Beer Nuts
Beer Nuts, a well-known trademarked snack, began in 1937 in Bloomington,
Illinois when Edward G. Shirk and his family purchased a confectionery
shop and a recipe for specially glazed peanuts. The family business, dubbed
the Carmel Crisp Shop, was a success and Beer Nuts actually got their
start as "redskins" due to the fact that the peanuts were prepared with
the skins in tact.
Redskins sold well over the counter in the shop and in the 1950s, a potato
chip distributor named Eldridge Brewster teamed up with Edward Shirk's
son Russell to distribute the nuts. Not knowing how well they would sell,
Brewster and Shirk targeted taverns and bars in areas in and around Bloomington.
Hence, the product name Beer Nuts was born. Today, Beer Nuts are still
family owned and manufactured in Bloomington, Illinois using the same
glaze recipe as in 1937.
In addition to their Original Peanuts, Beer Nuts product line has increased
to include Kettle Cooked Peanuts and cashews, almonds, pecans and macadamia
nuts all prepared with the special glaze. Consumers can purchase Beer
Nuts mixed or individually and a few specialty items including crunchy
coated peanuts and chocolate covered nuts. Beer Nuts also sells novelty
items such as display kegs that double as serving dishes and decorative
tins for gift giving. Beer Nuts are available at retailers and grocery
snack isles all across the United States. The original Beer Nuts peanuts
sell for about $3.00 a pound.
True Beer Nuts fans can order gift and corporate bundles, join the Beer
Nut of the Month Club, and even purchase Beer Nuts gear like hats, shirts,
glassware, and collectibles. The Beer Nuts website offers online ordering
of all products and even provides a variety of recipes for appetizers,
salads, entrees and even desserts that use Beer Nuts.