CLEVELAND — Great Lakes Brewing Company has announced that its annual Christmas Ale first-pour party will return on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m.
The ceremonial event will give customers the first taste of Christmas Ale ahead of the 2023 holiday season.
The brewery will also host its annual First Pour VIP contest, where one fan will win a private brewery tour, swag, and exclusive access at the event.
Here is a schedule of events for the first pour:
- The Cleveland Carolers (Pre-tapping)
- Christmas Ale ceremonial keg delivery (11 a.m.)
- The First Pour of Christmas Ale (11:30 a.m.)
- Christmas-themed food specials (all day)
Additionally, music, photo ops and a toy drive benefiting Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital will be happening all day. The gift shop will also feature limited holiday merch, which includes a mix of Christmas Ale and winter-themed apparel and accessories.
Can't make it to the first pour? Here is a list of all the dates when Great Lakes Brewing Company will be releasing Christmas Ale in 2023:
- Oct. 12: Christmas Ale draft-only release exclusively at the GLBC brewpub!
- Oct. 13: The first cans, bottles, and kegs of Christmas Ale will be available for purchase exclusively at the GLBC gift shop.
- Oct. 16: Cans, bottles, and kegs of Christmas Ale will begin appearing throughout Ohio.
- Oct. 23: Cans, bottles, and kegs of Christmas Ale will begin appearing throughout all GLBC markets.
This year, Great Lakes Brewing Company also announced that they will be releasing a new seasonal Cookie Exchange Milk Stout in mid-October. The holiday drink is described as "brewed with a rotating cookie flavor, the inaugural edition of Cookie Exchange Milk Stout takes inspiration from Caramel Vanilla Shortbread or Speculoos."
More information can be found HERE.
