After hitting Ohio markets earlier this month, Yuengling is set to make its Athens debut today.
The beer, brewed by D.G. Yuengling and Sons, has harbored a cult-like following in Athens, helped by a close proximity to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, where the beer has been sold for years.
Now with 22 distributors established in the state, Ohio will also enjoy unabated access to the lager.
“We’ve had a lot of people asking about it,” said Tracy Turner, general manager at Buffalo Wild Wings.
According to a September press release, the beer debuted in the buckeye state at the beginning of October. Yuengling Lager, Light Lager and Black &Tan first rolled out in the northeastern part of state, hitting Cleveland and Columbus’ markets.
Until the company can increase supply to meet the success it’s had in the state, uptown bars will only carry the beloved brew on tap, with bottles set to arrive around finals week, said Tony Sylvester, owner of Tony’s Tavern.
Sylvester said that when other brands like Coors Light came to Athens, similar excitement surrounded its initial offering. Chris Wolf, owner of the Smiling Skull Saloon, added that the same anticipation also preceded the arrival of Guinness.
“It will probably be big for a while and then we’ll all report back to our usual beer,” Wolf said.
Kevin Plis, a graduate student studying engineering and computer science, is excited to have his favorite beer at such quick disposal.
“Oh yeah, Yuengling’s the best beer in the world,” said Plis. “It’s the beer every lager aspires to be.”
Other large markets, including Toledo and Cincinnati, are scheduled to have the beer starting in November, according to a press release.
Pat Noone, Yuengling’s business development manager, said in the press release that consumer awareness of the brand in Ohio is very high.
“Retailers in the state have anticipated our arrival for a long time, and it’s exciting to finally bring Yuengling Beer to our neighbors in Ohio,” he said in the press release.
mh317008@ohiou.edu
