NEWS
We’re trading summer heat for fall wheat. Meet Cran Orange Wheat, a fruit-filled fall sipper coming to stores near you very soon!
Our newest seasonal is crafted to accompany your favorite fall activities and feasts. Juicy orange and tart cranberry intertwine with soft, pillowy wheat to create a delightfully bright brew that’s a perfect complement to the hearty flavors of the season. Cran Orange Wheat is here to refresh everything from autumnal bonfires, to rich holiday meals, to cozy game nights at home, and more.
Cran Orange Wheat arrives at the GLBC gift shop on Friday, September 8, and makes its draft debut at Cleveland Oktoberfest. Look for Cran Orange Wheat in cans and draft throughout our distribution footprint beginning mid-September. To locate Cran Orange Wheat and other GLBC beers in your area, visit our Beer Finder.
RELEASE DETAILS
GLBC Gift Shop: Beginning Friday, September 8
GLBC Brewpub: Coming soon!
GLBC Market Distribution: Mid-September
Packages: 6-Pack 12 oz. Cans, Draft
IN THE CAN
Flavor: Harvest a medley of orange and cranberry in this satisfying Wheat Ale packed with the flavors of the season.
ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 17
Pairs with: Honey glazed turkey, burrata, and pecan pie
Want the latest buzz? Subscribe to our newsletter, Much Abrew, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates on all of our year-round, seasonal, and limited release beers. Keep up to date with brewpub releases and events at our Brewpub Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Questions? Email GLBCinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com for more information.
The long, hot days of summer are just beginning to transition to cooler, dimmer autumn evenings. Not that anyone around the brewery is complaining, because that means it’s Oktoberfest season! Our über smooth award-winning seasonal pairs as perfectly with warm sunny days as it does crisp fall nights. But no matter the temperature, what makes Oktoberfest the perfect companion to barbecues, tailgate parties, and bonfires? We tapped Advanced Cicerone® Michael Williams to discuss the history and tradition of this celebratory brew, and why it’s the ideal sipper for the changing of seasons.
What is the Munich Oktoberfest all about?
The Munich Oktoberfest has become an end-of-summer harvest celebration that ends on or around the first Sunday of October. Historically speaking, the first Oktoberfest took place in October of 1810 as the celebration of a royal marriage in Munich. The party ended up being such a blast that the people of Munich decided to throw the party annually! Though the name Oktoberfest stuck, they shifted the beginning of the celebration into mid-September so it could be enjoyed during the warmer weather of summer’s final days. Now, the multi-week celebration attracts millions to Germany every year.
What role does beer play in the celebration?
A pretty big one! The first beer served at Oktoberfest was something like a Dunkel, a dark brown, malty, and substantial Munich-brewed lager. Legend has it that in 1872, a tent at the Oktoberfest celebration ran dry of Dunkel, leading to impatient and thirsty partygoers. Festival organizers were forced to substitute the slightly lighter, amber-hued, and equally flavorful Märzen-style lager. It was a hit, and the rest is history.
What’s interesting is that Märzen (which means “March” in German) is traditionally brewed in spring. Brewing in Munich during the summer was illegal as fermenting beer in the heat negatively impacted the beer’s flavor (not to mention fire risks from using wooden brewing vessels). Thus, the slightly heftier Märzen was cellared in cool underground caves to be enjoyed all summer long and into early fall.
So Oktoberfest is a summer beer as well as a fall beer?
Correct!
Is there a difference between a Märzen and an Oktoberfest beer?
It depends on where you are! In 1990, Munich named an even lighter, gold-hued, but still robustly malty style the official beer of Oktoberfest, in place of Märzen. In addition to the style change, only the big six Munich breweries are allowed to call their beer an “Oktoberfest” (any others must be called Oktoberfest-style). However, we don’t have such naming restrictions in the United States, and most American breweries make a Märzen as their Oktoberfest beer (though some do make the lighter “festbier” style).
What are the characteristics of this style?
You can expect a very malt-forward, smooth beer. Our Oktoberfest has a toasty, bread crust-like flavor – it’s richly malty, but not super sweet, like sugar. Our house lager yeast plays a big role in Oktoberfest’s flavor, producing a very clean, smooth, easy drinking beer. We utilize a modified version of the traditional brewing method called decoction mashing when making our Oktoberfest, too. After the mash is complete, we begin transferring to the lauter tun, but hold a third of the mash back and bring it to a boil to achieve an even deeper, richer malt flavor. Because of advances in malt production, decoction mashing isn’t considered a necessary step by most contemporary brewers, but we still like that it’s a traditional way to give Oktoberfest that extra bready, malty flavor without added sweetness.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy Oktoberfest?
With a stein and good people. Oktoberfest is a beer that was literally made for big celebrations, so it calls for being poured into a big mug with a frothy foam cap. I have a few ½ liter steins that I’ll bust out when grilling or enjoying a bonfire in the backyard with family and friends. Bonus points if the Guardians game or a live Phish recording is on in the background. I’m also excited to attend Cleveland Oktoberfest. Great Lakes is the official Cleveland Oktoberfest 2nd weekend sponsor September 8-9, so we’ll have plenty of Oktoberfest and other great beers for me–and you–to enjoy! Read up on our Cleveland Oktoberfest plans here!
Want the latest buzz? Subscribe to our newsletter, Much Abrew, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates on all of our year-round, seasonal, and limited release beers. Keep up to date with brewpub releases and events at our Brewpub Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Questions? Email GLBCinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com for more information.
We first brewed 73 Kolsch after your retirement from the NFL in 2018. How did you and our brewers decide upon the unique recipe for this Kolsch-style ale?
First, Mark Hunger (GLBC Brewmaster), Steve Forman (GLBC Pub Brewing Manager) and I took a very important step for recipe development… taste testing! The brewers laid out a dozen or so styles of beer (at 8 in the morning, I might add), we tasted them all, and I told the guys what elements I liked best. Kolsch was the easy winner because it’s so refreshing and not too hoppy, but we did want to find a way to differentiate ours from the others. So we added rye for a little bit of sharpness, but also snuck in some corn to make sure this 5.7% ABV beer was still super drinkable.
As someone who lives and breathes football, one of the things I love most about 73 Kolsch is that it’s the perfect tailgate beer, no matter the weather. Since it’s so crisp and drinkable, it will keep you cool in September, and (as a slightly stronger version of a traditional Kolsch) it will also keep you warm by the shores of Lake Erie in December.
Ok, so we know your favorite GLBC beer is 73 Kolsch. Second favorite?
Dortmunder Gold Lager is one of my all-time favorites, but I also love the nitro-poured Edmund Fitzgerald Porter I’ve had on past visits to the brewpub. So smooth! It’s available only at the brewpub, but it’s worth a trip for that one alone.
Speaking of gold… Congratulations on your induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame! How does it feel?
It’s an incredible feeling that Browns fans can celebrate one of their own going into the Hall of Fame. Few things from my football life make me happier than knowing fans are proud of the career I had wearing an orange helmet. I also have so many former teammates who feel a special connection to my path to Canton. I couldn’t have gotten there without them, after all! They’re all essential pieces of the puzzle that resulted in my Hall of Fame bust.
What are you doing to celebrate your induction? And how are you incorporating 73 Kolsch into the festivities?
You mean other than tipping back a few cans? We’re having a huge party in the Canton area! Lots of friends and family will be there, alongside coaches and teammates that were part of my journey to the Hall of Fame. It’ll be great to reconnect with some former colleagues that I just don’t get to see very often anymore. I can’t wait to share some stories from the good old days over a cold brew or two. You know we’ll have 73 Kolsch on tap! We’re also sending party guests home with 6-Packs of the beer, alongside t-shirts and can sleeves from the limited GV Art induction-themed merch collection.
For food pairing, I have to go with a classic Friday night fish fry. It’s a Wisconsin staple, and pretty Cleveland too if you ask me. Few things wash down a plate of fried food better than a Kolsch. By the way, I travel all over the country covering football and Cleveland has one of the best foodie scenes in the country. Outside the people, it’s my favorite thing about the city.
That’s awesome! Speaking of food… what was your cheat meal during your playing years?
Believe it or not, my favorite cheat meal while I was playing was vegetables. Not kidding! As a guy who was desperately trying to gain weight my entire career, I couldn’t waste any space on food that wasn’t high in calories and sugar, so a good meal of vegetables was definitely cheating.
Cheat meal now is a lot different! It’s everything and anything, but most importantly: supreme pizza with hot wings, fried cheese curds, and a boatload of Weber’s Custard or Mitchell’s Ice Cream (like, 2 cones of 2 scoops each). And beer, of course.
I love it! How about a little more about you? Favorite football memory from your career?
Oh man… favorite football memory has to be beating the Giants at home on Monday Night Football the year after they won the Super Bowl. Felt good taking down the champs in front of the Dawg Pound faithful! A close second is the 2007 “Snow Bowl” versus Buffalo. We got seven inches of snow in the first 90 minutes of the game!
Now, when it comes to Joe Thomas stories, none beat out the draft day fishing story. Why do you think that story is so impactful?
I think my draft day story resonates with people because, before I did it, no potential draftees even considered missing the big event. When I decided to go fishing with my dad instead, it gave people (both potential draftees and NFL fans) the chance to reconsider their priorities. Many really identified with the relationship that I have with my dad and how special that is, how similar our values and priorities are. Fans were able to identify with me and put themselves in my shoes, which is something that fans don’t get to do a lot.
Since I live outside Madison these days, I especially love mid-August when GLBC shows up to the Great Taste of the Midwest with 73 Kolsch because it’s a great way to show off in front of my buddies! I also love our Brewmaster’s Dinner, where I get to just hang out with Browns fans who have become staples at every 73 Kolsch event we’ve had since the partnership started.
But honestly, being a Wisconsin boy and a Clevelander at heart, collaborating with GLBC just brings me a lot of pride. I love collaborating with the greatest craft brewery in the country!
Photos by Vicki Campana and Adam Ritterspach
Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) celebrates 35 years of independent craft brewing with a series of releases, events, and merchandise. In its 35th year GLBC celebrates its legacy as an employee-owned top 20 American craft brewery. Read on to learn about all of our exciting 35th Anniversary gear, beer, and cheer! Stay updated at greatlakesbrewing.com/glbc35.
A SPECIAL BEER FOR 35 YEARS
Celebrating in style, GLBC will release a limited edition Barrel Aged Imperial Amber. Inspired by Eliot Ness Amber Lager, one of the brewery’s two original recipes, the 12.1% beer is aged in Bulleit® Bourbon barrels and releases in foil-stamped 4-Pack Bottles throughout GLBC’s footprint beginning September 11, just after the brewery’s official anniversary on September 6.
A RETRO CELEBRATION
Starting in August, customers throughout GLBC’s distribution footprint will find limited edition retro blue, gold, and white 6-Packs of Dortmunder Gold Lager bottles, featuring the original 6-Pack design and vintage logo from GLBC’s early distribution days.
A RETRO MERCH COLLECTION
Fans will find a limited series of “throwback” merchandise including a baseball cap, hoodie, jacket, stemmed glass, and more, starting August 4. The collection can be found now at GLBC’s onsite gift shop and at store.greatlakesbrewing.com/anniversary-collection. Fans will have a chance to win pieces from the collection via the brewery’s #glbcsummer social media contest during the month of August.
PARTYING LIKE IT’S 1988
The GLBC brewpub will host a 35th Anniversary party on Saturday, August 19. A favorite pub exclusive will be on tap along with a day of family-friendly fun including caricatures and balloon art, treats from Mason’s Creamery, a DJ set, a vinyl pop-up shop featuring local record stores, and more! Guests can shop from the brewery’s 35th collection and more with a pint in hand. The 35th anniversary party is free and open to the public. Details subject to change. More at: greatlakesbrewing.com/events/35th-anniversary-party.
Share in the celebration by tagging your photos, videos, and memories with #GLBC35 on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!
Want the latest buzz? Subscribe to our newsletter, Much Abrew, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on all of our year-round, seasonal, and limited release beers. Keep up to date with brewpub releases and events at our Brewpub Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Questions? Email GLBCinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com for more information.
Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC) is proud to announce our return as sponsors of the 2nd Weekend of the 2023 Cleveland Oktoberfest, September 8 and 9 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea, Ohio.
Great Lakes Brewing Co. is a longstanding participant in Cleveland Oktoberfest, and became the event’s Official 2nd Weekend Sponsor for the first time in 2022. GLBC is excited to return as the 2nd Weekend Sponsor, and the primary offering throughout the event on September 8 and 9. GLBC beer will be available in the Bier Garten both weekends.
As the featured craft beer sponsor for 2023, GLBC will have a large presence at the event including a variety of draft offerings like our award-winning Oktoberfest pouring throughout the entire fairground on the 2nd weekend. Be on the lookout for GLBC giveaways and photo opps, and sign up for the Great Lakes 5K Bier Run & One Mile Walk on Monday, September 4, benefitting University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. To learn more and register, visit: https://www.clevelandoktoberfest.com/entertainment/attractions/5k-run/
With a variety of live entertainment, games, cultural performances, and attractions, Cleveland Oktoberfest is a late-summer tradition you won’t want to miss.
Find tickets here: https://www.clevelandoktoberfest.com/tickets/
Don’t forget to follow @glbc_cleveland on Instagram and Twitter, and @clevelandoktoberfest on Instagram for event previews, special offers, and giveaways.
About Cleveland Oktoberfest:
The mission of Cleveland Oktoberfest is to promote and support the arts by conducting live musical and artistic cultural performances for the general public. This serves to preserve, promote and perpetuate European Heritage within the Cleveland area, while at once advancing and fostering education and general awareness. Numerous charitable groups and organizations benefit from Cleveland Oktoberfest.
A beer fit for an Iron Man – in a gold jacket! We’re excited to announce the return of 73 Kolsch, a light, crisp, tailgate worthy beer brewed in collaboration with Cleveland football hero Joe Thomas.
73 Kolsch is our way of honoring a local legend with a tasty tribute. After Joe retired in 2018 (with 10,363 consecutive snaps under his belt!) we invited him to join our brewers in designing and brewing the perfect game day beer. No stranger to hard work and grit, he even rolled up his sleeves to add hops to the boil and rake out the spent grain. Of course, we expected nothing less from our hometown hero.
73 Kolsch returns to the gift shop beginning Friday, July 21 in special gold-topped 6-Packs to commemorate Joe’s enshrinement. Find a limited amount of 73 Kolsch in cans and on draft throughout Northeast Ohio beginning Monday, July 24. To locate 73 Kolsch and other GLBC beers in your area, visit our Beer Finder.
RELEASE DETAILS
GLBC Gift Shop: Beginning Friday, July 21
GLBC Brewpub: Coming soon!
Northeast Ohio: Beginning Monday, July 24
Packages: 16 oz. Can Gold-Topped 6-Packs, Draft
LIMITED 73 KOLSCH MERCH COLLECTION WITH GV ART
We’ve once again collaborated with Cleveland’s GV Art and Design to release a special induction-themed merch collection including limited edition apparel, a poster, and a can sleeve with a custom Joe Thomas and 73 Kolsch-inspired illustration. The collection will be available for purchase in the GLBC gift shop and at GV’s Lakewood location for a limited time beginning Friday, July 21.
SOLD OUT! 73 KOLSCH BREWMASTER’S DINNER WITH JOE THOMAS
Celebrate the release of 73 Kolsch with a special Brewmaster’s Dinner featuring the Iron Man himself! Join us for an intimate five-course beer dinner with special guest Joe Thomas on Thursday, August 10. Hear stories from Joe, get to know our brewers, take home an exclusive gift, and enjoy a menu fit for a legend. Tickets are limited. See the menu and reserve your table here.
IN THE CAN
Flavor: Reliably crisp and smooth, with consecutive snaps of earthy hop aromas and subtle rye bitterness
ABV: 5.7%
IBU: 20
Pairs with: Sausages, cheese curds, and fresh fish
Want the latest buzz? Subscribe to our newsletter, Much Abrew, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on all of our year-round, seasonal, and limited release beers. Keep up to date with brewpub releases and events at our Brewpub Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Questions? Email GLBCinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com for more information.
Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is excited to launch limited edition release Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer.
A craft hard seltzer inspired by the classic summertime treat, Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer releases this June in 6-Pack Cans at the GLBC gift shop and select retailers throughout Ohio.
In a year of innovation, Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer marks GLBC’s return to small batch can releases. With a red, white, and blue striped 12 oz. Can design reminiscent of the classic frozen confection, the playfully fruity and effervescent Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer is just 5.0% ABV.
Developed by GLBC Chief Operating Officer Steven Pauwels, Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer debuted as a pilot beverage in the GLBC brewpub this spring. Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer releases in package on the heels of the brewery’s latest year-round “beyond beer” offering, SunSail Hard Teas, which launched this April in Original and Peach Flavors across the entire distribution footprint. Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer is a highly limited seasonal release, exclusive to the GLBC gift shop and select Ohio markets beginning in June.
Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer releases in 12 oz. Can 6-Packs at the GLBC gift shop on Friday, June 23, along with select Ohio retailers. Customers should be on the lookout for Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer and future small batch can releases in the coming months.
Want the latest buzz? Subscribe to our newsletter, Much Abrew, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on all of our year-round, seasonal, and limited release beers. Keep up to date with brewpub releases and events at our @GLBCBrewpub Twitter and Instagram.
Questions? Email GLBCinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com for more information.
Great Lakes Brewing Co. has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer Top Workplaces for the fourth time, and second year in a row! Our independent, employee-owned craft brewery employs over 200 driven, enthusiastic people, and we are honored by this recognition.
Throughout our history, we have aspired to grow our innovative and resourceful team of employee-owners with high standards, integrity, and vision, and have prioritized our team’s wellbeing by offering competitive benefits, growth opportunities, loads of perks, and a fun, engaging culture. We are grateful for this recognition, particularly because it comes largely thanks to the feedback of our own employees.
The Plain Dealer’s Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback garnered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few. You can find the full list here: https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/06/see-the-list-of-all-214-northeast-ohio-top-workplaces-for-2023.html
If you are interested in joining our team of employee-owners, find more information and apply here: https://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/employment