I know everyone here in the east coast would probably love to visit Vermont if you are a beer nut like all of us.But the most interesting brewery in the US of A for me is New Glarus because nobody can make a fruit beer like these guys.Where does there distribution go to if someone with some know in this matter could answer.
This is their self-provided distribution map: They made the decision some time ago to pull back to a Wisconsin-only focus. If you haven't had the chance to visit, I hope you do one day. It's a great brewery with a beautiful setup.
The most interesting brewery in the US distributes to one state.That is a shame and the shame is on them.Look we all have brewery's we love but if they make something we can always get our hands on something similar and very good but there is nothing that equals most all of New Glarus's offerings unless you guys know something that i don't and I will admit I know nothing that equals anything that they make other than Founders Rubaeus
I think they might be the future of American craft and yet historic European at the same time. Like German and UK local brewers sticking to their zonal area only. Just like Vermont's famous brewers, it makes you want to make a road trip/beercation to see what all the hype is about.
While only distributed in WI, Chicago is less than an hour from the WI border. FIB's gotta tick. Also, even though they are only in WI, NG was still the 18th largest craft brewery by sales volume in 2013 (http://www.brewersassociation.org/attachments/0001/4525/CBP13_Top_50.pdf). People in WI drink a shitload and they love them some NG.
Why is that? Is it a shame that there is an absurd amount of great beers wherever you go within the state? Or would you rather people have to hunt, scavenge, or chase beer trucks in order to get a bottle of Raspberry Tart like what happens with FBS or Black Note? The beer is widely available, even at most gas stations. If you want it bad enough I'm sure there are people who you can trade with. New Glarus has a following because of the quality they represent. Combined with the fact that they are lower they most, if not all, craft competitors and you can see why they are 18th in total sales despite distributing to only one state.
THIS. EXACTLY. I live in Colorado, and yet I return to Wisconsin again and again for New Glarus (or find other reasons to go, and then stock up). It's great, and it's worth every trip I make. Coming once again May 16-18, and again in June. No complaints about no distro outside the state...I think it only adds to the cachet.
There is no shame in ensuring that their key market is satisfied, what is frustrating is when a local brewery has such a wide network that is spread so thin, that locals can't even get the beer.
Shame on them? For what - taking care of their state, the people that got them to where they are and not catering to greedy beer geeks across the country? For shame!!
That is not the point. I said in one of my posts that it is impossible to even come close to what they do.Yeah I know you can trade but you cannot walk in a store and buy there offerings other than Wisconsin and NOBOBY but NOBODY makes anything in the USA that is even remotely coming close to what they do.That is a damm shame.It is our of frustration that I say this.And you who live in Wisconsin are so spoiled.YOU are the luckiest drinkers of craft beer in the world.
Aside from the fruit beers I would disagree. Great Lakes has a well balanced line of beers that is similar in price point to New Glarus. I would suggest making a trip over the summer. FIB's and Mudducks continually invade Wisconsin to buy New Glarus, abuse our natural resources, and find ways to annoy the hell out of us. Why not add someone from Jersey?
Well, you're right to be envious of Wisconsin beer drinkers, but you are envious for the wrong reasons. If you were to walk into a liquor store in that state, you would know why I'm envious of them the second you look at a price tag.
New Glarus is all over Wisconsin. I've been in gas stations that have had their fruit beers, year-rounds, and seasonal six packs. Every supermarket I've been to carries them as well. Piggly Wiggly carries all of their six packs, almost all of their fruit beers, as well as their Thumbprint Series. I know it sucks for some because it's Wisconsin only and you're far away, but they damn sure take care of their state. It's their choice, and they do an incredible job. I've had the pleasure of visiting their brewery a couple of times and it's worth the trip even if you're states away. The brewery is absolutely beautiful, the prices are awesome, and out of the 21 beers I've tried from them, I haven't had one I didn't enjoy. God I love New Glarus. Sorry to the others far away, because they honestly are the best brewery around in my opinion.
There is a damn good reason why the one BAer I've traded with the most, is a WI guy. I've had more NG stuff than probably most people in the SouthEast, and that won't change anytime soon. NO ONE does the fruit infused beers like NG, and I'll take 1 bottle of StrawBarb, Wisc Belgian Red, or Serendipity over a CASE of most fruit stuff, every day of the week.
Ok guys, the soul reason why they chose not to distribute else where is because the know there are other amazing breweries out there, they stick to their Wisconsin roots because they want you to support your own local companies that you hold dear. There are tons of breweries out there that I'd kill to have closer to me too but I personally think the way they do business is nothing short of noble.
