Minnesota bar busted for selling Wisconsin beer (2024)

FAQs

Minnesota bar busted for selling Wisconsin beer? ›

A Minnesota bar near the Wisconsin border is accused of selling a popular Wisconsin beer, a felony offense. Spotted Cow is made by a New Glarus, Wis., brewer, and it is illegal to sell it in Minnesota.

As someone who frequently transports New Glarus products across statelines to friends and family in Minnesota, I can tell that it is not illegal to bring your Spotted Cow, Totally Naked and Moon Man into other states; it is, however, illegal to sell it outside of Wisconsin.

And yet, drinkers have proven that if you bring it, they will buy it, as the Maple Tavern in Maple Grove discovered. An anonymous tip led agents from the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division to discover that the bar was selling the beer along with receipts for 10 kegs purchased in Hudson, Wisconsin.

From 1998 to 2002, the company's brews were also sold in Illinois, with a majority of its sales in the Chicago area. New Glarus actually pulled Spotted Cow from Illinois shelves in 2002 because the company was struggling to meet demand for it in Wisconsin.

Allegations of securities fraud against New Glarus Brewery – makers of Wisconsin's famed Spotted Cow beer — have been dismissed by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. The original lawsuit claimed improper control over the business where profits were funneled via side projects, impeding gains from the brewery's growth.

Spotted Cow is described by its makers as a “traditional farmhouse ale, hand-crafted and unfiltered with complex flavors.” The owners say they don't want — or need — to deal with the byzantine tax and distribution systems that come with selling their beer outside their home state.

Spotted Cow is made by a New Glarus, Wis., brewer, and it is illegal to sell it in Minnesota.

Appeals court upholds dismissal of investor lawsuit against New Glarus Brewing. A Wisconsin appeals court has upheld a lower courts rejection of an investor lawsuit against New Glarus Brewing Co. and its majority shareholder, founder and CEO Deb Carey, that could have forced a sale of the brewery.

Let's take a look at the history, and why the beer is only sold in Wisconsin. The origin story: First released in 1993, Edel Pils and Wisconsin Belgian Red were the original beers of New Glarus Brewing. The brewery didn't start to gain its iconic status until the 1997 launch of Spotted Cow.

Of course, it's not just home to Spotted Cow—it's home to all four walls of New Glarus Brewing Co., the makers of Spotted Cow, Moon Man, Two Women, and a dozen or so other beers at any given time.

What is the best beer only sold in Wisconsin? ›

New Glarus Brewing Co. Founded in 1993 in New Glarus, WI, Spotted Cow has become a beer lover's staple and a best seller. Thankfully, Spotted Cow isn't the only beer made by New Glarus. Other popular brews include Moon Man, Two Women and Totally Naked.

Can you buy Spotted Cow outside of Wisconsin? No. Since 2003, New Glarus Brewing has been true to its "Only in Wisconsin" tagline. The brewery does not distribute any of its beer, including Spotted Cow, out of state.

Most beers don't improve with age, so only buy enough to last a month or two. Lastly, there's nothing harmful in old beer, it just doesn't taste the way the brewer intended. Do you have a question or concern about your New Glarus beer experience?

For example, Hindu texts often praise vegetarianism, and Hindus may also avoid eating beef because cows are traditionally viewed as sacred.

HOLSTEIN COW

She is the best known of the types of cows belonging to the dairy breeds, with her black-and-white spotted body. Characteristics: Holstein cows are large in size, weighing about 1,500 pounds in maturity.

The brewery does not distribute any of its beer, including Spotted Cow, out of state. Nor does New Glarus Brewing ship its beer. You can buy Spotted Cow in Wisconsin and take it out of state for personal consumption or to share, provided you're not selling it to anyone.

It seems to be fairly well-known fact that Spotted Cow isn't distributed to any stores outside Wisconsin state lines. BUT we at State Street Brats like thought it would be cool to expand the opportunity of enjoying Wisconsin traditions, regardless of where you live.

Section 2 of the 21st amendment states as follows: “The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.”

Only in Wisconsin

Welcome to Wisconsin's hometown brewery nestled on the outskirts of New Glarus, Wisconsin. The brewery is run by an enthusiastic couple, Daniel & Deb Carey, who have successfully combined business management and brewing professionalism.