Narragansett Beer: Wisconsin's Best-Kept Secret?

Narragansett Beer, affectionately known as 'Gansett, is now available in Wisconsin. This marks the first time the brand has expanded beyond the East Coast, with the beer now available for purchase statewide at bars, restaurants, and package stores. The company has partnered with Beechwood Distributing and Specialty Beverage of Wisconsin, whose owners are former New Englanders and longtime supporters of the brand.

Narragansett Beer is available at bars, restaurants and package stores in Wisconsin

If you're looking to get your hands on some Narragansett Beer in Wisconsin, you're in luck! Narragansett Beer is available at bars, restaurants and package stores across the state.

Narragansett Beer, affectionately known as 'Gansett, first expanded into Wisconsin back in 2012, marking the brand's first move beyond the East Coast. With a rich history dating back to 1890, Narragansett Beer has become a beloved New England tradition. And now, Wisconsinites can enjoy the classic American lagers and ales that have made the brand so popular.

To find a bar or restaurant serving Narragansett Beer in Wisconsin, simply ask around or check out their website. They provide a handy "Where to Buy" list that allows you to type in your zip code and find the nearest locations serving their beer. You can also look out for updates on their social media pages, as they often post about new establishments selling their beer.

In addition to bars and restaurants, Narragansett Beer can be found in package stores throughout Wisconsin. If your local package store doesn't stock it, don't hesitate to ask them to carry it. You can also suggest that they get in touch with Beechwood Distributing or Specialty Beverage of Wisconsin, who are the official distributors of Narragansett Beer in the state.

So, whether you're looking to enjoy a cold one at a bar, pair it with a meal at a restaurant, or pick some up from your local package store, you can now find Narragansett Beer in Wisconsin.

It is distributed by Beechwood Distributing and Specialty Beverage of Wisconsin

Narragansett Beer is distributed in Wisconsin by Beechwood Distributing and Specialty Beverage. The owners of these companies are former New Englanders and longtime supporters of the brand. John Sheehan, the General Manager of both operations, said:

> We are pleased to be part of Narragansett’s first rollout outside of the East Coast. Narragansett’s classic American Lagers and Ales have a rich heritage and tradition similar to many longstanding Wisconsin beers. The company’s ‘Hi, neighbor! Have a Gansett!’ tagline is a great fit with the friendly and social Wisconsin culture.

Beechwood Distributing and Specialty Beverage of Wisconsin are responsible for distributing Narragansett Beer to bars, restaurants and package stores across the state. The expansion into Wisconsin was an exciting step for the company, as it was their first move beyond the East Coast. Wisconsin's history with beer, influenced by German immigrants, was a large part of the appeal. Narragansett Beer was also first brewed by a group of German immigrants in 1890, and Wisconsin had 2,000 breweries the same year.

The CEO of Narragansett Beer, Mark Hellendrung, commented:

> Narragansett’s expansion into Wisconsin is an exciting step for our company as we continue to accelerate the growth momentum we’ve built over the past six years. Personally, this is very much a homecoming for me as my entire family is from Wisconsin, and most of my childhood summer vacations were spent there. For more than a century, the state has been home to a great number of beer brands, and we can’t think of a better place to take our first steps beyond the East Coast.

To find out where to buy Narragansett Beer in Wisconsin, you can check the "Where To Buy" list on the Narragansett Beer website, where you can search for stores and bars near you by typing in your zip code.

The company's tagline is Hi, neighbour! Have a Gansett

The Narragansett Brewing Company, founded in 1890 in Cranston, Rhode Island, is known for its iconic slogan, "Hi, Neighbor, have a 'Gansett!". This tagline has become synonymous with the brand and its friendly, neighbourly spirit. The company's website even sells "Hi, Neighbor!" bumper stickers, encouraging customers to spread the message and spark conversations with their neighbours.

The slogan has a long history, dating back to the mid-20th century when the company was the largest producer of lager beer in New England. During this time, the Boston Red Sox announcer, Curt Gowdy, popularized the slogan through radio broadcasts, helping to boost brand visibility across the region. The partnership between Narragansett and the Boston Red Sox lasted for over two decades and played a significant role in establishing the brand's presence in the market.

The tagline "Hi, neighbour! Have a Gansett" reflects the company's commitment to its customers and the community. By invoking the idea of neighbourliness, the company fosters a sense of camaraderie and hospitality. It invites people to come together, share a beer, and build connections. This sense of community is further emphasized by the company's expansion strategy, as they aim to create a "homecoming" feeling for their customers.

The slogan also reflects the company's roots and values. The name "Narragansett" itself is derived from the indigenous Narragansett people, a Native American tribe historically based in Rhode Island. By incorporating "Gansett" into their tagline, the company pays homage to its namesake and the region's cultural and historical heritage. Additionally, the use of "neighbour" in the slogan aligns with the company's focus on local brewing and distribution. With a strong presence in traditional markets like Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, Narragansett has become an integral part of the local culture and community.

The "Hi, neighbour! Have a Gansett" tagline has not only become a symbol of the company's rich history and community-oriented values but also a powerful marketing tool. It evokes a sense of familiarity and friendliness, inviting customers to join the Narragansett family. As the company continues to expand and reach new markets, this iconic slogan remains at the heart of its brand identity.

The beer was first brewed in 1890 by a team of German immigrants

The Narragansett Brewing Company was founded in 1890 in Cranston, Rhode Island, by six German-American entrepreneurs: John H. Fehlberg, Augustus F. Borchandt, Herman G. Possner, George M. Gerhard, Constand A. Moeller, and Jacob Wirth. These men, known as the "Original Six", were a group of German immigrants who brought German brewing techniques and expertise with them to Rhode Island. They constructed the brewery with an initial capital investment of $150,000, using funds from Butterine (Fehlberg's predecessor to margarine). The brewery's name, "Narragansett," is derived from the indigenous Narragansett people, a Native American tribe historically based in the area that is now Rhode Island.

The first beer was brewed in December 1890, and the company was formally incorporated the following year. In its first year, the brewery produced 397 barrels of beer, increasing to 27,887 barrels in the second year. By 1901, Narragansett's production had risen to 115,000 barrels, making it the largest lager beer brewery in New England at the time. The company's early success can be attributed to its commitment to using the purest ingredients, maintaining uncompromised cleanliness, and striving for absolute perfection in its brew.

Over the next 25 years, the Narragansett Brewing Company invested over $4 million in facility expansion, developing a 42-acre site with over 30 buildings. They constructed a bottling plant, boiler and engine rooms, cold storage basements, stables, blacksmith and cooperage shops, and more. The company also tapped into the New York/New Haven/Hartford Railroad line, allowing them to build refrigerated railroad cars to transport their beer to other cities quickly and efficiently.

The success and expansion of the Narragansett Brewing Company mirrored the growth of Wisconsin's beer business. The state had a storied history with beer, influenced by a large population of German immigrants dating back to 1845. Wisconsin's beer industry experienced growth, decline during Prohibition, and a revival in the 1980s, similar to the trajectory of Narragansett Beer. This shared history made Wisconsin an attractive market for the company's expansion beyond the East Coast.

Today, Narragansett Beer is available for purchase in Wisconsin at area bars, restaurants, and package stores. The company has partnered with local distributors, and customers can use the "Where to Buy" list on the Narragansett Beer website to find nearby locations selling their products.

The beer is also available in New England, Eastern Pennsylvania and Florida

Narragansett Beer is a New England tradition, and it is honoured to be named one of the best cheap beers in 2025 by Men's Journal. The beer is also available in Eastern Pennsylvania and Florida, although specific locations were not immediately available.

Narragansett Beer has a rich 134-year history and is committed to innovation. It is the ideal beer to pair with seafood, and it is also a great "lawnmower beer". The company is based in Providence, Rhode Island, and it was named the 2024 Large Brewery of the Year by Brewbound.

Narragansett has a strong presence in New England, and you can find their beers in various locations throughout the region. The company's website also offers a shop where you can purchase their beers online.

Narragansett Beer can be found in many locations across Eastern Pennsylvania. While specific addresses were not readily available, the company's website may provide more detailed information on specific locations.

In addition, Narragansett Beer is also distributed in Florida, although specific locations were not immediately found. The company's website or local beverage stores may be able to provide more detailed information on where to find their products in the state.

Frequently asked questions