NEWS
Malley’s Chocolates Announces Partnership with Great Lakes Brewing Company and Heinen’s Grocery Store
Three Cleveland Icons Unite for an Indulgent Innovation: Introducing Toffee Amber Lager
Three of Cleveland’s most beloved institutions — Malley’s Chocolates, Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC) and Heinen’s Grocery Store — are proud to unveil their first-ever local collaboration: Toffee Amber Lager, a rich, indulgent beer inspired by Malley’s iconic Bordeaux chocolate. This limited-edition brew brings together craftsmanship, community and Cleveland pride in every sip.
Hitting shelves on October 2, Toffee Amber Lager will be available on draft and in 6-pack 12 oz. cans ($12.99 SRP) exclusively at Heinen’s, and in limited quantities at Great Lakes’ Ohio City brewpub and gift shop. A limited number of cases will be produced, making this a must-try for fans of local flavor and innovation.
Taste of Tradition
This 6.1%-ABV Amber Lager boasts a layered flavor profile crafted to evoke the beloved richness of Malley’s Bordeaux. Expect strong notes of toffee, supported by gentle chocolate undertones and a subtle almond-nut aroma from caramelized malts. The result is a brew that’s elegant, smooth and unmistakably Cleveland.
“This beer is more than a beverage, it’s a toast to generations of Cleveland tradition and continued innovation,” said Mike Malley, Chief Strategic Officer, Malley’s Chocolates. “It pairs the indulgence of our signature Bordeaux with the craftsmanship of Great Lakes Brewing Company and Heinen’s deep community connection. But more than that, it’s what happens when three hometown favorites come together to create something bold and fun.”
While many beer-and-chocolate collaborations tend to go the route of heavy stouts or peanut butter flavors, the team behind Toffee Amber Lager wanted to take a different approach. With toffee gaining popularity in seasonal products, it felt like the perfect way to put a fresh twist on a familiar combination.
“When three long-standing brands all start imagining the same concept, you know it’s going to be something meaningful,” said Vicki Campana, Director of Marketing, Great Lakes Brewing Company. “We’ve had successful collaborations over the years, and this one feels uniquely special, driven by the kind of local love you only find in Cleveland.”
Available in select Heinen’s locations, the beer will be featured both on draft and in 6-packs. The partners are also exploring creative opportunities to merchandise Malley’s Bordeaux alongside the beer, offering an indulgent pairing experience for shoppers.
“With more than 220 years of combined history, each of our businesses has deep roots and loyal fans,” said Kim Heinen. “Coming together felt like a natural way to show that even after all these years, we’re still finding exciting and meaningful ways to do what we do best, together.”
About Malley’s Chocolates
Founded in 1935, Malley’s Chocolates is a third-generation business based in Cleveland, Ohio. Known for its handcrafted, high-quality chocolates, Malley’s operates 18 retail stores and a state-of-the-art chocolate-making facility. With 90 years of history, Malley’s remains dedicated to bringing moments of sweetness to the community.
About Great Lakes Brewing Co.
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 16 states and Washington, D.C. with its award-winning portfolio of fresh, flavorful, and innovative crafted beverages including Cold Rush Premium Light Lager, Midwest IPA, Dortmunder Gold® Lager, and a robust selection of seasonal and limited release offerings. Learn more at greatlakesbrewing.com
About Heinen’s Grocery Store
Founded in 1929 by local butcher Joe Heinen in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Heinen’s operates 19 locations in Northeast Ohio and 5 in the Chicago suburbs. Still family-owned and led by the third and fourth generations, Heinen’s remains committed to providing unrivaled quality food and exceptional customer service.
# # #
Cleveland Oktoberfest returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds for its 20th anniversary with two weekends of great brews, bratwurst, bands, and more. Great Lakes Brewing Co. is once again the Official Craft Beer Sponsor of this iconic Cleveland cultural event, so read on to learn what you can expect from both action-packed weekends of Cleveland Oktoberfest.
Das Bier!
It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without a stein or two full of the good stuff. Of course, we’re bringing our critically lauded Oktoberfest so you can have a real Munich-inspired experience. The best part about sipping an Oktoberfest at Oktoberfest is that it’s guaranteed to pair perfectly with the scrumptious German-inspired foods served throughout the event: Bavarian pretzels, schnitzel, bratwurst, pierogi… yeah, you’re gonna need a bigger plate.
Late summer events in Cleveland can get a little sticky, so we recommend cooling off with a pour of the Northeast Ohio exclusive Cold Rush Premium Light Lager, Cleveland’s light beer and an ideal match for a long day of fun in the sun. And to put some Midwest in your fest, grab Midwest IPA and the limited release Midwest Hazy Mimosa IPA (try that with a fruited Danish for an extra sweet treat!)
The original Oktoberfest in Munich marked a marriage celebration of Bavarian royals, but in Cleveland, it marks the start of football season. Okay, not historically, but the timing is perfect, and so is a lineman-sized stein full of 73 Kolsch, our Northeast Ohio exclusive ale brewed in collaboration with Cleveland football legend Joe Thomas.
You’ll find these beers on tap throughout the entire festival, with additional selections including Strawberry Pineapple Wheat, and more offered in the Great Lakes Bier Garten where you can enjoy free live entertainment and sample a variety of craft brews from our fellow Cleveland breweries.
How do you count to three in German beer styles? Oans (Oktoberfest), Zwoa (Dortmunder Gold Lager), Drei (73 Kolsch), G’suffa! We’ll “prost” to that.
What’s the deal with the Glockenspiel?
Stop at one of our beer trucks and you’re likely to have a prime view of the Glockenspiel, a giant wooden cottage (the largest of its kind in the U.S.) with a colorful cuckoo clock and big bubbling steins. Keep your eye on the clock, as every hour the Glockenspiel erupts with eclectic live cultural performances and a quirky bird puppet. Best of all? You’ll have the chance to catch prizes and swag from festival sponsors and entertainers during the performances—including your pals at GLBC! In fact, we highly recommend stopping by around 7PM on Friday, August 29 for a chance to catch some Great Lakes swag and meet some very special guests.
Run (or walk) for your brew!
Once again, we are proud to sponsor the Great Lakes 5K Bier Run & One Mile Walk, taking place Monday, September 1. This annual race benefits University Hospital Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. Have a little fun with it and run or walk in costume to collect an extra admission ticket! All 21+ runners will receive free admission to Oktoberfest, one drink ticket, and a commemorative GLBC x Oktoberfest race t-shirt. Good swag, good cause—what are you waiting for? Register for the race here.
Wiener dogs, wiener schnitzel… an all-around winning weekend
What else is there to do? Catch the Midwest-famous and highly competitive (read: adorable) wiener dog races, shop for locally made treasures at the Art & Craft Markets and imported goods at the Bavarian Shopping Village, and oom-pah-pah your heart out to the sounds of a wide variety of live music and cultural performances. There’s plenty to do with your whole crew, young and old, both weekends.
Cleveland Oktoberfest runs August 29 – September 1, and September 5-6 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Don’t miss out on this spectacular annual tradition. Get your Cleveland Oktoberfest tickets here. Make sure you tag your Oktoberfest moments @glbc_cleveland on X and Instagram!
Words by Marissa DeSantis
Photos by Marissa DeSantis and Lily Switka
Look, craft beer pairing really doesn’t need to be that serious, guys. Sometimes all you need is a table full of assorted party dips and snacks, and a plate piled high with that signature American cookout food: the hot dog.
We love a hot dog for its carefree simplicity. Throw it on the grill, throw it on a bun, throw on your favorite toppings, and well, you’ve just thrown yourself a party. But what’s a party without a few brewskis? That’s where we come in.
Read on to discover our favorite hot dog and beer combos. Yes, it’s true, we do have a highly educated team of brewers, chefs, and Certified Cicerone beer educators here at Great Lakes Brewing Company. But it just didn’t feel right to call them in for this one. So behold: our hardly definitive yet undeniably delicious craft beer and hot dog pairing guide.
Classic Mustard & Ketchup with Dortmunder Gold Lager
Dortmunder Gold Lager’s German style and balanced hop and malt flavors make it simpatico with so many different kinds of mustard, but we are partial to Dort’s own mustard: Bertman Original Dortmunder Gold Lager Mustard. Honestly, what a flex for Dortmunder Gold to pair so well with a hot dog and a mustard bearing its name. It’s no wonder Dort’s Cleveland’s favorite beer.
We know not everybody goes for ketchup on a dog, but the acidity of the tomato works well with Dort’s crisp finish, and our friends at Cleveland Ketchup add even more hometown flavor to the spread. Trust us, this is a gold-medal cookout combo.
Chili Cheese Dog with Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
Edmund Fitzgerald Porter is a classic chili beer. Its rich roasty notes pair well with slow-cooked meats and beans, and its bold chocolate-coffee flavor stands up well to spices. Not only that, but we love the idea of a crock full of chili and a few pints of Edmund Fitzgerald near a cozy fall bonfire. Add a little sharp cheddar and some minced white onions to really make this pairing sing.
Poor Man’s Polish Boy with Cold Rush Premium Light Lager
Cleveland’s Light Lager has met its match with the satisfying texture of cool coleslaw and the slightly spicy snap of our Edmund Fitzgerald Porter BBQ sauce. A little heat, a little cool, and a low-cal, high-refreshment clean lager to cleanse the palate. We love how Cleveland this combo feels. It’s a Polish Boy… kind of! Swap in kielbasa for your glizzy, toss on a few crispy French fries, and na zdrowie!
Veggie Italian Sausage & Peppers with Eliot Ness Amber Lager
Not everybody in your squad is going to go for an all-beef hot dog, and that’s okay! As good Midwest-nice hosts, we have a plan for every palate. Find some quality veggie or vegan sausage with Italian spices, and top it with sauteed peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The caramel and toffee malt flavors of Eliot Ness are oh-so-smooth with some caramelized onions and savory mushrooms. Even your meat-loving pals will want to investigate.
Sauerkraut & Mustard with Oktoberfest or 73 Kolsch
This one’s a no-brainer. Our malt-forward Märzen was meant to be hoisted next to a mustard-slathered brat or hot dog, and the tangy crunch of some fresh sauerkraut will transport you right from the Muni Lot to Munich! Swap in 73 Kolsch for an uber pairing, or serve both to impress your tailgate buds with a Euro-inspired lineup of hall-of-fame proportions. Mix in our homemade Bavarian pretzels to elevate your carb load for four quarters of fun.
Midwest IPA & Midwest Hazy IPA with Pickle Relish
We’ll see your pickleback shot and raise you this classic Midwest combo. Whether you go for sweet or dill, the hoppy yet approachable snap of our Midwest IPA and Midwest Hazy IPA will make nice neighbors to cool, crunchy relish. If your favorite relish has some more sweet and citrusy notes, try Midwest Hazy for a complementary flavor. And if you visit our brewpub, grab some of our Midwest IPA hoppy pickles to-go and sub those in. We promise, it sounds crazy, but you’ll relish the results (sorry, how very Midwest dad of us). And hey, don’t be shy–be CHI! Add some celery salt, tomato, yellow mustard, onions, and a full pickle spear, and sport peppers for a Chicago-style treat.
No matter how you dress your dog, there’s no better match than a GLBC brew. Tag us in your favorite cookout combos!
Words by Marissa DeSantis
Photos by Lily Switka
We are thrilled to announce our return as the Official Craft Beer of Cleveland Oktoberfest, taking place August 29 – September 1 and September 5 – 6, 2025 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea, Ohio. The long-running cultural event was voted USA Today’s #1 Best Oktoberfest in 2023, and celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025.
GLBC will serve a variety of draft offerings including acclaimed Oktoberfest, flagships Dortmunder Gold Lager and Midwest IPA, and Northeast Ohio exclusive Cold Rush Premium Light Lager. 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 1. This annual race benefits University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. 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: August 29 – September 1; September 5 – 6
Tickets: clevelandoktoberfest.com/tickets
Get ready for fall favorites and new variety to add a little extra color and flavor to the changing season!
Fall Fan Favorites Return:
Seasonal favorite Oktoberfest returns to all distribution markets in August, in 6-Pack Cans, 12-Pack Cans, 6-Pack Bottles, 12-Pack Bottles, and Draft. The award-winning brew, which received a 94 Beer Connoisseur rating, will also be served on tap at Cleveland Oktoberfest where GLBC returns as the Official Craft Beer Sponsor.
Our fruited wheat line once again transitions from current Strawberry Pineapple Wheat to the autumnal Cran Orange Wheat in 6-Packs and Draft. The 5% fruited ale begins its extended season beginning in September, with a fall-friendly flavor profile and award-winning packaging design.
73 Kolsch Now in 12 oz. Cans:
73 Kolsch, GLBC’s collab brew with Cleveland football legend and Hall of Famer Joe Thomas shifts from 16 oz. Can 6-Packs to 12 oz. Can 12-Packs throughout Northern Ohio beginning in August. The easy-drinking tailgate-friendly 73 Kolsch will also be available in Draft, and 19.2 oz. cans at select venues. The beer’s release will be celebrated with a limited 73 Kolsch merch collaboration by GV Art + Design.
Nosferatu Double Red IPA Returns to The Double Feature IPA Series:
For even more hops in the night, the bold Nosferatu Double Red IPA returns to 6-Pack 12 oz. Cans and Draft for a limited time in August, as part of GLBC’s Double Feature IPA Series. Brewed with Simcoe and Cascade hops, Special Roast and Crystal Malt, Nosferatu is known for its rich, roasty hop bite.
Mix Pack Mixes up Rotation:
As the leaves change, so does Great Lakes Mix Pack 12-Pack, returning in August with new artwork and a fresh selection of four GLBC beers:
- Midwest IPA: GLBC’s “nice” drinkable year-round IPA, brewed with a blend of Triumph, Strata, Cascade, and Citra hops (7.0% ABV)
- Cold Rush Premium Light Lager: the year-round 100 calorie Northern Ohio exclusive (4.0% ABV)
- Dortmunder Gold Lager: Cleveland’s original craft lager, and the brewery’s well-balanced flagship since 1988 (5.8% ABV)
- Edmund Fitzgerald Porter: the brewery’s celebrated porter and tribute to the legendary freighter’s fallen crew, brewed with Chocolate Malt and Roasted Barley (6.0% ABV)
New Vibacious “Double Trouble” Variety 6-Pack Serves Three Scary-Good Double IPAs:
Popular year-round Vibacious Double IPA and Juicy Vibacious Double IPA join forces in the new Halloween-themed Double Trouble Variety Pack, which also features a new pack-exclusive 9.5% ABV Blood Orange Vibacious Double IPA. The pack hits all GLBC markets for a limited time beginning September.
One of our most celebrated and critically lauded brews is back! Oktoberfest is back for another season of sudsy stein hoists, tailgates, and bonfires.
Regarded as a world-class example of a timeless German style, the easy-drinking flavor of Oktoberfest is both hearty and smooth. It’s a celebration in a stein!
Oktoberfest begins shipping throughout our distribution markets in early August. To locate Oktoberfest and other GLBC beers in your area, visit our Beer Finder.
Want to go extra big this Oktoberfest season? Great Lakes Brewing Co. returns as the Official Craft Beer Sponsor of Cleveland Oktoberfest August 29 – September 1 and September 5 – 6. Get tickets here.
RELEASE DETAILS
GLBC Gift Shop: Available Friday, July 18
GLBC Brewpub: Coming soon!
Market Distribution: All markets beginning August
Packages: 12 oz. Can 6- and 12-Packs, 12 oz. Bottle 6- and 12-Packs, Draft
BEER DETAILS
Flavor: Über smooth with vibrant malt flavors and a festive flourish of noble hops (lederhosen not included).
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: 20
Pairs with: Roast pork loin, potato pancakes, and spicy mustards
Malts: 2-Row Base Malt, Munich, Caramel 45
Hops: Mt. Hood
Want the latest buzz? Subscribe to our newsletter, Much Abrew, and follow us on Facebook, X 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 Instagram.
Questions? Email glbcinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com for more information.
A beer fit for an Iron Man Hall of Famer! Just in time for training camp, 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 tasty tribute to a true legend. 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. And to make it even more suited to your tailgates, watch parties, and cookouts, 73 Kolsch is now available in 12 oz. Can 12-Packs for the first time!
73 Kolsch returns to the gift shop beginning Friday, July 18. Find a limited amount of 73 Kolsch in cans and on draft throughout Northeast Ohio beginning in August. To locate 73 Kolsch and other GLBC beers in your area, visit our Beer Finder.
RELEASE DETAILS
GLBC Gift Shop: Beginning Friday, July 18
GLBC Brewpub: Coming soon!
Northeast Ohio: Beginning August
Packages: NEW! 12 oz. Can 12-Packs, Draft
BEER DETAILS
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, X 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 Instagram.
Questions? Email glbcinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com for more information.
Now playing: Nosferatu Double Red IPA! The cult favorite returns for 2025 in 6-Pack 12 oz. Cans and Draft as part of our Double Feature IPA Series.
Nosferatu Double Red IPA is the latest launch in our Double Feature IPA Series, a rotating series of classic and remastered Double IPAs with epic cinematic artwork and even bigger thrills in the can. Each release in the Double Feature IPA Series is available in 6-Pack 12 oz. Cans and Draft for a limited time.
Nosferatu Double Red IPA releases in the GLBC gift shop on Friday, August 15, and begins hitting all GLBC markets starting in September. See complete release details below.
GLBC Gift Shop: Beginning Friday, August 15
Distribution Markets: Beginning September
IN THE CAN:
Flavor: Now playing: sink your teeth into a rich, roasty red Double IPA with a frightfully delectable hop bite.
ABV: 8.0%
IBU: 70
Pairs with: Root vegetables, red meats, and sausage pizza
Malts: 2-Row Base, Crystal 77, Special Roast
Hops: Simcoe, Cascade
Want the latest buzz? Subscribe to our Much Abrew newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for updates on all our year-round, seasonal, and limited release beers. Keep up to date with brewpub releases and events at our brewpub Instagram.
Questions? Email glbcinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com for more information.