Where To Find New Glarus Beer: Outside Wisconsin?

New Glarus Brewing Company's beer is a cult favourite, with some going to great lengths to get their hands on it. The company's Only in Wisconsin tagline is true to its word, as the brewery does not distribute its beer outside of the state. The small brewery once tried to expand to Illinois, but pulled back to ensure locals had enough supply. While New Glarus beer cannot be shipped, it is perfectly legal to transport it across state lines for personal consumption or to give to friends and family.

New Glarus beer is only sold in Wisconsin

The history of New Glarus beer dates back to 1993 when the company released its original beers, Edel Pils and Wisconsin Belgian Red. However, it was the launch of Spotted Cow in 1997 that propelled the brewery to iconic status. This unique brew, a traditional farmhouse ale, quickly became a favourite among Wisconsinites and now accounts for about two-thirds of the company's annual beer production.

The decision to limit sales to Wisconsin was a strategic one. In previous ventures into markets like Chicago, the company encountered challenges with distribution and competition from other beers. By focusing solely on Wisconsin, New Glarus can ensure that locals have a steady supply of their beloved beer. Additionally, the brewery prioritises investing in high-quality raw materials and local charities over the expenses associated with selling in far-off markets.

While you won't find New Glarus beer readily available outside of Wisconsin, it is perfectly legal to transport it across state lines for personal consumption or to share with friends and family, as long as it is not being sold. So, while the brewery itself does not ship its beer, devoted fans can still enjoy a taste of Wisconsin wherever they are.

The beer has a cult following

New Glarus Brewing Company's beer has a cult following. The company's "Only in Wisconsin" tagline reflects its commitment to exclusively selling its beer within the state. This exclusivity has created a sense of hype and intrigue around the brand, with some going to great lengths to get their hands on it outside of Wisconsin. The Chicago Cubs, for instance, famously smuggled the beer across the border.

The brewery's decision to focus on the Wisconsin market is intentional and stems from a desire to ensure locals have a steady supply of their beloved brew. In the past, New Glarus struggled to keep up with demand when distributing to other states, so they made the strategic choice to pull back and prioritize their home state. This strategy has clearly paid off, as New Glarus beer, particularly its iconic Spotted Cow brand, can be found in most establishments across Wisconsin.

The popularity of New Glarus beer is evident in the numerous accolades the company has received over the years. The brewery was named one of the Top 50 US craft breweries by the Brewers Association in 2018, and its Spotted Cow beer was awarded Best Drink in Wisconsin by Bon Appetit in 2009. The unique taste of Spotted Cow, described as a traditional farmhouse ale, handcrafted and unfiltered with complex flavors, has undoubtedly contributed to its cult status.

The beer's name, Spotted Cow, was inspired by the founders' trip to England, where they noticed the abundance of sheep and imagined that tourists to Wisconsin would have similar thoughts about the state's famous spotted cows. The name perfectly encapsulates the brand and has become synonymous with quality and craftsmanship.

While New Glarus beer may be challenging to come by outside of Wisconsin, it is perfectly legal to transport it across state lines for personal consumption or sharing, as long as it is not being sold. This flexibility allows the cult following of New Glarus beer to extend beyond the borders of Wisconsin, even if the official distribution does not.

The Chicago Cubs smuggled it across the border

The Chicago Cubs have been known to smuggle New Glarus beer across the border. The New Glarus Brewing Company, nestled on the outskirts of New Glarus, Wisconsin, has gained a cult following for its iconic and award-winning beers, with some going to great lengths to get their hands on them outside of the state.

The Cubs, after a series in Milwaukee, took it upon themselves to become beer smugglers, contributing to the growing reputation of the brewery and its sought-after beverages. While the company proudly claims Wisconsin as its home and the source of its world-class, handcrafted beers, its proximity to the border presents an enticing opportunity for those craving its unique flavours.

New Glarus beer is not just a beverage; it's a cultural phenomenon. The company's philosophy centres on individuality and the use of 100% natural ingredients, resulting in beers that are as distinctive as they are delicious. The most famous of these is the Spotted Cow, a traditional, hand-crafted, and unfiltered farmhouse ale. It has become a symbol of Wisconsin, with its name inspired by the state's dairy industry and its flavour paying homage to the state's agricultural heritage.

The popularity of New Glarus beer is not limited to Wisconsinites. The brewery's reputation has spread across borders, with people travelling from all over the world to visit its iconic location. The Chicago Cubs' smuggling operation is a testament to the lengths people will go to experience the unique flavours of New Glarus. While the company has no plans to expand its distribution, its impact continues to be felt beyond Wisconsin's borders, thanks to enthusiasts like the Cubs.

The Cubs' smuggling operation is a testament to the power of New Glarus beer to bring people together and create a sense of community, even across state lines. While the legal purchase of New Glarus beer is limited to Wisconsin, stories like this show that the company's influence and fan base are far-reaching. The Cubs, driven by their passion for the beer, have inadvertently contributed to the growing mythology surrounding New Glarus, ensuring its place in the hearts of beer enthusiasts everywhere.

It's legal to take it out of state for personal consumption

New Glarus Brewing Company is based in Wisconsin and has gained a cult following for its beer, which is only sold in the state. The company does not ship its beer, and it is not available to purchase outside of Wisconsin.

However, it is perfectly legal to take New Glarus beer out of the state for personal consumption or to give to friends and family, as long as it is not being sold. So, if you are visiting Wisconsin, you can take some New Glarus beer back home with you to share with others.

The company has a tagline "Only in Wisconsin" and has stuck to this by not distributing or selling its beer outside of the state. New Glarus Brewing Company has a strong connection to its home state, and its beer is a source of local pride for many in Wisconsin. The company focuses on its local market and puts effort into sourcing the best raw materials, rather than expanding into other states.

So, while you can't buy New Glarus beer outside of Wisconsin, you can legally take it out of the state for personal consumption or to give to others, as long as you don't sell it.

The beer is named Spotted Cow

Spotted Cow is a traditional farmhouse ale, handcrafted and unfiltered, with a complex flavour. It is the best-selling draft beer in Wisconsin, accounting for 40% of the brewery's annual production. The beer was first launched in 1997 and has since become a cult favourite, even leading to people smuggling it across state lines!

The recipe for Spotted Cow is inspired by the beer that Wisconsin farmers of German heritage would have brewed in the 1850s. It is made with high-quality hops from the Czech Republic and locally sourced grains, including barley, wheat, and corn. The beer is unfiltered, giving it a hazy appearance, and has an alcohol content of around 5.1%.

Spotted Cow has a sweet taste with hints of peach, apricot, and strawberry, balanced by a crisp, tart finish. It is known for its smooth drinking experience and clean finish. The beer has received positive reviews and ratings from drinkers and critics alike, solidifying its place as a Wisconsin favourite.

While New Glarus Brewing Company does not distribute or ship its beer outside of Wisconsin, it is legal to take it across state lines for personal consumption or to share, as long as it is not being sold. So, if you want to enjoy a Spotted Cow outside of Wisconsin, you'll either need to visit the state or know someone willing to bring some back for you!

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