Great Lakes Brewing Co. Introduces First 2025 Releases

CLEVELAND, Dec. 18, 2024 — Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) announces its first releases for 2025, including new Midwest Hazy IPA and Conway’s Irish Stout, and new looks for Conway’s Irish Ale, Chillwave Double IPA, and Cleveland Cavaliers-inspired Easy Buckets Blonde.

The Midwest IPA Brand Family Grows with Midwest Hazy IPA

Following in the footsteps of GLBC year rounds Vibacious Double IPA and Juicy Vibacious Double IPA, 2024’s successful release Midwest IPA adds a new chapter in 2025 with Midwest Hazy IPA. The 6.5% Hazy IPA debuts in 12 oz. Can 6-Packs and draft in February, following a Q4 soft-launch in the fall edition of the brewery’s Hop Madness Variety Pack. While Midwest IPA touts a balanced drinkability, Midwest Hazy IPA offers a pillowy, lower bitterness sip with a slightly more fruit-forward aroma.

Co-CEO Chris Brown notes Midwest IPA’s strong market performance as motivation for building upon the brand, “Midwest IPA since its March launch has grown to be the #1 IPA in the 6-Pack category for Cleveland, and top three in all Ohio. But more importantly it became a top three brand for our entire footprint. We now add an amazing new liquid in Midwest Hazy, and a 12-Pack for Midwest IPA to give fans more ways to enjoy the Midwest family.”

New Conway’s Irish Stout Joins New-Look Conway’s Irish Ale
Legacy seasonal Conway’s Irish Ale returns in cans, bottles, and draft with a visual refresh for 2024, retaining Co-Owners Pat and Dan Conway’s traffic-directing grandfather as its subject, and with a brighter seasonal color palette. The beloved Irish Ale will be joined in market by new Conway’s Irish Stout, a 4.8% rich and roasty dry Irish Stout, in draft and Irish flag-inspired 12 oz. Can 6-Packs. Both Conway’s brands are available in all markets beginning in January.

Chillwave Double IPA Glides into the Double Feature Series
In 2024, GLBC launched its reimagined Double Feature IPA Series, a selection of returning and new Double IPAs in cinematic-inspired 12 oz. Can 6-Packs and draft. 9.0% surf-themed Chillwave Double IPA joins the series in January, followed by Return of the Lake Erie Monster (April), Spacewalker Hazy Double IPA (June) and Nosferatu Double Red IPA (August). Chillwave Double IPA retains its classic tropical hop and honey malt profile, with a new larger-than-life look by illustrator Sam Hadley.

Easy Buckets Blonde Makes 12-Pack Play

In 2024 GLBC introduced Easy Buckets Blonde, a fan-named Blonde Ale celebrating the brewery’s partnership as the Official Craft Beer of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In January, 2025, GLBC evolves Easy Buckets Blonde from its original 16 oz. Can 6-Packs to new 12 oz. Can 12-Packs, 19.2 oz. Cans, and draft. The packaging is presented with a fresh look and brighter color palette in alignment with the 4.5% beer’s easy-drinking style. Easy Buckets Blonde will once again be available in package and draft at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and at retailers throughout the state of Ohio.

About Great Lakes Brewing Co.: Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is 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 Vibacious® Double IPA, Midwest IPA, Dortmunder Gold® Lager, and a robust selection of seasonal and limited release offerings. Learn more at greatlakesbrewing.com.