Great Lakes Brewing Co. Brings Christmas Ale to Florida

CLEVELAND, Ohio Nov. 11, 2025 – Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) announces its distribution entry into Florida with Cavalier Distributing. The brewery begins its market launch this week, in conjunction with the release of seasonal juggernaut Christmas Ale in cans and draft. The launch also includes the brewery’s Holiday Pack, a variety 12-Pack with 6 Cans of Christmas Ale and 6 Cans of rotating Cookie Exchange Milk Stout: Berry Jam Thumbprint flavor. Additional brands may be announced in the coming months after a soft entry into the state.

The launch will primarily serve the regions of Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Naples, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota, Tallahassee, and Tampa as the brewery explores opportunities in the market. Currently, North Carolina is the southernmost state within the brewery’s 17-state distribution footprint, but an active fanbase and buyer interest inspired the strategic entry.

“Consumers and retailers have been very vocal about wanting Great Lakes beers in the Sunshine State for decades,” said Chris Brown, GLBC Co-CEO. “We know there are many former Ohio residents in Florida, and dipping our toe in that market with one of our most beloved and nostalgic brands in Christmas Ale is a perfect opportunity to give the people what they want for the holidays.”

The brewery has partnered with Cavalier Distributing for the launch. “We have years of partnership and experience with Cavalier in the Indiana market,” said Brown. “With their Florida presence, it’s been a perfect fit to extend our footprint with a distributor who understands both the Great Lakes brand and the Florida market.”

Customers can expect to find Christmas Ale, the #1 selling holiday beer in the Great Lakes region, throughout Florida this holiday season, along with the Holiday Pack. Packages can be located using the brewery’s Beer Finder tool, which will populate in the coming weeks. The brewery encourages fans seeking Christmas Ale to contact their favorite retailer to request it.

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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 17 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.

Founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is Ohio’s original craft brewery. Independent for over 30 years and employee owned since 2018, we are proud to serve 14 states and Washington D.C. with an award-winning and beloved selection of fresh, flavorful, and innovative craft beers. From year-round favorites like Dortmunder Gold Lager and Hazecraft IPA to seasonal classics like Christmas Ale and Oktoberfest, to our innovative limited releases and pub exclusive offerings, we hope you’ll crack one open with us soon, because we remain committed to the craft.

Great Lakes Brewing Company is a well-known craft brewery based in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway, it was one of the pioneering breweries in the American craft beer movement. The brewery is known for its high-quality beers and commitment to using locally sourced ingredients when possible.

Great Lakes Brewing has a wide variety of beers, with some of their flagship brews being:
Dortmunder Gold – A flagship lager known for its balanced maltiness and smooth finish.
Edmund Fitzgerald Porter – A rich and robust porter with chocolate and coffee flavors.
Conway’s Irish Ale – A smooth, malty amber ale named in honor of the Conway brothers.

The brewery has also created a strong reputation for seasonal and limited-edition brews, like their popular Christmas Ale, which has become a fan favorite during the holidays.

Great Lakes Brewing Company is also deeply involved in the local community, and its brewery in Cleveland often offers tours, a brewpub with food, and a cozy atmosphere for beer lovers.