10 Things You Should Know About New Glarus, the Beloved Beer That’s Only Available in Wisconsin

Tucked away in a small Wisconsin town home to approximately 2,000 people, one will find the New Glarus Brewing Company, a local brewery with a big reputation. Established in 1993 by Deborah Carey, who purchased the original brewing site as a gift for her brewmaster husband, Daniel, New Glarus is one of the few large-scale brewing operations to actually remain truly local. While other craft breweries have expanded distribution to other states in their regions, or even nationwide, New Glarus beers are only available in one state: Wisconsin.

Most famous for its naturally cloudy ale Spotted Cow, New Glarus has acquired a cult-like following, with beer lovers willing to cross state borders to get their hands on a 6-pack. But while the Spotted Cow might be the brewery’s most popular offering, it’s their one-offs and limited-edition brews that keep drinkers coming back for more. It’s a strategy that paid off big time: Despite its local-only approach to brewing and distribution, the New Glarus Brewing Company has consistently been identified as one of the top 50 largest brewing companies in the U.S. by the Brewers Association (BA).

From its start in a converted warehouse in the early ‘90s to a $55 million expansion renovation that’s currently underway, here are 10 things you should know about the New Glarus Brewing Company.