Beer Review - Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewing Company

 

Time for a new beer review, and this one is a beloved Wisconsin craft classic.

It's the one-and-only New Glarus Spotted Cow.

New Glarus Brewing Company is one of Wisconsin’s most recognizable craft breweries, and for good reason. Founded in 1993 by Deb and Dan Carey in the small Swiss-inspired village of New Glarus, the brewery has built a national reputation by doing things its own way, most famously by keeping its beer available only in Wisconsin. 

The story of New Glarus starts with Deb Carey, who raised the startup capital for the brewery as a gift to her husband, Dan Carey, a highly trained brewmaster with experience at Anheuser-Busch. The couple launched the business in an abandoned warehouse, turning the original Riverside brewery into the foundation of what would become one of the most admired names in American craft beer. 

Their early success, combined with a strong local identity and a clear commitment to quality, helped the brewery grow quickly while remaining deeply rooted in Wisconsin. 

Dan Carey’s brewing background is deep and highly credentialed. He earned a bachelor’s degree in food science with an emphasis in malting and brewing science from UC Davis in 1983, completed an apprenticeship at a small brewery near Munich, and later became valedictorian of the 1987 Siebel Institute Course in Brewing Technology. 

Carey went on to pass the Institute of Brewing and Distilling Diploma Examination in 1990 and their Master Brewer Examination in 1992, becoming the first American in 19 years to pass that master brewer exam. 

Over time, New Glarus expanded beyond that original space and opened its hilltop brewery in 2008, a destination-style facility designed to echo a Bavarian village. 

Even as it grew, the brewery kept its distribution limited to one state, a choice that has only strengthened its identity and loyal following. 

Today, New Glarus is especially known for beers like Spotted Cow, but its broader story is really about independence, place, and a brewery that turned a local focus into a lasting brand.

Now, to the beer review!

Balanced, orange fruit notes, medium-bodied, creamy, malty. 

Very pleasant and enjoyable. 

Just enough complexity, while remaining approachable and drinkable. 

Shockingly similar to the IPA! Much less hop influence but the same orange fruits, creamy mouthfeel, and balanced maltiness. 

This is a classic and a crowd-pleaser that I have admittedly drank quite a bit of over the years. 

Highly recommend!