Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) announced the return of its holiday classic Christmas Ale, and details of its iconic First Pour celebration at the Ohio City brewpub, along with a full lineup of holiday brews.

A holiday tradition
GLBC’s Cleveland-crafted best-selling Christmas Ale is back for the season, with its signature ginger, cinnamon, and honey flavor profile. Christmas Ale returns to all GLBC markets in draft, bottles, and cans, beginning Monday, Oct. 19.

Celebrating the First Pour at Great Lakes Brewing Co.Customers can find to-go packages before the market release exclusively in the GLBC gift shop beginning Friday, Oct. 16. Even with its short seasonal window and regional distribution, Christmas Ale was the top Winter Seasonal in Midwest Food, and the #3 Winter Seasonal food in the U.S. in 2025.

The unofficial kickoff to Cleveland’s holiday season is set for Thursday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. with the Christmas Ale First Pour at GLBC’s brewpub. The ceremonial keg tapping takes place at 11:30 a.m.

The Cleveland tradition usually sees a line wrapped around the block, with guests traveling from near and far to partake in the first taste of the season.

First Pour Highlights

• Fresh Christmas Ale on tap, Doors open at 11 a.m., with the Tapping at 11:30 a.m.
• Music by Cleveland Carolers, 10 a.m.; Cats on Holiday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• DJ Red-I, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.; Apostle Jones, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
• Treats from Brewnuts at 11:30 a.m., while supplies last.
• Fill-the-bus winter clothing drive with The Sub Zero Mission, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The greatest needs are new or gently used adult men’s winter boots, coats XL-5XL, tents, and sleeping bags.
• Christmas Ale food specials
• Be the first to shop GLBC holiday merch including collabs with Homage and Emily Roggenburk
• Christmas Ale to-go keg pre-orders available. Make your Reservations.

Celebrating First Pour of Great Lakes Brewing Co. Christmas Ale.

Following First Pour, GLBC will launch its annual Merry Christmas Ale contest, awarding prizes to fans throughout the season. Full details at greatlakesbrewing.com/merrychristmasale

Holiday Party Pack debuts
After 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 that is perfect for celebrations.

The Holiday Party Pack releases Monday, Oct. 19 and includes three cans each of the following:

• 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, with a Snickerdoodle-inspired flavor for 2026; 5.5% ABV
• Snowscape Winter Lager: a new richly layered, yet balanced Winter Lager; 6.0% ABV

GLBC’s barrel aging program brings 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 Monday, Oct. 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 will be released Monday, Nov. 16 so customers can taste them side-by-side and gift them for the holidays.