Great Lakes Introduces Low Alc, Low Cal Dort Light Lager

I brought you an early peek back in April 2026, and now this update from Great Lakes Brewing:

Low Alcohol, Low Calorie Edition of Classic Dortmunder Gold Releases in June

CLEVELAND, Ohio Jun. 3, 2026 – Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC) introduces Dort Light, a 90 calorie, 2.9% ABV version of its award-winning flagship Dortmunder Gold Lager, in 6-Pack Bottles and Draft.

Brewed with the same classic, balanced Dortmunder Gold Lager recipe that put Great Lakes Brewing Company and Ohio craft beer on the map in 1988, Dort Light has the character and taste of its pedigreed predecessor, with only 2.9% ABV and 90 Calories per 12 oz. bottle. Currently, the brewery distributes its Cold Rush Premium Light Lager throughout Northeast Ohio, but Dort Light is the first of its kind for the storied brewery: a mid-strength yet full-flavored version of a year-round flagship brew, available everywhere Great Lakes beer is sold.

The Time Is Right For Light
“Mid-strength” and lower calorie beverages are a trend GLBC leadership has eyed, seeking the right entry into the category, and Dortmunder’s brand recognition makes it a contender. “Dortmunder Gold has had a reputation as Cleveland’s #1 craft beer for over 30 years, but today’s consumer has different preferences. Dort Light gives a new option for beer lovers who still want a beer, but can moderate with a superior light beer rather than an N/A. Dort Light will be known as the best tasting low-calorie option–it truly tastes like a craft lager,” says GLBC CEO Chris Brown.

Brown adds, “We’re leaning into the legacy of Great Lakes with this beer and positioning it alongside its much older but still cool sibling. To the Ohioan, Dortmunder just became “Dort” and we are leaning into that familiarity while creating its own brand. Dort is a short Dortmunder in calories and ABV, but long on flavor.”

Dortmunder Gold Lager is the top craft lager in Ohio Food over the last 13 weeks (Nielsen).

The label itself features Dortmunder’s common call name “Dort” with “light” in script, and incorporates Dortmunder’s classic red, white, and blue ribbon among other recognizable elements. GLBC Marketing Director Vicki Campana notes, “these two beers will be positioned together in the market, so there’s a nice visual harmony between them. Whether you’re opting for the original or the lighter version, each package is undeniably Dortmunder—your trusted go-to for any occasion.”

On-Premise Introductions
Dort Light will launch in bottles and draft exclusively at the GLBC brewpub and Ohio’s Winking Lizard Tavern’s 15 locations in early June before its broader release throughout the brewery’s distribution footprint. A longtime partner of Great Lakes, and recent winner of USA Today’s 10Best “Best Sports Bar”, Winking Lizard’s popular craft-forward taverns are a perfect fit for Dort Light’s debut.

“It is exciting to roll out Dort Light with our number one craft beer partner, Great Lakes Brewing Company. Dortmunder Gold is our #1 selling craft beer and I am confident that Dort Light will be a huge seller as well. Our customers care about local and quality, and Dort Light is a great, approachable craft light beer alternative that will fit right in with our menu and clientele. As one of the top-selling Dortmunder Gold accounts, we are looking forward to showcasing the two together in our restaurants and continuing our strong partnership with Great Lakes,” says John Lane, Co-Owner, Winking Lizard Tavern.

Liquid Gold, Coming Soon
Brewed with the same malt, hops, and proprietary yeast that earned Dortmunder Gold its first gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 1990, Dort Light is just 2.9% ABV and 90 Calories. It releases in 6-Pack 12 oz. Bottles and Draft this June.

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 19 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.

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