America’s oldest brewery—and largest independent craft brewer—has finally launched in the state of Wisconsin this week.
After nearly two centuries of operation and years of Badger State hopes and rumors, Yuengling officially arrives in Wisconsin. America’s oldest brewery began pouring its flagship Traditional Lager (aka “Lager” if you’re from the Northeast) and Flight on draft across the state starting January 26, marking the Pennsylvania institution’s expansion into its 30th state. The rollout follows a phased approach, with draft hitting first; fans won’t find packaged beer in the state until March 2.
The expansion comes through Yuengling’s joint venture with Molson Coors, announced in September 2020, which has methodically pushed the family-owned operation westward. Vice President of Operations Jennifer Yuengling acknowledged the brewery’s measured pace, making sure to enter Wisconsin’s legendary beer culture “the right way” with draft first. The company teased the launch with cryptic chalk stencils at Milwaukee landmarks like the Milwaukee Public Market, Bronze Fonz (the Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli statue), Fiserv Forum, and Hoan Bridge, building buzz before the official tap at 4 p.m. tomorrow at Wolski’s in Milwaukee.
When the retail wave arrives in March, Wisconsin consumers will find Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Flight, Black & Tan, and Golden Pilsner in stores where beer is sold. The famed dive bars of Wisconsin can rejoice: Yuengling has arrived. For those braving traffic, tolls, and taxes, the stock-up trips to Illinois are officially obsolete (or will be in March).
If our estimates are correct, Yuengling is now available in these 30 states as of January 2026: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and as of this week, Wisconsin.
Image: Beer Street Journal
