Spotted Cow Beer: Illinois Availability And Where To Buy

Spotted Cow beer is a farmhouse ale crafted by the New Glarus Brewing Company, a craft brewery based in Wisconsin. The beer has a cult following, with some going to great lengths to get their hands on it. While Spotted Cow was previously distributed in Illinois, the brewery decided to pull it from out-of-state sales in 2003, making it exclusively available in Wisconsin. This decision was made due to limited production capacity, ensuring that Wisconsin locals had enough stock. As a result, Spotted Cow enthusiasts in Illinois and beyond have resorted to smuggling the beer across state lines, despite the brewery's disapproval.

Spotted Cow beer is only sold in Wisconsin

The decision to sell exclusively in Wisconsin was made in 2003. Prior to this, New Glarus distributed to neighbouring states like Illinois. However, the small brewery struggled to keep up with the demand in both states, and so made the decision to pull distribution from outside Wisconsin. This ensures that Wisconsin locals have plenty of stock of their favourite beer.

The popularity of Spotted Cow is not limited to Wisconsin, however. The beer's unique flavour profiles and high-quality ingredients have attracted fans from across state lines, including Illinois. While it is not illegal to transport Spotted Cow across state lines for personal consumption, it is illegal to sell it outside of Wisconsin. This has not stopped some Illinois residents from attempting to get their hands on the beer, with some even resorting to smuggling.

The exclusivity of Spotted Cow to Wisconsin is due to the New Glarus Brewing Company's limited production capacity and desire to focus on their home state. With a small production capacity, the brewery cannot keep up with demand in multiple states. By limiting distribution to Wisconsin only, New Glarus ensures a steady supply of their iconic beer for their local fans.

It is illegal to sell Spotted Cow outside of Wisconsin

Spotted Cow beer is a highly sought-after beverage for beer enthusiasts outside of Wisconsin. The beer, produced by the New Glarus Brewing Company, is a "traditional farmhouse ale, handcrafted and unfiltered with complex flavors." It has garnered a cult following and is considered one of the most iconic beers in the state. However, it is illegal to sell Spotted Cow outside of Wisconsin.

The reason for this restriction lies in the brewery's decision to focus exclusively on its home state. In 2003, the owners of New Glarus Brewing Company, Dan and Deborah Carey, made the strategic choice to pull distribution outside of Wisconsin. This decision was driven by their limited production capacity and the desire to ensure that Wisconsin locals had ample stock of their beloved beer. By concentrating on a single state, the brewery could better manage demand and avoid stockouts for their loyal customers in Wisconsin.

The exclusivity of Spotted Cow has only added to its allure, with out-of-state residents going to great lengths to get their hands on it. While it is not illegal to transport Spotted Cow across state lines for personal consumption, attempting to sell it outside of Wisconsin is a different matter entirely. Bars in states like Minnesota and New York have faced severe penalties and fines for obtaining and selling Spotted Cow illegally.

The New Glarus Brewing Company has firmly established its stance on the matter, stating that they "don't condone or support the illegal transport of [their] beer." Despite the high demand for their beers in states like Illinois, the company has no plans to change their distribution policies or expand their sales to other states. This unwavering commitment to exclusivity ensures that Spotted Cow remains a Wisconsin-exclusive treat, much to the delight of Wisconsinites and the disappointment of beer lovers in neighboring states.

So, while it may be tempting to try and sell Spotted Cow outside of Wisconsin due to its popularity, doing so would be breaking the law. The brewery's distribution policies are clear, and any attempts to circumvent them can result in legal consequences. Spotted Cow's availability remains firmly within the borders of Wisconsin, contributing to its reputation as a coveted and exclusive brew.

Spotted Cow is the New Glarus Brewing Company's best-selling beer

The New Glarus Brewing Company is an American brewery founded in 1993 by Deborah Carey as a gift for her husband, Daniel. The company is located in New Glarus, Wisconsin, and is an independently owned craft brewery. Its products can only be found in Wisconsin. The company brews about 45,000 barrels of Spotted Cow a year, which accounts for about 40% of all the beer the company makes annually. Spotted Cow is considered one of the most well-known beers in Wisconsin and is the best-selling draft beer in the state.

The name Spotted Cow was inspired by a trip to England, where the founders, Dan and Deborah Carey, saw a sheep that reminded them of Holstein cows. They thought it would be funny to name a beer after the animal. The beer's unique flavour profile, creamy finish, and high-quality ingredients have contributed to its popularity and cult following.

While Spotted Cow was previously distributed in neighbouring states like Illinois, the company made the decision to pull distribution outside of Wisconsin in 2003. This was due to their small production capacity and the desire to focus on meeting the demand in their home state. As a result, Spotted Cow is not available for purchase in Illinois through legal means. However, it is not illegal to transport New Glarus products across state lines for personal consumption. The company has stated that they "don't condone or support the illegal transport of [their] beer".

Spotted Cow is a traditional farmhouse ale

Spotted Cow was first brewed in 1997 and is the company's best-selling brand. It's a cask-conditioned ale with a 4.8% ABV. The name was inspired by a trip to England when Carey saw a sheep that reminded her of Holstein cows. She thought it would be funny to name a beer after the animal. The beer has since become the best-selling draft beer in the state, accounting for 40% of the brewery's annual production.

The New Glarus Brewing Company made the decision to pull out of sales outside of Wisconsin in 2003 due to insufficient capacity to fill the demand from multiple states. This means that Spotted Cow cannot be purchased in Illinois, although it is legal to transport it across state lines for personal consumption. The brewery's exclusive distribution in Wisconsin has created a sense of pride and bragging rights for those who can enjoy the beer, contributing to its cult following.

While Spotted Cow cannot be purchased in stores outside of Wisconsin, there are a few exceptions. State Street Brats, for example, has been given permission to offer Spotted Cow in their online orders as part of a limited-time gift package called the Wisconsin Box. Additionally, individuals are allowed to transport Spotted Cow across state lines for personal use, but it is illegal to sell it outside of Wisconsin.

Spotted Cow was inspired by a sheep in England

Spotted Cow beer is a product of the New Glarus Brewing Company, a craft brewery based in Wisconsin. The company was founded in 1993 by Deborah Carey as a gift for her husband, Daniel, an experienced master brewer. The company's best-selling brand is Spotted Cow, which was first brewed in 1997.

The name Spotted Cow was inspired by a trip that the Careys took to England. While touring the countryside north of London, Deb Carey was amazed at how many sheep she saw. She remarked that tourists to Wisconsin might have similar thoughts about the spotted cows found in that state. She decided that they would name a beer Spotted Cow, and the name fit the farmhouse-inspired beer that Dan later crafted.

The beer is a cask-conditioned farmhouse ale, and it is unfiltered, giving it a hazy appearance. It is made with a blend of Pilsner malt, white wheat, and caramel malt, as well as Saaz hops and a German ale yeast strain. Spotted Cow has an ABV of 4.8% or 5.1%, depending on the source. It has a subtle fruitiness of peach, orange, apricot, and banana, with a mildly sweet and slightly sour taste.

Spotted Cow is only distributed and sold within the state of Wisconsin, and it is illegal to sell it outside of the state. However, it is not illegal to transport the beer across state lines for personal consumption. The popularity of the beer has led to some instances of bars in other states, such as Minnesota and New York, obtaining and selling it illegally.

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