Christmas Ale gets first tapping
The first-pour party for Christmas Ale is set: It's Thursday, Oct. 27, at Great Lakes Brewing Co.
(Lonnie Timmons III, The Plain Deale)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s annual first-pour party - the season's inaugural tapping of Christmas Ale - will be Thursday, Oct. 27.
Christmas Ale will be released for distribution Tuesday, Nov. 1.
The first-pour festivities keep to two traditions each year: For fans, the event draws a line out the door and along Market Avenue in Ohio City. For servers, it's the busiest day of the year. They will pour 4,000 to 6,000 pints at the brewpub during the party.
The party will have returning favorites as well as a new twist or two. Of course, Brewer Santa will hoist and deliver the first keg for the tapping at 11:30 a.m. DJ Misfit Toy will spin tunes in the beer garden, and Santa will be available for photos.
If Christmas Ale alone couldn't get better try this: The folks at Brewnuts will serve up doughnuts made with the seasonal, spicy ale.
The Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center will accept donations and host a raffle in the beer garden.
New this year: At 2 p.m. there will be a tapping of 2016 Barrel Aged Christmas Ale with 3-ounce pours available. It's draft only and limited.
Great Lakes always has a contest to determine who among the public will be bestowed with taking the first sip. This year, the brewery is hosting a #ChristmasAleSpirit photo contest to determine the winner, who is led behind the bar for the sip with all eyes watching. They also will receive a private brewery tour, lunch and cooler stuffed with Great Lakes merchandise. The contest runs through Monday, Oct. 17, though the brewery will continue weekly prizes through Saturday, Dec. 31.
The ale, at 7.5 percent alcohol, has been packaged and released since 1992. It's brewed with honey, ginger and cinnamon.
Great Lakes is at 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland.