Lakefront Brewery 40th Anniversary Kellerpils Lager Coming To Cans / Pumpkin Lager 2027

Lakefront Brewery 40th Anniversary Kellerpils Lager Celebrates 40 Years in Milwaukee

Lakefront Brewery is getting ready to celebrate 40 years of brewing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the anniversary is bringing a special new beer along with it. The brewery is preparing 2027 Lakefront 40th Anniversary Kellerpils Lager, an unfiltered pilsner that reaches back to the kind of beer the Klisch brothers were brewing when they first got started four decades ago. The anniversary release will arrive in 12-ounce cans, carrying a sessionable 5.0% ABV and some pretty sharp commemorative packaging that makes the milestone impossible to miss.

Forty years. That’s a serious run.

The Lakefront Brewery 40th Anniversary Kellerpils Lager is being presented as a fresh, unfiltered pilsner, and the label makes a direct connection to the brewery’s beginnings, describing it as a pilsner like the one the Klisch brothers first brewed 40 years ago. That’s a nice way to approach an anniversary beer, rather than simply putting a birthday graphic on an existing product and calling it something special. The Kellerpils name also gives drinkers a good idea of what they’re getting, with an unfiltered presentation that keeps the beer connected to traditional German-inspired lager brewing.

The new Lakefront Kellerpils Lager will come in at 5.0% ABV, making this a fairly approachable beer for anyone looking for something lighter than the bigger specialty releases that tend to dominate anniversary celebrations. It’s also a nice change of pace for a brewery that has spent decades building a diverse lineup of lagers, ales, seasonal beers and experimental releases. A fresh, unfiltered pilsner is a fitting way to recognize the brewery’s history, especially when the packaging specifically references the original brewing efforts of brothers Jim and Russ Klisch.

The can artwork deserves some attention, too. Lakefront has created a lavender-colored anniversary label with a large red and cream-colored “Cheers to 40 Years” graphic, complete with the original 1987 founding reference. Another prominent illustration features what appears to be the brewery building, surrounded by decorative artwork and a commemorative Kellerpils banner. The label also carries the Certified B Corporation and Brewers Association Independent Craft seals, along with the familiar Lakefront Brewery branding.

There is plenty of history packed into that little 12-ounce can.

Lakefront Brewery began in 1987, when brothers Jim and Russ Klisch turned their homebrewing interests into a commercial brewing operation in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood. Their first beer was sold on December 2, 1987, and the business gradually expanded from its original small operation into the established brewery that Milwaukee beer drinkers know today. The company eventually moved to its current home at 1872 North Commerce Street, where it has continued producing a wide selection of craft beer.

And Lakefront isn’t stopping with anniversary beer.

Lakefront became the first brewery in the United States to receive federal approval to produce a gluten-free beer in 2006, helping establish a new category for consumers who could not enjoy traditional barley-based beer.

As an additional bonus, I’m also seeing what appears to be updated packaging for Lakefront Brewery Pumpkin Lager, another seasonal favorite that should be familiar to fans of the brewery. This one is brewed with real pumpkin and a collection of traditional pumpkin pie spices, including cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and mace. The Lakefront Pumpkin Lager is listed at 6.1% ABV and will be packaged in 12-ounce cans.

That’s a nice seasonal companion to the anniversary announcement, although the two beers are taking very different approaches. The Kellerpils is a fresh, unfiltered pilsner celebrating Lakefront’s original brewing roots, while Pumpkin Lager leans into the familiar combination of real pumpkin, malt and fall spices. Lakefront has a long history with pumpkin beer, making this seasonal offering another recognizable part of its Milwaukee brewing identity.

For now, Lakefront Brewery 40th Anniversary Kellerpils Lager is the release to watch, with its 5.0% ABV, unfiltered pilsner profile and commemorative 12-ounce cans. Official release timing, pricing and distribution details have not yet been provided, so we’ll keep watching for additional information as Lakefront gets closer to its 40th anniversary celebration.

A well-earned birthday beer.

Label Text Lakefront Brewery 40th Anniversary:

LAKEFRONT BREWERY

MILW. / WISC.

CHEERS TO 40 YEARS

EST. 1987

40th Anniversary

KELLERPILS LAGER

A fresh, unfiltered Pilsner like the one the Klisch Brothers first brewed 40 years ago.

Product of U.S.A.

Beer Specifications:

• Style: Kellerpils Lager
• ABV: 5.0%
• Package: 12 fl oz / 355 mL cans

Additional Label Information:

• Certified B Corporation
• Brewers Association Independent Craft
• Brewed and canned by Lakefront Brewery, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Please recycle

Deposit Information:

MILW-MA-ME-NY-VT 5¢ FL-OK+ CA CRV / CT-MI-OR 10¢ REFUND

Government Warning:

GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.

Related Lakefront news from mybeerbuzz.com:
Lakefront Brewery has been a regular part of our MyBeerBuzz coverage, and there are several other releases worth revisiting as the Milwaukee brewery approaches its 40th anniversary. Check out our coverage of Lakefront Brewery Black Friday 2026 Variants Revealed, featuring four specialty releases including bourbon barrel-aged imperial stouts and a Triple Black IPA, along with Lakefront Brewery Black Friday: 4 Amazing Beers Return in 2026. You can also revisit Lakefront Brewery Adding Milwaukee Public Market 20th Anniversary Market Lager & MKE Fifty Findorff Cans, another example of Lakefront bringing Milwaukee history and commemorative beer packaging together. These releases offer a good look at the brewery’s continuing lineup of specialty beers, anniversary celebrations and creative seasonal offerings.

About Lakefront Brewery – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Lakefront Brewery is an independent craft brewery located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a history dating back to 1987. Founded by brothers Jim and Russ Klisch, Lakefront Brewery has grown from a small homebrewing operation into one of Milwaukee’s best-known brewing companies, producing a diverse selection of traditional lagers, American ales, seasonal beers, specialty releases and innovative craft beverages.

The brewery’s story began when Jim Klisch developed an interest in homebrewing and received a homebrewing book from his brother Russ. What started as a shared hobby eventually developed into a competitive interest in producing better beer, and the brothers began entering homebrewing competitions and winning awards. Encouraged by family and friends, they decided to turn their brewing hobby into a business.

Lakefront Brewery opened its original operation in a former bakery building in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood. Using 55-gallon stainless steel drums and repurposed dairy equipment, the brothers began producing beer on a commercial scale. On December 2, 1987, Lakefront sold its first barrel of beer to a neighborhood tavern, officially beginning what would become a four-decade brewing history.

Lakefront Brewery’s growth in Milwaukee

Lakefront Brewery experienced considerable growth during its early years, with production increasing as more customers discovered the brewery’s beers. By 1990, Russ Klisch had constructed the company’s first bottling machine, allowing Lakefront to expand beyond its original draft-only business.

As production continued increasing, the original Riverwest facility eventually became too small. In 1998, Lakefront Brewery moved into its current home at 1872 North Commerce Street in Milwaukee, taking over a former Milwaukee Electric Railway and Light Company power plant.

The historic building provided considerably more room for brewing operations and allowed the company to continue expanding its production capabilities. The location has since become a recognizable Milwaukee destination, attracting beer enthusiasts, visitors and people interested in the city’s brewing history.

Lakefront Brewery has also developed a popular brewery tour and Beer Hall experience, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about the company’s history while sampling its beers and enjoying food.

Lakefront Brewery’s signature beers

Over the years, Lakefront Brewery has developed a diverse beer portfolio that includes several recognizable Milwaukee craft beer favorites.

Riverwest Stein Amber Lager is among its best-known offerings, providing a malt-forward amber lager that has been part of the brewery’s identity since its early days. Lakefront IPA gives hop enthusiasts a more traditional American IPA option, while its seasonal beers provide additional variety throughout the year.

The brewery also produces New Grist, a gluten-free beer that represents one of the more significant developments in its history.

Lakefront Pumpkin Lager and seasonal releases

Lakefront Brewery has also developed a reputation for its seasonal beers, particularly Lakefront Pumpkin Lager.

The brewery has a long history with pumpkin beer, having introduced its Pumpkin Lager in 1987. The beer combines real pumpkin with traditional pumpkin pie spices, including cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and mace.

Its Pumpkin Lager has become one of the brewery’s recognizable seasonal offerings, returning during the fall months and bringing together pumpkin character, caramel and Munich malts, and a crisp lager finish.

Other seasonal and specialty beers give Lakefront opportunities to experiment with ingredients and brewing techniques while maintaining a connection to its established Milwaukee customer base.

Innovation, sustainability and independent brewing

Lakefront Brewery has been involved in several notable developments throughout the American craft beer industry.

In 1996, the brewery became the first certified organic brewery in the United States. Its Organic E.S.B. helped establish an important place for organic ingredients in American craft brewing.

The company also worked with local Wisconsin farmers to encourage the production of locally grown barley and hops, eventually producing beers that highlighted ingredients grown within the state.

Lakefront achieved Certified B Corporation status in 2020, becoming Wisconsin’s first brewery to receive the certification. This recognition reflects its commitment to social and environmental performance, transparency and responsible business practices.

These efforts have helped distinguish Lakefront from many other regional craft breweries while maintaining its connection to Milwaukee.

Celebrating 40 years of Lakefront Brewery

The Lakefront Brewery 40th anniversary celebration represents an important milestone for the Klisch brothers and the entire brewery team.

From the original Riverwest bakery operation to the current Milwaukee brewery, Lakefront has spent four decades developing beers, supporting local businesses and building relationships with craft beer enthusiasts.

The 40th Anniversary Kellerpils Lager is an appropriate way to recognize those beginnings, bringing back the idea of a fresh, unfiltered pilsner similar to the beer the brothers were brewing when Lakefront first started.

As Lakefront Brewery moves into its fifth decade, its combination of traditional brewing, seasonal favorites, specialty releases and Milwaukee community involvement continues to make it an important name in Wisconsin craft beer.

For information about Lakefront Brewery, its complete beer lineup, brewery tours, events and upcoming releases, visit the official website: https://lakefrontbrewery.com/

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