America’s oldest brewery, D.G. Yuengling & Son, is set to bring its beers to Illinois in early 2024, continuing its Midwest expansion.
Yuengling, the nation’s oldest brewery founded in 1829, announced its plan to distribute in Illinois starting late January. Wendy Yuengling, chief administrative officer and sixth-generation family member, expressed pride in entering what she called a “great beer market.” Initial offerings will include fan favorites like Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Black & Tan, Golden Pilsner, and FLIGHT.
The move follows successful rollouts in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma in 2023, as well as earlier expansions into Texas and Indiana. Under a partnership with Molson Coors, Yuengling is brewed in facilities in Milwaukee and Fort Worth to support its Midwest growth.
“With the success of our previous Midwest expansions, we knew there was more work to be done,” said Colin Callahan, general manager.
Yuengling now operates in 27 states, with plans to release a next-generation light beer in the coming months. Despite being in only half the country, the company ranks as the ninth-largest U.S. brewery, producing 2.7 million barrels annually.
“We’re America’s oldest brewery. We’re still family-owned and operated, and that’s a story we love to share,” said Wendy Yuengling.
