NEWS
Ohio crafted is what we do. Since 1988, we’ve brewed fresh, flavor-forward, consistent, and innovative craft beers right in the heart of it all.
That innovative spirit, paired with our own thirst to craft a wide range of delicious beverages that bring people together, has led us beyond beer with the introduction of our retro-inspired Float Shoppe THC-infused Social Sodas. Now we’re excited to share what’s next: aSPLASH crafted citrus long drink. aSPLASH is our first ever canned cocktail, made with Ohio’s own Watershed Distillery Four Peel Gin and real citrus.
What makes aSPLASH crafted citrus long drinks special? How do we make them? Will you like them even if you’re not a big gin person? Read on to learn more about our latest innovation.
So What is a Long Drink?
The long drink has a long history (go figure). It was created for the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, in the wake of World War II. The Finnish government had a hand in its origin, calling for a quick and easy-drinking cocktail for tourists and Olympic attendees. A blend of gin and grapefruit soda, “Ionkero” or “long drink” was served pre-mixed in bottles. Simple, refreshing, not too sweet, not too boozy. And so, the legend of what’s now considered Finland’s national beverage was born. Long drink has since grown its reputation and popularity as a refreshing pre-mixed cocktail, especially in the states. And that’s where we come in.
How we make aSPLASH:
We call our aSPLASH canned cocktails “crafted citrus long drinks” because that’s exactly what they are. In seeking the perfect gin base for aSPLASH, we knew right away that our Columbus neighbors at Watershed Distillery had the key. Their award-winning Four Peel Gin features lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit peels. It has far more citrus character than a typical juniper-forward gin which makes it very approachable and refreshing, even for folks who don’t like (or who think they don’t like—wink wink) gin. To complement the gin’s natural citrus profile, we add real orange and grapefruit juice and flavors along with carbonated water to give aSPLASH its refreshing and sunny sip.
aSPLASH crafted citrus long drinks are gluten free and made with real gin and fruit juice. Our 4% aSPLASH has just 99 calories and zero added sugar. And our 6% aSPLASH is lower sugar too. They’re not sticky sweet, and they have the perfect amount of bubbles and flavor to invite sip after sip.
Our early employee and partner taste tests told us we were onto something special, and every event since has led to more buzz. aSPLASH debuted at Adcom’s Share the Land event, where Cleveland creators got the first taste of our crafted citrus long drinks. Throughout the night we heard rave reviews: “I immediately want more.” “This is so much easier to drink than other long drinks I’ve had.” “I’m not even a gin drinker and I love the taste.”
Yep, that’s exactly what we’re going for! Safe to say it’s already making a splash.
Making aSPLASH for Good:
It feels great to know that after months of innovation, we’ve crafted something special with aSPLASH. What feels even better is aSPLASH’s giveback partnership. Because of the water connection with the brand, we wanted to find a great partner who could help make an impact on clean water initiatives. For that, we didn’t have to look too far at all. Enter CLEANR, a forward-thinking company formed at Cleveland’s Case Western Reserve University. CLEANR invented a patented filter that attaches to laundry machines, the leading cause of microplastic pollution. CLEANR’s innovative filters have a huge impact, with so much potential to protect our waterways. To support their mission, a portion of proceeds from aSPLASH 6-pack purchases support installation of CLEANR filters at Great Lakes colleges and universities. This collaboration will help demonstrate practical ways for people to minimize their environmental impact and educate future generations on clean water issues.
Go Ahead, Have aSPLASH More!
aSPLASH crafted citrus long drinks released this August in Ohio, and are making their way throughout the state. Check our beer finder to locate it near you, or visit our brewpub or gift shop to give it a try. Whether you’re enjoying it right from the can or in your favorite beverage glass over ice with a twist, we think you’ll love our latest crafted beverage.
And while we’re here, it’s pronounced “uh-splash”… as in, I’ll have another splash of that delicious long drink.
Find aSPLASH crafted citrus long drinks throughout Ohio using our Beer Finder, and tag us on Instagram and X next time you crack one open.
Words by: Marissa DeSantis
Photos by: Marissa DeSantis, Katie Dovan, and @see_the_mirage
We are proud to announce that we are the Official Beer Sponsor of Cleveland Pickle Fest on Saturday, October 3, at Mall C in Downtown Cleveland.
The annual festival celebrates all things pickles while supporting Greater Cleveland Volunteers and its work connecting volunteers with nonprofits throughout Cuyahoga County. As part of the celebration, Great Lakes will be pouring a lineup of beers and beverages, including Midwest IPA, Oktoberfest, Pickle Pilsner, Spicy Pickle Pilsner, Cold Rush, and aSPLASH Crafted Citrus Long Drink.
Cleveland Pickle Fest runs from 11 AM to 6 PM and features pickle-inspired food and drinks, live music, contests, and the inaugural Cleveland Pickle Fest 5K.
What: Cleveland Pickle Fest, Sponsored by Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Where: Cleveland Mall C
When: October 3
Tickets: https://clevelandpicklefest.com/tickets/
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Christmas Ale Leads Fresh Holiday Lineup
New Holiday Party Pack, Snowscape Winter Lager, Caramel Pecan BA Blackout Stout Join
CLEVELAND, Sept. 23, 2026 – Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) announces its full holiday lineup anchored by bestselling Christmas Ale, along with new Holiday Party Pack and Snowscape Winter Lager, plus returning Barrel Aged Christmas Ale and Barrel Aged Blackout Stout, and new Barrel Aged Caramel Pecan Blackout Stout.
The Holiday Classic Returns
Great Lakes’ iconic Christmas Ale returns for another season of holiday traditions, delivering the classic ginger, cinnamon, and honey flavor profile that’s delighted beer drinkers for more than 30 years. GLBC gifts Christmas Ale to all markets in draft, bottles, cans, and in the new Holiday Party Pack beginning October 19, following its Christmas Ale First Pour event on October 15 at the Ohio City brewpub. Christmas Ale continues to be a top performer in GLBC’s portfolio, despite being available for only 10 weeks each year.
Holiday Party Pack Debuts
Following the success of GLBC’s 2026 Party Pack series, the Holiday Party Pack joins the seasonal lineup with a mix of four festive brews in a holiday party-themed package, perfect for celebratory sharing:
Christmas Ale: the holiday classic, brewed with ginger, cinnamon, and honey; 7.5% ABV
Cran Orange Wheat: a wheat ale brewed with a medley of cranberry and orange; 5.5% ABV (also available in 6-packs).
Cookie Exchange Milk Stout: a rotating Milk Stout now exclusive to the Holiday Party Pack, this year with a Snickerdoodle-inspired flavor; 5.5% ABV
Snowscape Winter Lager: a NEW richly layered yet balanced Winter Lager; 6.0% ABV
The Holiday Party Pack includes three (3) cans of each, and releases beginning October 19.
Snowscape Winter Lager Nestles Into the Lineup
In addition to its inclusion in the Holiday Party Pack, Snowscape Winter Lager releases in draft, can 12-packs, and bottle 6-packs. The slightly dark 6.0% ABV Lager brings smooth and layered flavors and a cozy lodge-inspired package to GLBC’s winter lineup, carrying on the brewery’s strong lager legacy.
GLBC’s Barrel Aging Program Gifts Favorites, Fresh Flavor
GLBC’s barrel aging program sees the return of two fan favorites and a newcomer. Barrel Aged Christmas Ale arrives alongside Christmas Ale for a limited time in 16 oz. can 4-packs beginning October 19. Barrel Aged Blackout Stout, the brewery’s cult classic Imperial Stout hits the market for a limited time in November. The rich, 12.5% ABV Stout releases in 16 oz. can 4-packs, and with it comes a new flavored variant: Barrel Aged Caramel Pecan Blackout Stout. This 11.4% ABV take on the original adds rich caramel depth and toasted pecan character to its beloved base brew. Both release beginning November 16 so customers can taste them side-by-side and gift them for the holidays.
Christmas Ale First Pour at the Great Lakes Brewpub
Great Lakes Brewing Co. hosts its popular Christmas Ale First Pour® party Thursday, October 15. The brewery’s annual flagship event includes the first taste of Christmas Ale before its wider market release, holiday music and food specials all day long, a winter clothing drive, limited edition merch collaborations with Ohio’s Homage and Emily Roggenburk, and more. The brewery’s annual First Pour VIP Contest gives one lucky fan the chance to win a private brewery tour, swag, and exclusive access at the event. Additional prizes will be awarded throughout the season. Contest info, recipes, details on regional Christmas Ale events, and more at: greatlakesbrewing.com/merrychristmasale
One of Malley’s Chocolates’ most beloved sweet-and-salty treats is getting an unexpected new twist. Malley’s Chocolates, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) and Heinen’s Grocery Store are teaming up to introduce Perfect Twist Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Amber Lager, a limited-edition brew inspired by Malley’s iconic Snuggles.
Perfect Twist will be available starting on September 28 exclusively at all Heinen’s Ohio locations, as well as in limited quantities at the Great Lakes Brewing Co. Ohio City brewpub and gift shop. The beer will be available on draft and in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans for a suggested retail price of $12.99.
Perfect Twist brings the inspiration behind Malley’s Snuggles to the glass, combining the smooth malt character of an amber lager with layers of chocolate, peanut butter and pretzel flavor, finished with a touch of salt for balance. At 6.2% ABV and 27 IBU, the result is a playful, approachable beer that puts a distinctly Cleveland spin on a favorite sweet-and-salty combination.
This year’s collaboration also extends beyond the beer aisle. Heinen’s Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels are getting the Malley’s treatment: coated in Malley’s chocolate and finished with a peanut butter drizzle. The limited-edition treat will be co-branded by Malley’s and Heinen’s and available exclusively through the two hometown brands for a limited time.
The new release builds on the success of the trio’s inaugural 2025 collaboration, Toffee Amber Lager, which was inspired by Malley’s iconic Bordeaux chocolate and sold out quickly. This year, the three Cleveland-based companies came together again to put a new spin on another favorite flavor combination.
“Snuggles have been a Malley’s favorite for years, so there’s something really fun about seeing them reimagined in a completely unexpected way,” said Megan Gillum, President and CEO, Malley’s Chocolates. “Perfect Twist captures what we love about collaborations like this — honoring something familiar while finding a fresh way for people to experience it. And having three hometown brands bring it to life makes it even more special.”
Bringing the Malley’s Snuggles-inspired concept from the candy counter to the beer aisle required collaboration across all three brands.
“Perfect Twist was a true collaborative effort, with teams from Malley’s, Great Lakes Brewing Co., and Heinen’s working together to bring the idea to life. From crafting a flavor profile inspired by Malley’s iconic chocolate-covered peanut butter pretzels to developing a package and name that celebrate the brand’s heritage, every detail was thoughtfully considered. The result is a fun, distinctly Cleveland release that brings together craftsmanship, creativity, and community,” said Vicki Campana, Director of Marketing, Great Lakes Brewing Company.
This year, the collaboration extends beyond the beer aisle. All Heinen’s stores will have Snuggles in stock beginning on September 23, giving shoppers the chance to enjoy the inspiration behind Perfect Twist alongside the limited-edition lager.
“Our customers love discovering unique products that they can’t find just anywhere, especially when they bring together brands with such deep roots in our community,” said Kim Heinen, Director of Packaged Goods at Heinen’s. “Perfect Twist is a great example of the creativity and collaboration happening right here in Northeast Ohio, and we’re excited to give our customers another way to experience three beloved Cleveland brands.”
Perfect Twist Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel Amber Lager will be available beginning September 28, while supplies last, at all Heinen’s Ohio locations and at Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s Ohio City brewpub and gift shop. The limited-edition co-branded Malley’s and Heinen’s chocolate-covered peanut butter pretzels will also be available for a limited time.
About Malley’s Chocolates
Founded in 1935, Malley’s Chocolates is a Cleveland-based chocolatier known for its handcrafted, high-quality chocolates and deep roots in Northeast Ohio. For more than 90 years, Malley’s has been part of generations of Cleveland traditions, celebrations and everyday moments of sweetness. The company operates 18 retail stores throughout the region and a chocolate-making facility at its Brookpark Road headquarters.
About Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is Ohio’s original craft brewery, founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland, Ohio. GLBC is independent and employee-owned and serves 20 states and Washington, D.C. with its award-winning portfolio of fresh, flavorful, and innovative crafted beverages including Midwest IPA, Dortmunder Gold® Lager, Eliot Ness® Amber Lager, and a robust selection of seasonal and limited release offerings. Learn more at greatlakesbrewing.com.
About Heinen’s
Founded in 1929 in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Heinen’s is a family‑owned grocery retailer with locations across Northeast Ohio and the Greater Chicago area. For nearly a century, Heinen’s has been committed to quality products, exceptional service, and supporting the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.heinens.com.
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Shop made-to-order Great Lakes Brewing Co. custom apparel, including customizable garments, colors, sizes, and rotating GLBC designs.
Have you ever shopped our online store or gift shop and wished we sold a shirt with your favorite beer? Or found a design you loved, but wanted it in a different color or size? No sweat! With our new print-on-demand custom apparel options, you can craft your own look from a rotating selection of customizable apparel, designs, garment colors, and sizes. In addition to our inventoried items, our online store now features made-to-order apparel printed just for you.
Our Custom Apparel program lets us offer more beer-inspired designs, apparel sizes, and garment colors than we can traditionally keep in inventory. Pick your favorite design, choose the garment, color, and size that work for you, and we’ll custom print and ship it to your door.
To shop Custom Apparel, visit store.greatlakesbrewing.com/custom-apparel or click “Custom Apparel” from our online store menu. Have questions? Check out the FAQ on our page for more details or email us at glbcinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com.
More custom apparel designs, beer shirts, and garment options are on their way, so keep checking back for fresh Great Lakes Brewing Co. looks!
We are back as the Official Craft Beer of Cleveland Oktoberfest, taking place September 4-7 and September 11-12, 2026 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea, Ohio! The long-running cultural event was voted USA Today’s #1 Best Oktoberfest in 2023.
GLBC will serve a variety of draft offerings including acclaimed Oktoberfest, flagships Dortmunder Gold Lager and Midwest IPA,. These beers will be available throughout the entire fairground, with additional selections featured on tap in the Great Lakes Brewing Co. Bier Garten, along with a full lineup of entertainment.
As part of the sponsorship, GLBC is also proud to present Cleveland Oktoberfest’s Great Lakes 5K Bier Run & One Mile Walk on Monday, September 7. This annual race benefits University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Circle of Friends. Details and registration:
https://www.clevelandoktoberfest.com/stc/entertainment/attractions/5k-run/
What: Cleveland Oktoberfest, Sponsored by Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Where: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
When: September 4-7; September 11-12
Tickets: clevelandoktoberfest.com/tickets
GREAT LAKES BREWING CO. INTRODUCES aSPLASH CRAFTED CITRUS LONG DRINK
Brewery’s First Canned Cocktail Crafted with Watershed Four Peel Gin, Features Sustainability Give-Back via CLEANR Partnership
CLEVELAND, August 10, 2026 — Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ohio’s original craft brewery, introduces aSPLASH, Ohio’s first crafted long drink. The gin-based canned cocktail launches in August.
Introducing an All-Ohio Original
The storied Ohio brewery’s first canned cocktail is crafted with Four Peel Gin, made in Columbus by Watershed Distillery, producers of Ohio’s #1 selling Ohio-made gin portfolio. Portions of proceeds from sales of aSPLASH will fight microplastics pollution in the Great Lakes via a partnership with innovative Cleveland-based CLEANR.
Have A Splash More
Beginning in August 2026, aSPLASH Crafted Citrus Long Drink will be available across Ohio in convenient can 6-packs. It will be offered in two refreshing gluten free varieties: a 6% ABV original recipe and a lighter 4% ABV with just 99 calories and no added sugar. aSPLASH is crafted with Ohio-made Four Peel Gin and real grapefruit and orange flavors, delivering a bright, effervescent drinking experience with premium ingredients. aSPLASH’s cans are designed with a refreshing blue and teal color gradient, with the 4% cans featuring a white backdrop.
Tapping Watershed Distillery
While this is Great Lakes’ first foray into canned cocktails, the brewery has had recent success in branching out as a beverage company with its hard seltzer and THC-infused offerings. GLBC CEO Chris Brown says, “Consumer preferences are evolving, and so are we. A craft brewery in today’s marketplace needs to reimagine itself as a total beverage company. We are a brewery first and foremost, but we know flavors and our brewing team are masters of quality, so I believed a canned cocktail opportunity was there for Great Lakes to develop an elevated long drink. I initially reached out to the leadership at Watershed as they make such perfect sense as a partner. We share many of the same values: quality and craftsmanship, and both companies were leaders in the Ohio craft movement. We are both proud of aSPLASH as a brand, from the great-tasting liquid in the can to having a social cause in helping to eliminate microplastics from the Great Lakes.”
Watershed Distillery US Brand Ambassador Tommy Householder says, “We’ve had a great relationship with GLBC for years, partnering on events and small batch releases like our bourbon finished in their Barrel Aged Christmas Ale barrels, so we’re excited to level up our partnership with aSPLASH. Great Lakes’ approach to crafting a canned cocktail is a perfect complement to how we craft our Four Peel Gin. We can’t wait to get aSPLASH in hands throughout our home state and beyond.”
Blossoming as a Beverage Company
Brown describes the strategy behind launching ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails with a long drink. “Obviously there are a few major players who’ve been very successful in introducing the long drink cocktail to an American audience. I knew Watershed’s brands well from my time in the Georgia market and their Four Peel Gin has a very refreshing and citrus-forward flavor profile that makes a perfect base for our crafted long drink, giving it an extra citrus pop. aSPLASH will appeal to a wide range of drinkers, which is key for us as we step into the RTD cocktail world. We are so proud and thrilled with the liquid, which is a crafted, elevated version of a canned cocktail that we know many people already love.”
Making aSPLASH for Good
With aSPLASH, Great Lakes has also partnered with CLEANR, a Cleveland-based company working to stop microplastics pollution and exposure with their patented VORTX filtration technology. CLEANR’s first product, a washing machine filter, fights the #1 cause of microplastics pollution – our clothing. A portion of proceeds from aSPLASH 6-pack purchases will be used to donate CLEANR filters to Great Lakes colleges and universities. This collaboration will help demonstrate practical ways for people to minimize their environmental impact and educate future generations on clean water issues.
GLBC Marketing Director Vicki Campana says, “The best partnerships are built around a shared purpose. For Great Lakes Brewing Company, protecting our namesake waters has been part of who we are since Dan and Pat Conway founded the brewery nearly four decades ago. When we began developing aSPLASH, we knew we wanted partners who could help us create something truly special. Watershed’s quality and innovative approach to gin made them a natural fit for the liquid, while CLEANR’s groundbreaking work to combat microplastic pollution gave us an opportunity to extend our environmental commitment beyond the can. Together, we’ve created a premium canned cocktail that celebrates Ohio craftsmanship while helping support CLEANR filter installation and educational initiatives on college campuses across the Great Lakes region.”
CLEANR Co-Founder & CEO, Max Pennington says, “We are so thrilled to partner with an innovative local company like Great Lakes, especially given their history of advocating for clean water. A partnership between three Ohio-based companies in Great Lakes, Watershed, and CLEANR will be so impactful in reducing microplastics pollution from college campuses and showing the next generation how their actions can contribute to a brighter future for the Great Lakes and our surrounding waterways.”
Launching in August
Customers can look forward to finding both aSPLASH 6-packs at retailers throughout Ohio including the Great Lakes brewpub starting in August. The brewery has announced the following launch events:
Thursday, September 3: aSPLASH Launch Party at North Coast Yard, Cleveland OH
Saturday, September 19: aSPLASH Launch Party at Great Lakes Brewing Co.
October: aSPLASH Launch Event at Watershed Distillery (date TBD)
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About Great Lakes Brewing Co.:
Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is Ohio’s original craft brewery, founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland, Ohio. GLBC is independent and employee-owned and serves 19 states and Washington, D.C. with its award-winning portfolio of fresh, flavorful, and innovative crafted beverages including Vibacious® Double IPA, Midwest IPA, Dortmunder Gold® Lager, and a robust selection of seasonal and limited release offerings. Learn more at greatlakesbrewing.com.
About Watershed Distillery:
Founded in 2010 in Columbus, Ohio, Watershed Distillery is a celebrated craft distillery who produces Ohio’s #1 selling Ohio-made bourbon and gin portfolios. The Four Peel Gin family leads the charge, along with an award-winning craft vodka and a variety of specialty spirits such as The Fall Finishing Bourbon Collection and the fan favorite Nocino. Learn more at watersheddistillery.com
About CLEANR:
CLEANR Inc. is an Ohio-based filtration technology company focused on stopping microplastics pollution and exposure. CLEANR builds best-in-class microplastic filters to protect consumers at-home and on-the-go, and to protect the environment. CLEANR’s products leverage their patented, biomimicry-inspired platform filtration technology, the VORTX, to capture microplastics and other harmful contaminants from water. To learn more about CLEANR and upcoming new product releases please visit www.cleanr.life.
We are thrilled to announce plans for a new Great Lakes Experience Bar at PIT International Airport, in partnership with Air Ventures.
Great Lakes has proudly served the state of Pennsylvania since 1999, and this new bar at PIT gives us a great opportunity to serve our valued customers in Pittsburgh, while reaching the millions of travelers who pass through PIT each year.
Construction on the Great Lakes Experience Bar at PIT begins this August, with an opening slated for late fall, 2026. Customers can look forward to a menu inspired by the GLBC brewpub, with flagships like Dortmunder Gold Lager and rotating seasonal favorites like Christmas Ale on tap.
Air Ventures also operates the Great Lakes Brewing Co. bar at CLE Hopkins International Airport.
See below for renders, and stay tuned for more updates!
Details and designs subject to change