Minnesota Bar Owner Busted Over Wisconsin Beer

April 21, 2015 — Wisconsin is home to New Glarus Brewing, which produces “Spotted Cow” beer much coveted in neighboring states like Minnesota and Illinois.  But it’s only available in Wisconsin.

The manager at the Maple Tavern in Maple Grove, MN drove over the state line to a liquor store in Hudson, WI and purchased six kegs and served them to happy patrons.  But some mean-spirited and cowardly son-of-a-biscuit tipped off the cops – anonymously, of course – and along came the law in an undercover sting asking for, and being served, a New Glarus Spotted Cow draft.

New Glarus is not licensed to make or sell beer in Minnesota.  It’s hard to believe the Maple Tavern management was unaware of the law.  They even promoted its availability on their Facebook page.  Not smart, especially since it is a felony criminal offense.

This isn’t the first time the Wisconsin beer has made an illegal out-of-state trip.  Once it happened with a store in Illinois and another time with a New York bar.  Deb Carey, owner of New Glarus is flattered but baffled by all the attention.  She told the Minneapolis Star Tribune, “There’s a lot of great beers…there’s a lot of great Minnesota beers. For someone to go to this length, I don’t get it.”

The brewery produces 190,000 barrels a year and Wisconsinites drink it all, apart from the many visitors from neighboring states who flock to liquor stores to purchase it.  They have no plans to expand.  Deb Carey said, “Our goal has never been to be a big brewery.”

As for Maple Grove Tavern, charges haven’t been filed yet but it’s a felony to transport or import alcoholic beverages for resale unless from a licensed wholesaler, manufacturer and/or brewer.