MIDDLETON, Mass. – (March 2014) – Cheers to 20 years of Belgian beer! Global Beer Network, the exclusive U.S. importer for ten award-winning breweries, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by throwing a nationwide series of parties and benefit events. The company and its fans are marking the occasion with a first-ever traveling Belgian Beer Chalice.
Global Beer Network was founded in 1994 in Santa Barbara, Calif., by Johnny Fincioen and Claudine Van Massenhove. Steve Villani and Cliff Lusso acquired the company in 2007, eventually relocating the company to the Boston area.
“When Global Beer Network was founded in 1994, the beer landscape here was very different,” said Steve Villani, president of Global Beer Network. “Through years of hard work, education and resolve, inspired by Johnny and Claudine’s passion, Global Beer continues to offer more than 60 Belgian beer labels to fans in the U.S., including the popular Gulden Draak, Wittekerke, Petrus and Piraat.”
Johnny and Claudine plan to kick off the 20th anniversary celebration in Belgium during the week of March 24 where they will celebrate by using the chalice for toasting with all of Global Beer’s partner brewers. The chalice will also tour some of Belgium’s most popular landmarks such as the Manneken Pis and the Atomium. Beginning in April, tap takeovers, beer tastings and special events will kick off in the U.S. Celebrations will sweep across the country, culminating in a supreme ceremonial tasting in Boston, the current home to Global Beer Network.
In the spirit of giving, Global Beer is donating $10,000 to Pints for Prostates, a grassroots campaign that funds education and awareness efforts to help fight prostate cancer. Participating pubs will match the fundraising efforts for a total donation of $20,000. Founded in 2008 by beer writer and prostate cancer survivor Rick Lyke, Pints for Prostates raises awareness among men about the importance of regular health screenings and early detection by making appearances at beer events, social networking and pro bono advertising.
“We appreciate Global Beer Network’s generous commitment to help us reach men through the universal language of beer,” said Rick Lyke, founder, Pints for Prostates. “It is exciting to be paired with top Belgian beers and take our message to great beer bars around the country.”
Pubs across the nation will hold events to mark the occasion, including celebrations to welcome a traveling chalice that will make an appearance at every participating location.
“Belgian beer fans will have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in local events as the celebratory three-liter chalice and the donation cask for Pints for Prostates arrive in each city,” added Villani.
Key geographic regions and dates with Global Beer Network fundraising events include:
- May: San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin
- June: Tampa, Orlando, South Florida, New York
- July: Texas, Arizona, Colorado, San Francisco Bay Area, Las Vegas
- August: Atlanta, Carolinas, Virginia, Long Island, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington DC
- September: Boston
Details on events in specific locations will be provided at a later date.
Villani and his team have built a network of fans nationwide dedicated to this centuries-old beer-making tradition, which is now the premiere choice of many beer aficionados.
Some of the key Belgian breweries and beer labels imported by Global Beer Network include:
- De Brabandere (formerly Bavik): Bavik Premium Pils, Wittekerke, Petrus Aged Pale and Petrus Aged Red
- Silly: Scotch Silly, Silly Saison
- The Musketeers: Antigoon, Troubadour
- Van Eecke: Poperings Hommel
- Van Honsebrouck: Bacchus, Brigand, Kasteel, St. Louis
- Van Steenberge: Gulden Draak, Piraat, Monk’s Café
Global Beer has also introduced its first Czech beer Praga Premium Pilsner from the historic Samson Brewery, also known as the original Budweiser (Budvar) brewery.
Beer labels imported by Global Beer Network are available in restaurants, bars and liquor stores in 48 states (excluding Mississippi and Wyoming), Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Details on availability can be found atwww.globalbeer.com.
Global Beer Network is currently led by Villani, who serves as president and Cliff Lusso, Jr., the chief operating officer.
Based in Middleton, Mass., Global Beer Network is the exclusive U.S. importer for nine award-winning Belgian breweries and one Czech brewery. The company imports nearly 60 beer labels, including the popular Gulden Draak,Wittekerke, Piraat, Petrus and Praga from the Czech Republic. Beer labels imported by Global Beer Network are available in restaurants, bars and liquor stores in 48 states (excluding Mississippi and Wyoming), Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, visit www.globalbeer.com.
About Grace Sell
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