One of the most common questions among beer enthusiasts and fans of New Glarus Brewing Company is whether their beloved beer is exclusively sold in the state of Wisconsin. Well, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. New Glarus Beer is indeed only available for purchase within the borders of Wisconsin, and let me explain why.
The Decision to Pull Out of Illinois Sales
In 2003, the New Glarus Brewing Company made the difficult decision to no longer sell their beer in the neighboring state of Illinois. This move was not taken lightly and had a significant impact on the availability of New Glarus Beer. The reason behind this decision was the brewery’s inadequate capacity to meet the demands of both the Wisconsin and Illinois markets simultaneously.
Insufficient Capacity to Meet Demand
With a dedicated fan base in both Wisconsin and Illinois, New Glarus Brewing Company found itself struggling to keep up with the growing demand for their beer. They had reached a point where their production capabilities were being stretched to their limits, and something had to give. Faced with the choice of either expanding their operations to meet the demand or focusing solely on their home state, they made the difficult call to prioritize Wisconsin.
Focusing on Quality and Local Support
By choosing to concentrate their efforts solely on Wisconsin, New Glarus Brewing Company aimed to ensure that their loyal customers in the state receive the highest quality beer possible. With a more concentrated distribution area, they could maintain better control over the production and distribution process, resulting in fresher beer reaching their local supporters.
Building a Strong Local Brand
Another benefit of exclusively selling in Wisconsin is the opportunity for New Glarus Brewing Company to build a strong local brand identity. By focusing on their home state, they can cultivate a sense of pride and loyalty among their consumers, who see New Glarus Beer as a symbol of Wisconsin craft brewing excellence.
Supporting the Local Economy
By keeping their sales within Wisconsin, New Glarus Brewing Company contributes to the growth and prosperity of the local economy. They source many of their ingredients from local farmers and suppliers, further strengthening the ties between their brand and the community.
Exclusivity Adds to the Appeal
The fact that New Glarus Beer is only available in Wisconsin has given it a certain level of exclusivity and desirability. Beer enthusiasts from outside the state often make special trips to Wisconsin to get their hands on these sought-after brews, creating a sense of adventure and excitement around New Glarus Beer.
A Sense of Local Pride
The exclusive availability of New Glarus Beer in Wisconsin has also fostered a deep sense of local pride. Wisconsinites take pride in the fact that this exceptional craft beer is produced in their own backyard, and it has become an emblem of the state’s vibrant brewing culture.
Building Relationships with Local Retailers
By focusing on one geographic area, New Glarus Brewing Company has been able to develop strong relationships with local retailers and distributors. This allows for better communication, support, and collaboration, ensuring that the beer is showcased and promoted effectively throughout Wisconsin.
Ensuring Quality Control
One advantage of keeping distribution limited to Wisconsin is the ability to maintain strict quality control. By working closely with retailers and distributors in a smaller area, New Glarus Brewing Company can ensure that their beer is stored and served properly, meeting the high standards they have set for their product.
Encouraging Brewery Visits
The exclusive availability of New Glarus Beer in Wisconsin also serves as an incentive for beer enthusiasts to visit the brewery itself. By only selling their beer locally, New Glarus Brewing Company has created a pilgrimage destination for beer lovers, where they can explore the brewery, learn about the brewing process, and taste their favorite New Glarus beers fresh from the source.
Expanding Boundaries in the Future
While New Glarus Beer is currently only sold in Wisconsin, that does not mean it will always remain that way. As the brewery continues to expand and grow in capacity, there may come a time when they can once again consider entering new markets. However, for now, Wisconsin remains the exclusive domain of New Glarus Beer.
In Conclusion
So, to summarize, New Glarus Beer is indeed only sold in Wisconsin. The brewery made the decision to focus exclusively on their home state due to insufficient capacity to meet the demands of both the Wisconsin and Illinois markets. This exclusivity adds to the allure of their beer, while also allowing them to build a strong local brand, support the local economy, and ensure the highest quality control. While it may disappoint beer enthusiasts from outside Wisconsin, it also creates an opportunity for them to embark on a beer-seeking adventure to the Badger State.
