Milwaukee's Best-Kept Secret: New Glarus Beer

New Glarus Brewing Company is a family-run, Wisconsin-based brewery known for its Spotted Cow ale. The company was co-founded in 1993 by Dan and Deb Carey, an enthusiastic couple who have successfully combined business management and brewing professionalism. The company's philosophy is based on individuality, cooperation, and the use of 100% natural ingredients to produce world-class, handcrafted beers exclusively for their friends in Wisconsin. While the company does not ship beer, their products can be found in various locations across the state, including Milwaukee. The company also offers a Beer Finder feature on its website, which helps fans locate their favourite brews by specific beer, business type, and zip code. In addition to its beers, New Glarus Brewing Company also offers a range of merchandise, such as glassware, jackets, and gift cards, which can be purchased through their online store.

New Glarus Brewing Company's location and contact details

The New Glarus Brewing Company is located in New Glarus, Wisconsin. The address of the brewery is 2400 State Highway 69, New Glarus, WI 53574-9343. The gift shop is located at 218 Hoesly Dr, New Glarus, WI. The company was founded in 1993 and is run by the husband-and-wife duo of Daniel and Deborah Carey. The brewery is known for its wide variety of beers, with its Spotted Cow label leading in sales.

The New Glarus Brewing Company is currently closed for expansion and will reopen in fall 2026. The $55 million project includes a four-story 65,000-square-foot addition to the brewery's Hilltop building, a new parking lot, and new brewing and distilling facilities. The original Riverside building will remain open to visitors and serve as the tasting room during the construction.

The New Glarus Brewing Company is committed to crafting world-class beers using traditional and creative techniques. The brewery offers free, self-guided tours for visitors, showcasing the brewing and bottling process. The brewery also has a beautiful outdoor area and is known for its support of the local community and businesses.

The company's online store

The New Glarus Brewing Company is based in Wisconsin and is run by the husband-and-wife team, Daniel and Deb Carey. The company has an online store that offers a wide range of merchandise, from drinkware to apparel and lifestyle products. The company's online store provides a convenient platform for customers to purchase various items, such as the Splash Glass for $8.00 USD, the Varsity Jacket starting at $60.00 USD, and the Playing Cards for $9.50 USD. The store also offers gift cards starting at $10.00 USD.

While the company's online store offers a variety of merchandise, it is important to note that they do not ship beer. The company's beers, such as the popular Spotted Cow ale, are only available for purchase in Wisconsin. This exclusivity is a deliberate choice by the company, prioritising their relationship with their local distribution network and the support they receive from the people of Wisconsin.

The company's physical gift shop is located at 218 Hoesly Dr. New Glarus, WI, and is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The gift shop offers an opportunity for customers to purchase exclusive items, such as specialty R&D beers meticulously crafted within their Wild Fruit Cave. These limited-batch beers are only available for purchase at the brewery and may never be restocked.

The New Glarus Brewing Company takes pride in its commitment to crafting world-class beers using 100% natural ingredients. Their philosophy is centred around individuality and cooperation, reflected in their unique and innovative brews. The company also offers free, self-guided tours of their brewery, located on the outskirts of New Glarus, providing visitors with a glimpse into their world-class beer-making process.

Beer Finder tool

The New Glarus Brewing Company, nestled on a hill overlooking the Wisconsin countryside, offers a Beer Finder tool on its website to help fans find their favourite brews. The Beer Finder tool is simple and direct.

Firstly, choose the specific beer you are looking for from the list of New Glarus beers. The company is committed to the artistry of crafting world-class beers, blending tradition, creativity, and boldness to produce a wide selection of local brews. Their beers include seasonal beers, specialty R&D beers crafted within their Wild Fruit Cave, and limited-batch beers that may never be brewed again.

Secondly, select the business type. New Glarus Brewing Company fans can choose from various retailers, including their original location at County Rd W & Highway 69, their gift shop on Hoesly Dr., and other authorised sellers in Wisconsin.

Finally, enter your zip code to find the nearest location to buy New Glarus beer. This information, along with a contact number to confirm availability, will help direct you to your favourite New Glarus beers in Milwaukee.

The Beer Finder tool is a convenient way for fans to locate and enjoy the handcrafted beers of the New Glarus Brewing Company, run by the enthusiastic couple, Daniel and Deb Carey, who combine business management and brewing professionalism to create world-class beers for Wisconsin.

New Glarus Brewing Company's history

The New Glarus Brewing Company is an independently owned craft brewery, founded in 1993 by Deborah Carey as a gift for her husband, Daniel. The company is located in New Glarus, Wisconsin, and its products are only available in Wisconsin. The brewery is run by the enthusiastic couple, who have successfully combined business management and brewing professionalism. Dan Carey has worked in the Brewing Industry since he was 20 years old and has a Bachelor's Degree in Food Science with an emphasis in Malting and Brewing Science. He has also passed the Master Brewer Examination. Before starting the New Glarus Brewing Company, Dan was a Production Supervisor for Anheuser-Busch.

The New Glarus Brewing Company wasted no time in establishing itself as a world-class operation. In 1992, Dan Carey passed the Diploma Master Brewer's Exam at the Institute of Brewing in London. Deb Carey raised the capital for the start-up, establishing herself as the first woman to found and operate a brewery in the United States. The Careys converted an abandoned warehouse into the New Glarus Brewing Company's original Riverside Brewery, with the first barrels rolling out in November 1993—the fastest microbrewery start-up ever.

In 1997, Spotted Cow reshaped the craft beer industry. After winning a prestigious beer competition in England with their Belgian Red, Dan and Deb took a reflective drive through the English countryside. Inspired by the cows in Wisconsin, Deb urged Dan to begin production on Spotted Cow, their signature beer. This innovative brew went on to redefine the craft beer landscape, solidifying the New Glarus Brewing Company's reputation for quality and creativity. Spotted Cow has since won a variety of awards, including Best Drink in Wisconsin in 2009 by Bon Appetit magazine.

In 2006, the Hilltop Brewery was completed. The Riverside Brewery had reached its production capacity, so Dan and Deb sought innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for their beers in Wisconsin. The Hilltop Brewery has become a sought-after destination for beer enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing Wisconsin's finest brews. Today, the New Glarus Brewery produces approximately 230,000 barrels of beer annually, ranking 12th in total sales volume among craft breweries nationwide.

Reviews of the company's beer and tours

The New Glarus Brewing Company offers free, self-guided tours of its production area and museum. Visitors can also book a Hard Hat Tour, which is a guided "behind-the-scenes" tour of both the Riverside and Hilltop breweries, followed by a private beer and cheese pairing. According to reviews, the tour is informative and the staff are friendly and accommodating. The brewery is described as quaint and rustic, located on a steep hill with a challenging walk from the bus parking area.

As for the beer, the New Glarus Brewing Company has received positive reviews for its wide range of beers, including IPAs, fruit beers, sours, and seasonal offerings. Their beers are described as solid, good, and true to style. The Raspberry Tart, Strawberry Rhubarb, and Scream IIPA are standouts, while the Spotted Cow is a popular gateway beer for those new to craft beer. The brewery is also praised for its commitment to using natural ingredients and its focus on individuality and creativity. However, some reviewers find the beers overrated, especially the Spotted Cow, which is considered a decent but unremarkable beer.

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