CLEVELAND — Great Lakes Brewing has been making Christmas Ale for decades, and anyone who is familiar with the product and the city knows it’s a big thing each year when it’s released.
When the company announces there’s a limited supply of Christmas Ale in July, people come from across the country to get some.
Debbie and Pat Routa live in Fort Worth, Texas, and came just for the weekend.
“I really like the taste of it versus a lot of the other IPAs. It’s got a nice sweet taste to it,” said Pat.
“It’s delicious, worth the flight from Fort Worth to Cleveland,” added Debbie.
Last year, they weren’t able to come to the annual First Pour event in October because of the pandemic. Pat’s brother, Mike, who put them onto Christmas Ale 10 years ago, was able to help.
“When he couldn’t come last year, I bought a case of Christmas Ale and shipped it to him,” said Mike. “Just so he could experience the first pour at his house.”
The celebration of Great Lakes’ “Christmas Ale in July” started at the brewpub, and shuttle buses took people to Progressive Field, where the Christmas Ale is available for a limited time as well.
Great Lakes is only selling glasses from their kegs. Bottles are not available, so when they run out, it’s for good.
The next time Christmas Ale will be available is in October for their First Pour event.
