Beer fans in Iowa can finally raise a glass of Yuengling. In December, America’s oldest brewery, founded in 1829 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, announced plans to expand its western footprint once again, bringing its iconic lineup to bars, restaurants and retailers across Iowa.
And now the time is finally here.
The rollout begins Feb. 2 statewide. In Des Moines, fans can get their first taste during a celebratory Groundhog Day Launch Party at the High Life Lounge from 6 to 10 a.m., with the customers receiving a free Yuengling until 8 a.m. Representatives from D.G. Yuengling & Sons, including sixth‑generation leader Sheryl Yuengling, will be on-site to toast the brewery’s historic expansion.
“We’ve been hearing from fans across the Midwest for years asking when they’d finally be able to enjoy a cold Yuengling close to home,” said Jennifer Yuengling, vice president of operations for D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., in a news release in December. “That day is almost here, and we’re thrilled to bring Yuengling to Iowa and Wisconsin.”
Founded in 1829 by David G. Yuengling, the brewery has survived Prohibition, fires and six generations of family ownership.
What beers will Yuengling offer in Iowa?
Accounts across Iowa will begin pouring and stocking the following Yuengling beers:
How to find Yuengling in Iowa
Beer drinkers can find Yuengling at major retailers, bars and restaurants across Iowa starting Feb. 2. To locate specific outlets, visit Yuengling.com/find-our-beer. Fans can also follow Yuengling on Facebook, Instagram and X for updates.
Yuengling started expanding its distribution westward through a joint venture with Molson Coors, most recently adding Illinois in early 2025, following expansions into Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma in 2023 and Texas in 2021. The brewery is now available in 26 states, with a continued focus on growing its presence in the Midwest. The expansion is a continuation of the strategy to make its beers available in states west of the Mississippi River, using Molson Coors’ Fort Worth, Texas, brewery for production.
How to get a first taste of Yuengling for free
Polk County Paula, Des Moines’ resident “groundhog,” will look for her shadow at The High Life Lounge’s 22nd Annual Grand Opening Party at 200 S.W. Second St., Des Moines. While waiting, customers get a free Yuengling Lager from 6 to 8 a.m. Polk County Paula makes her annual prediction at sunrise, 7:25 a.m.
“We are thrilled that the Iowa launch of Yuengling is taking place on Groundhog Day,” said High Life Lounge co-owner Jeff Bruning in a news release. “It also just so happens that Yuengling is based in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, the same state where Puxetwaney Phil resides; so we will have to see how their predictions line up this year… We will be celebrating either way!”
The High Life Lounge, a member of the Des Moines Register’s Essential Restaurants list, will serve breakfast until 11 a.m. Customers can find French toast, egg casserole, biscuits and gravy, sausage and bacon.
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Yuengling beer arrives in Iowa this week. Here’s where to find it:
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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