Yuengling Beer: Available In Illinois?

As America's oldest brewery, it is surprising that Yuengling beer is not available in all 50 states. The family-owned brewery, known for its German-style lager, has a large following, and its fans are eager to see it expand its distribution. Currently, Yuengling is distributed in 26 states across the US, mostly east of the Mississippi River, with its production centred around Pennsylvania and Florida, where the beer is brewed. While it has been available in parts of Indiana, as of 2024, Yuengling beer is not sold in Illinois. However, this is set to change in 2025, as the company has announced plans to expand its distribution to the Midwest, including Illinois.

Yuengling is not sold in Illinois, but it is available in Indiana

Yuengling, America's oldest operating brewery, has a limited distribution area. The family-owned brewery, known for its German-style lager, has been slowly expanding its reach across the US.

At the time of writing, Yuengling beer is distributed to 26 states, mostly east of the Mississippi River. The beer is currently available in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Massachusetts, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Louisiana, Indiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas.

While Yuengling is not yet sold in Illinois, it is available in neighbouring Indiana. The company has announced plans to expand westward, partnering with Chicago-based Molson Coors to bring their beer to new markets. This expansion will see Yuengling enter the Illinois market in 2025, with draft beer available from February and packaged beer from March or April.

Until then, Illinois residents will have to travel out of state to purchase Yuengling, with Indiana being the closest option.

Yuengling will be distributed in Illinois from February 2025

Good news for beer lovers in Illinois! From February 2025, Yuengling will be distributed in the state, marking a significant expansion for America's oldest operating brewery.

Yuengling, founded in 1829 by German immigrant David G. Yuengling, has long been a popular choice in the East, with distribution centred around Pennsylvania and Florida, where the beer is brewed. However, in recent years, the brewery has been expanding its footprint, and Illinois will be the latest state to join the list.

This expansion is the result of a joint venture between Yuengling and Chicago's Molson Coors, which was announced in October 2024. The partnership will enable Yuengling to reach new markets in the Midwest and beyond, while Molson Coors will gain a well-loved brand at a time when beer sales have been declining.

The people of Illinois will soon be able to enjoy Yuengling's cheap, German-style lager, which has gained a dedicated following across the country. For years, Midwestern fans of the beer have had to go without or resort to bringing cases back from other states. Now, they will be able to find Yuengling on taps and shelves across Illinois, starting with draft beer in February, followed by packaged beer in March or April 2025.

So, if you're in Illinois and you're curious about what all the fuss is about, mark your calendars for February 2025, when Yuengling will finally be within reach!

Yuengling is America's oldest operating brewery

The brewery's early years were not without challenges. In 1831, a fire destroyed the original building, and a new brewery was constructed on Mahantongo Street in Pottsville, which remains the site of America's oldest brewery. Despite this setback, Yuengling's business flourished, and by 1873, the company had officially changed its name to include Frederick as a partner. Following his father's death in 1877, Frederick took charge of the brewery, introducing a bottling line to expand the company's offerings beyond kegs.

However, Yuengling's biggest challenge came with the ratification of the 18th Amendment in 1919, which enforced national prohibition. To survive, the company began producing "near beer" products with low alcohol content (around 0.5%). They also constructed a dairy across from the brewery to diversify their product line. In 1933, when Prohibition was repealed, Yuengling celebrated by brewing "Winner Beer" and shipping a truckload to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Over its long history, Yuengling has primarily served its home state of Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas. However, in recent years, the company has expanded its market presence, partnering with Molson Coors in 2020 to venture into new states. As of 2021, Yuengling is available in 22 states, with Texas being the most recent addition.

Yuengling's longevity and expansion are a testament to its resilience and adaptability. The company has navigated challenges, from fires to Prohibition, by remaining agile and responsive to changing circumstances. Today, it stands as a beloved American brand, even earning the endorsement of President Barack Obama, who named it his favourite beer in 2010.

The beer is currently distributed in 26 states

As America's oldest brewery, it is surprising that Yuengling beer is not distributed in all 50 states. The family-owned brewery clearly values the quality of its beer over expansion. As of 2024, Yuengling beer is distributed across 26 states in the US, mostly east of the Mississippi River. The brand's expansion continues, and more and more states will slowly begin to sell Yuengling beer.

Yuengling's expansion took off when it opened its second and third breweries in Pottsville and Tampa. However, this is still not enough to distribute quality beer nationwide. The company acknowledges that it intends to distribute to more states in the future, but it does not have a timeline for when that will happen. On average, Yuengling adds one state per year to its distribution.

• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• New Jersey
• New York
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Tennessee
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Florida
• Alabama
• Massachusetts
• Missouri
• Oklahoma
• Kansas
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• Louisiana
• Indiana
• Arkansas
• Kentucky
• Texas

Yuengling's Beer Finder can be used to find out if a bar, store, or restaurant carries a specific Yuengling product.

Yuengling has partnered with Chicago's Molson Coors to expand westward

As America's oldest brewery, it's surprising that Yuengling hasn't expanded to all 50 states. The family-owned brewery, known for its cheap German-style lager, has been operating independently since 1829. However, in a bid to expand westward, Yuengling has partnered with Chicago's Molson Coors. This joint venture will see Yuengling break out of its traditional 22-state distribution area in the East.

The partnership, which was announced in October 2024, will be overseen by a six-member board of directors, with three members from each company. While Yuengling has been slowly expanding its distribution over the years, this partnership marks a significant step towards bringing its beer to the West Coast.

Molson Coors, the nation's second-largest brewer, brings substantial resources to the table. With seven primary breweries and six craft breweries, they offer a strong platform for Yuengling's expansion. This move also gives Molson Coors a popular brand at a time when beer sales have been declining, with a 2% sales drop in the U.S. last year.

The companies have not yet announced which western states will be the first to receive Yuengling, but it has been confirmed that Illinois will be getting it in February 2025, starting with draft beer and followed by packaged beer in March-April 2025. This expansion into Illinois has been highly anticipated by Midwestern Yuengling lovers, who have had to travel to states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Indiana to get their fix.

While the exact details of the partnership are not public, Jennifer Yuengling, vice president of operations and a sixth-generation brewer, has stated that the time is right for this collaboration. With Yuengling's expansion gaining momentum, it won't be long before more states are added to their distribution list.

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