Great Lakes Brewing is cruising into Oktoberfest season with wind in the sails of its famed seasonal franchise. The Cleveland, Ohio-based craft brewery streamlined its variety pack offerings for 2026, moving to occasion-driven seasonal packs that rotate quarterly and static themed packs.
There’s been a plot twist in the closure of Bauhaus Brew Labs (Minneapolis, Minnesota) – it’s off. ABV Technology has acquired the brewery, a longtime partner of the business, and will reopen it later this summer.
Unlike most craft breweries whose businesses thrive in the spring and summer months, Great Lakes Brewing Company’s sales pick up in the second half of the year. CEO Mark King and COO Steven Pauwels said they’re preparing for a big fall and winter driven by seasonal releases Oktoberfest and Christmas Ale.
The seasonal beer segment hasn’t received the same double-digit bump that skyrocketing off-premise sales have delivered for the overall craft beer segment, according to market research firm Nielsen.
Anchor Brewing Company announces the release of its 2017 Anchor Christmas Ale. A smooth and creamy winter warmer with rich flavors of cacao, toffee and roasted nuts, and subtle hints of honey and herbal spice, this year’s brew marks the 43rd annual release of this Anchor tradition.
