless coming soon, followed by Wet Hot American Wheat this summer.
Secret Stache Stout features rich chocolate and coffee notes while vanilla beans and lactose give it complexity and full flavor, and torrified wheat adds body. Hardcore Chimera is an American style imperial India Pale Ale brewed with a blend of hops for an intense aroma and passion fruit and citrus flavors. Finch's Pale Ale is an American style pale ale featuring crystal and Munich malts for a sweet, biscuit flavor with a hop punch. Nuclear Winter is a Belgian Dark Strong Ale with caravienne malts and dark sugar for increased color and a flavor and aroma profile dominated by Belgian yeast.
"We are committed to locally sourcing as many materials as possible, including our tall boy cans which are now printed right here in Chicago," says Ben Finch, founder, Finch’s Beer Co. "We are happy to be the first Chicago-based craft brewer to partner with Rexam. It just makes sense for us since the can plant is so close to both our facilities here in Chicago. This relationship delivers outstanding value to our business and helps us ensure we are providing our unique craft beers to our customers in a great-looking package.”
Finch’s began the transition in the middle of 2014, and plans to have all eight of its labels — plus two additional new labels — in Rexam cans by mid-2015.
Finch’s Beer Co. utilizes cans because of their many inherent benefits. Aluminum cans block out all light and oxygen which helps preserve the beer’s taste and freshness longer. They are lightweight, which can reduce shipping costs. Cans are durable and portable so they are often permitted at many venues and locations where glass is not. Cans are also one of the most sustainable beverage package in the world as they are able to be recycled, converted to cans again and back on retail shelves within 60 days. They are recycled at double the rate of any other package option.
Claude Marbach, sector director, Rexam BCNA, comments on the partnership with Finch’s. “We are pleased to establish a relationship with this fast-growing local brewery which allows us to provide the perfect package for its craft beers,” he said. “Our cans help attract attention on store shelves, maintain beverage integrity and deliver superior recycling, filling, distribution and retail display economics that will help Finch’s continue to build its brand and business.”
Strengthening its connection to Chicago, Finch's Beer Co. recently announced the design and development of a new brewery on the Chicago River in the heart of Lincoln Park, a historic Chicago neighborhood. The new brewery, set to open in late 2016, will boast over 50,000 square feet in phase one and include a tap room, river walk and beer-to-go package store.
