The Best Places To Buy Chili Beer

Chili Beer was created by Crazy Ed Chilleen in 1991 after a potential customer requested a spicy beer. The beer was originally brewed in a small brewery in Cave Creek, but it quickly expanded to larger breweries. The brand changed hands several times, and it was sold in 35 states in the USA, as well as Japan, the UK, Australia, and the EEU. It is unclear if and where the beer is currently available for purchase, as it was dropped by Modelo, but Ed Chilleen's family has since regained the trademark.

Chili Beer's history

Chili beer was created by Crazy Ed Chilleen in 1991 after a potential customer expressed interest in a spicy beer. Ed drew inspiration from the worm in the bottom of a Mescal bottle and the beer expanded from a small brewery in Cave Creek to larger breweries with the capacity to grow the brand. In 2013, Ed sold the brand to Cerveza Mexicana, which then sold out to Modelo, the Mexican beer giant. Modelo dropped the brand, and Ed's family got the trademark back. Cave Creek Chili Beer was sold in 35 states in the USA, Japan, the UK, Australia, and the EEU.

The primary beer brewed and consumed in Chile is pale lager, though the country also has a tradition of brewing corn beer, known as chicha. Chile's beer history has a strong German influence, and some of the bigger beer producers are from the country's southern lake district, a region populated by German immigrants during the 19th century. Chile also produces English ale-style craft beers while also developing its own craft beer identity.

Chili, as we know it in the U.S., cannot be found in Mexico today except in a few spots that cater to tourists. It is generally thought that the earliest versions of chili were made by the poorest people. One account from 1926 describes how

> "When they have to pay for their meat in the market, a very little is made to suffice for a family; this is generally into a kind of hash with nearly as many peppers as there are pieces of meat – this is all stewed together."

According to a Southwestern Native American legend, the first recipe for chili con carne was put on paper in the 17th century by Sister Mary of Agreda of Spain, who was known to the Natives of the Southwest United States as "La Dama de Azul" or "the lady in blue." Sister Mary would go into trances with her body lifeless for days, and when she awoke, she claimed her spirit had been to a faraway land where she preached Christianity. It is said that Sister Mary wrote down the recipe for chili, which called for venison or antelope meat, onions, tomatoes, and chile peppers.

In 1850, records indicate that the first chili mix was concocted by Texan adventurers and cowboys as a staple for hard times when traveling to and in the California gold fields and around Texas. Needing hot food, the trail cooks pounded dried beef, fat, pepper, salt, and chile peppers together into stackable rectangles that could be easily rehydrated with boiling water. This amounted to "brick chili" or "chili bricks" that could be boiled in pots along the trail.

In 1860, residents of Texas prisons in the mid-to-late 19th century also laid claim to the creation of chili. They say that the Texas version of bread and water (or gruel) was a stew of the cheapest available ingredients (tough beef that was hacked fine and chiles and spices that were boiled in water to an edible consistency). The "prisoner's plight" became a status symbol of the Texas prisons, and inmates used to rate jails on the quality of their chili.

In 1881, William Gerard Tobin, a former Texas Ranger, negotiated with the United States government to sell canned chili to the army and navy. In 1884, he organized a venture with the Range Canning Company at Fort McKavett, Texas, to make chili from goat meat. Unfortunately, Tobin's death, a few days after the canning operation had started, ended further development, and the venture failed.

Where to find it

Chili Beer was created by Crazy Ed Chilleen in 1991 after a potential customer expressed interest in a spicy beer. The beer was initially brewed in a small brewery in Cave Creek, but it quickly expanded to larger breweries. In 2013, Ed sold the brand to Cerveza Mexicana, which was then sold to Modelo.

Modelo dropped the brand, and Ed's family got the trademark back. Cave Creek Chili Beer was sold in 35 US states, as well as Japan, the UK, Australia, and the EEU.

The Chili Beer Brewing Co LLC has found a brewery in Tecate, Mexico, that will bottle Chili Beer for them. They are currently working on financing the production of the first two truckloads, which will cost $100,000. They are also working on setting up online sales and traditional 3-tiered distribution. The company is aiming to be back in production in the first quarter of 2024.

If you are interested in purchasing Chili Beer, you can contact the company at chilibeermex@gmail.com. You can also ask your local craft beer distributor to contact them or provide your distributor's information to the company.

The brand's future

Chili Beer was created by Crazy Ed Chilleen in 1991 after a potential customer expressed interest in a spicy beer. Chilleen drew inspiration from the worm in the bottom of a Mescal bottle, and the beer expanded from a small brewery in Cave Creek to larger breweries. In 2013, Chilleen sold the brand to Cerveza Mexicana, which then sold out to Modelo. Modelo dropped the brand, and Chilleen's family reacquired the trademark.

Cave Creek Chili Beer was sold in 35 US states and several other countries, including Japan, the UK, Australia, and the EEU. The brand is now working on making a comeback. They have found a brewery in Tecate, Mexico, to bottle the beer and are working on financing production. They are also working on setting up online sales and traditional 3-tiered distribution. The brand aims to be back in production by the first quarter of 2024.

The future of the Chili Beer brand looks promising, with plans to re-enter the market and expand distribution. The brand has a unique selling point as a spicy beer, which has the potential to attract a niche market of consumers looking for unique and flavorful beer options. By partnering with a Mexican brewery, the brand can also leverage the association with Mexican cuisine, which is often known for its bold and spicy flavors.

To further build the brand, Chili Beer could collaborate with popular spicy food or beverage brands to create limited-edition products that would appeal to consumers seeking adventurous and unique flavor experiences. They could also partner with restaurants or food trucks specializing in spicy cuisine to cross-promote their products. Additionally, creating branded merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, or glassware, could help build brand awareness and create a community of loyal customers.

International sales

Another option is to look for international beer brands that are available in your country. For example, Toohey's New, an Australian beer, is part of Lion Nathan (Kirin), a large international company, so it may be available in some international locations.

Additionally, international sales of chilli beer may be possible through specialist websites or retailers. It is worth checking with local liquor stores or bottle shops, as they may be able to source international beers for you, especially if they are part of a large company or franchise.

Finally, international sales of chilli beer may also be possible through online retailers or marketplaces. It is worth searching for online stores or marketplaces that specialise in international or craft beers, as they may have a wider selection of chilli beers available for purchase and shipping to your location.

Financing production

Financing the production of craft beer can be a challenging endeavour, especially with the recent economic climate of sky-high interest rates and market saturation. For established craft breweries, the financial landscape is complex, requiring strategic financial partnerships to sustain growth and operational efficiency.

One option for financing is to turn to specialist craft beer funding companies, such as Brewery Finance and LVRG Business Funding. These companies can provide funding for craft breweries to launch, grow, and flourish. They offer a range of financial products, including loans, lines of credit, and revenue-based financing, tailored to the specific needs of breweries. For example, LVRG offers SBA loans with low rates and extended terms, ideal for long-term financing needs.

Another avenue to explore is crowdfunding, which has gained popularity in the brewing industry. Platforms like Wefunder have helped numerous breweries raise millions of dollars from customers, turning patrons into passionate investors and brand ambassadors. This method not only provides capital but also creates a community of investors who have a financial incentive to support the brewery's success.

Traditional lenders and banks may also be an option, although they might be less favourable due to higher interest rates and a longer approval process. However, banks can provide a more personalised approach, taking into account the brewers' backstory and goals.

Lastly, self-financing or borrowing from friends and family is another way to finance production. This method may be more accessible for smaller breweries or those with strong relationships and financial support from their community.

The creators of Chili Beer, for instance, are currently working on financing production by considering options such as investment crowdfunding and borrowing. They need $100,000 to produce their first two truckloads and are looking to use the beer as collateral.

A combination of these financing options may be the key to securing the necessary capital to produce and distribute chili beer effectively.

Frequently asked questions