Why You Can't Get New Glarus Beer in Illinois (2024)

FAQs

Why You Can't Get New Glarus Beer in Illinois? ›

At one point, New Glarus even distributed to neighboring states like Illinois, but in 2003, the Careys made the decision to pull distribution from outside of Wisconsin, making their beers exclusively for Wisconsinites.

Sorry about the limited distribution, non-Wisconsinites. There are only so many hours in the day to make beer and we can only keep up with the local demand. However, we would love it if you would stop by our little gift shop and pick some up.

Spotted Cow was available in Illinois until 2003, when the Careys decided to pull distribution from outside Wisconsin. The seven-person sales team struggled to keep pace with demand, but more importantly, “bigger” was simply never the goal.

The brewery made the choice to pull out of Illinois sales effective 2003 leading to the sale of New Glarus beer 'Only In Wisconsin' today. The move was made due to insufficient capacity to fill both Wisconsin and Illinois markets.

Why Wisconsin: At one point in time, Spotted Cow beer was sold in Illinois. The small brewery struggled to keep up demand in both states + pulled back distribution to make sure locals had plenty in stock. But don't worry, it's perfectly legal to take it to friends and family in other states — just don't sell it.

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.

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.

Here's the thing: technically, there's no law stopping you from bringing a Spotted Cow (or two, or a case) back from Wisconsin. But here's a word to the wise: smuggling beer across state lines isn't exactly recommended. We're talking potential fines and frowning authorities.

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 ship a New Glarus? ›

We do not ship beer. We currently only offer shipping to the continental United States. We only offer UPS shipping at this time. Please note that we do not ship to PO Boxes.

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.

It's a sad reality for many Illinois residents who love the taste of Wisconsin-made New Glarus beers like Spotted Cow and Wisconsin Belgian Red - they can't buy them in the Land of Lincoln.

I actually know the answer to this question. 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.

Deborah Carey, Founder/President, New Glarus Brewing Company

They sold their home and raised $40,000 in seed money, yet still needed more cash to fund the startup.

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

It's a sad reality for many Illinois residents who love the taste of Wisconsin-made New Glarus beers like Spotted Cow and Wisconsin Belgian Red - they can't buy them in the Land of Lincoln.

A tempting and graceful classic lager found…Only in Wisconsin!

Our specialty R&D beers are meticulously crafted within our Wild Fruit Cave and are exclusively available for purchase at the brewery.

Wisconsin state law allows the sale of alcohol from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. in most cases. This is mostly for alcohol that is sold for consumption off the premises from where it was purchased. Alcohol sold at places with tamper-evident seals or by the glass — taverns, bars, restaurants, etc.