This Year is Set to Deliver Standout Moments: Expanded Distribution, Wisconsin’s 250th Birthday Beer, and Honoring a Wisconsin Icon
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (May 5, 2026) – 3 Sheeps Brewing, Wisconsin’s third largest craft brewery, is set to celebrate its 14th year of brewing “What Wisconsin Drinks” with an annual party and standout business accolades. This year will be marked with major milestones headlined by expanded distribution, Wisconsin’s semiquincentennial beer, and a tribute to a celebrated Wisconsinite.
“Our anniversary party is always one of my favorite days of the year,” said Grant Pauly, founder and brewmaster of 3 Sheeps Brewing. “It’s a day we get to pause and celebrate with our customers, distribution and retail partners, and anyone else that has been a part of our journey and success.”
14th Anniversary Party at 3 Sheeps Brewing
1837 North Avenue, Sheboygan, Wis.
Saturday, May 30 from 11am-11pm
The annual anniversary party is set for special releases, throwback beers, live music, and food vendors. Additionally, the event serves as a fundraiser for The Sheboygan Lion’s Club.
For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/26265921869695726
PHOTOS: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZmGJOdw0KC_Z27XtoRDc8MNtz7Dc0k80
Courtesy of 3 Sheeps Brewing
For our Neighbors to the South – 3 Sheeps Available in Illinois
The most noteworthy of the business developments for this coming business year is the brewery’s expanded distribution. In May, 3 Sheeps beer will begin distributing core beers – Chaos Pattern, Fresh Coast, and Wisconsinitis, Rebel Kent – along with their three variety packs in the Chicagoland market. In partnership with Chicago-based beer distributor Brew City Distributing, 3 Sheeps will reenter the Chicago and Northern Illinois markets. 3 Sheeps launched sales in Illinois in 2017, but pulled back during COVID. Now, it is time to take what Wisconsin drinks and bring it back to the neighboring state of Illinois.
“There is an emotional connection people feel about Wisconsin…like a home away from home. Now they have a shortcut to Wisconsin,” said Pauly. “Just as Chicagoans travel to our great state to make meaningful memories they can now also enjoy a taste of Wisconsin in their home state.”
Pauly has several personal and professional connections to Chicago that play into the decision to reintroduce 3 Sheeps beer in Illinois. Pauly received his brewing education at the Siebel Institute and spent several years living in Chicago and Evanston .
“I loved being a part of the beer scene in Chicago, there are not many like it in the country,” said Pauly. “It is going to be great to get to be a part of it again.”
3 Sheeps products can be found online by using the Beer Finder (https://find.3sheepsbrewing.com/) as well as at major grocery and liquor stores including Binny’s, etc. etc. Add more here.
Celebrating 250 years of freedom! 3 Sheeps “Stay Golden” Commissioned to be Wisconsin’s Official Semiquincentennial Beer
The second significant business development for the brewery this coming year is the formal commissioning of 3 Sheeps Stay Golden Golden Lager. Officially selected by Wisconsin’s Semiquincentennial Commission to celebrate the United States 250th anniversary. This is part of a larger campaign by dozens of states across the country — all brewing an “official” beer of the state’s Semiquincentennial Celebration Events.
“Stay Golden has always been our nod to some of the great beers of the past, including Kingsbury Pale Ale. We thought it would be the perfect beer to celebrate this milestone anniversary,” said Pauly. “It’s such an honor for Wisconsin to approach us to make this beer; we are really excited by the opportunity.”
For the 4th of July weekend, the taproom will celebrate America’s birthday with special releases, live music, and food trucks.
Wisconsinitis Battle of the Bands Pays Tribute to Waukesha’s Les Paul – 2026 Wisconsinitis Ambassador
A new annual tradition for the brewery is the announcement of the annual Wisconsinitis spokesperson as a special homage to legendary Wisconsinitis. The inaugural Wisconsinite to represent the brewery’s #3 beer Wisconsinitis was LeRoy Butler, former Green Bay Packer and National Football Hall of Famer, in 2025. This year the 2026 Wisconsinitis campaign will pay tribute to the longtime Wisconsin resident Les Paul, who was born and raised in Waukesha. Paul is best known for inventing and developing the solid body electric guitar. He was also a pioneer in multi-track recording, as well as a virtuoso guitar player. To honor his impact on the music industry, 3 Sheeps will host a statewide 3 Sheeps x Les Paul Battle of the Bands. Special events will be hosted in Appleton, Milwaukee, and Madison coupled with online participation opportunities. The championship will be held at the Sheboygan 3 Sheeps Taproom. The grand champion band will win a trip to Los Angeles to record at The Les Paul Recording Studio, fit with original Les Paul equipment and a professional sound technician. Additionally the brewery is giving away one custom Les Paul Guitar (proof of purchase required).
“Wisconsinitis is about celebrating the best of Wisconsin — the people, places, and stories that make this state what it is,” said Pauly. “There aren’t many Wisconsinites more recognizable or influential than Les Paul. He didn’t just make great music; he changed the way music is made, and he did it while staying deeply connected to his Wisconsin roots. Partnering with the Les Paul Foundation to help celebrate his life, legacy, and impact is a true ‘pinch-me’ moment for us.”
The campaign will span from Memorial Day through Labor Day and serves as a fundraiser with The Les Paul Foundation as the benefactor.
Stay up-to-date on 3 Sheeps and all beer releases, events and happenings via social media: https://www.facebook.com/3sheeps and https://www.instagram.com/3sheepsbrewing/ and sign up for the 3 Sheeps newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/3sheepsbrewing/website-newsletter-sign-up.
