Lakefront Brewery Continues Its 16-Year Run Of Releasing Their Prized Black Friday™ Beers The Morning After Thanksgiving

Lakefront Brewery Black Friday 2026 Returns With Four Limited-Release Beers

Lakefront Brewery knows how to make Black Friday about something other than shopping. In Milwaukee, this has become a beer tradition, and one that has managed to stick around through plenty of changes in the craft beer business, changing consumer tastes and everything else that has happened over the past 16 years. While plenty of breweries have tried special releases and holiday events, Lakefront Brewery Black Friday has developed its own following, with people willing to get out of bed early, stand in line and spend part of their Thanksgiving weekend chasing some pretty serious beer.

It’s back again. And there are some interesting beers coming with it.

The 2026 Lakefront Brewery Black Friday release includes four specialty beers, with two bourbon barrel-aged imperial stouts, an imperial coffee and cacao nib stout and a five-year-aged imperial stout that has been sitting in bourbon barrels since 2021. That last one is particularly interesting, especially for people who have followed the brewery’s annual Lakefront Brewery Black Friday releases and enjoy seeing how extended barrel aging changes a beer over time. There is also a Triple Black IPA in the lineup, which gives hop fans something different from the heavy stout offerings that tend to dominate this particular release. Add a new cranberry sparkling mead to the Brewers’ Reserve series and there is quite a bit happening this year.

But Lakefront Brewery Black Friday is about more than the cans. The brewery is bringing back its early-morning food service, coffee, Black Friday burritos, collectible glassware and the Warm Hearts Community Coat Drive, which gives attendees another reason to participate beyond picking up limited-release beer. The event takes place Friday, November 27, 2026, with the Beer Hall opening at 8 a.m. and the food truck getting started at 6 a.m. For anyone planning to attend, getting there early is probably a good idea, particularly with several limited quantities and a five-year bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout in the lineup.

Lakefront Brewery continues its 16-year Black Friday tradition with four limited-release beers, a new Brewers’ Reserve sparkling mead and its returning community coat drive, and here are the complete details of what Milwaukee beer fans can expect on November 27.

Lakefront Brewery Black Friday 2026 Beer Releases

The 2026 Lakefront Brewery Black Friday collection features four specialty beers packaged in individually boxed 19.2-ounce cans. Each release has its own identity, and the lineup covers several different styles and aging approaches.

2026 Lakefront Brewery Black Friday Imperial Stout

13.38% ABV

The traditional 2026 Black Friday Imperial Stout has been aged in Lux Row Ezra Brooks Bourbon Barrels. Lakefront will offer 1,500 cans at $20 plus tax each.

This is the centerpiece for drinkers who enjoy the combination of high-gravity imperial stout and bourbon barrel aging. The limited production makes this one worth watching, particularly for collectors who have followed the brewery’s Black Friday releases over the years.

2026 Lakefront Brewery Black Friday Triple Black IPA

9.12% ABV

Lakefront is also bringing back its Triple Black IPA, dry-hopped with Citra, Chinook and Centennial hops. The beer checks in at 9.12% ABV, with just 750 cans available at $15 plus tax each.

The Triple Black IPA provides a welcome change from the stout-heavy lineup, offering hop fans a darker alternative for the holiday weekend.

2026 Lakefront Brewery Black Friday Imperial Coffee & Cacao Nib Stout

13.44% ABV

This imperial stout takes the bourbon barrel-aged foundation and adds Stone Creek Coffee and cocoa. Aged in Lux Row Ezra Brooks Bourbon Barrels, the beer combines several ingredients that have become familiar territory for specialty stout releases.

Only 750 cans will be available, priced at $25 plus tax each.

2026 Black Friday 5-Year Imperial Stout

15.72% ABV

This is probably the release that will get the most attention from barrel-aged beer collectors.

Lakefront’s 2026 Black Friday 5-Year Imperial Stout has been aged in bourbon barrels for five years, dating back to 2021. The finished beer reaches 15.72% ABV and will be available in just 750 cans.

At $25 plus tax per can, this is the oldest-aged offering in the collection and an interesting opportunity to compare a five-year barrel-aged stout with the brewery’s other annual Black Friday imperial stout releases.

Lakefront Brewery Black Friday 2026 Prices and Availability

Here is the complete release lineup and pricing:

All four beers will be packaged in 19.2-ounce cans featuring individual Four Horsemen-themed artwork and boxes.

There is no purchase limit, according to Lakefront Brewery. All four beers will also be available on draft at the Beer Hall while supplies last.

Customers purchasing at least four Black Friday cans will receive a collectible Four Horsemen-wrapped Black Friday snifter glass.

New Lakefront Brewers’ Reserve Cranberry Sparkling Mead

Lakefront is adding something a little different to the 2026 event with the release of its 16th Brewers’ Reserve product.

The new Brewers’ Reserve Gluten-Free Cranberry Sparkling Mead Aged in Wollersheim White Port Barrels brings a sparkling mead into a release event traditionally associated with big imperial stouts and specialty beers.

The gluten-free mead will be available in 12-ounce single cans for $4 plus tax and six-packs for $20 plus tax, while supplies last.

This is an interesting addition to the Brewers’ Reserve lineup, particularly for consumers looking for something outside the brewery’s traditional beer offerings. Lakefront recommends arriving early for the best opportunity to purchase this limited release.

Lakefront Brewery Black Friday 2026 Event Details

The annual Lakefront Brewery Black Friday event takes place Friday, November 27, 2026, at the brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The schedule includes:

• 6 a.m.: Food truck opens with Black Friday burritos and coffee.
• 7 a.m.: Warm Hearts Community Coat Drive begins below the Beer Hall entrance.
• 8 a.m.: Beer Hall doors open and Black Friday beer sales begin.

The brewery gift shop will also be open with exclusive Black Friday merchandise and apparel.

Lakefront Brewery Returns With Its Warm Hearts Community Coat Drive

For the fourth consecutive year, Lakefront Brewery will combine its Black Friday beer release with the Warm Hearts Community Coat Drive.

The program benefits students at area schools, including George Washington Carver Elementary.

Visitors can bring a new or gently used, laundered coat appropriate for children ages 3 through 14. In exchange for an accepted coat donation, guests will receive one bottle or can of a retro Black Friday beer.

Donors can contribute additional coats, with a maximum of two bottles or cans per person over the age of 21.

Lakefront is particularly encouraging donations of colorful, youth-appropriate coats, especially items for girls and young teen women, giving students the opportunity to choose something they actually want to wear. Gloves, hats and other winter clothing are also welcome.

The brewery will additionally allow customers to round up their bills throughout the week to contribute to the school.

It is a nice addition to an event that has grown into something bigger than a specialty beer release. Lakefront is using one of its busiest annual days to help local students prepare for Wisconsin winter.

For additional event information, visit the official Lakefront Brewery Black Friday webpage.

Here is the full Press Release from Lakefront Brewery:

The annual tradition returns Friday, November 27^th with four limited-release beers, a new sparkling mead, and the Warm Hearts Community Coat Drive.

MILWAUKEE (November 9, 2026) – Through the evolution of the craft beer industry, a global pandemic, and the emergence of new beverage trends, one Milwaukee tradition has remained remarkably consistent: Lakefront Brewery’s Black Friday™ beer release. The first attendees have been known to arrive the night before Lakefront opens its doors for the biggest beer release in Southeast Wisconsin. Waiting in line at the brewery has become tradition for many over the years.

“There’s always been a great social aspect to beer—getting together, sharing beers, and discussing flavors,” says Lakefront Brewery owner Russ Klisch. “Our Black Friday™ beers are some of the highest-quality brews we make, and we want folks to share in our labor of love with others.”

The 2026 edition will see Lakefront bringing back crowd favorites, as well as Black Friday™ Imperial Stout that has been aging in barrels since 2021:

Ø  2026 Black Friday™ Imperial Stout Aged in Lux Row Ezra Brooks Bourbon Barrels. $20 plus tax per can; 1,500 cans available. (13.38% ABV)

Ø  2026 Black Friday™ Triple Black IPA Dry-Hopped with Citra, Chinook, and Centennial Hops. $15 plus tax per can; 750 cans available. (9.12% ABV)

Ø  2026 Black Friday™ Imperial Coffee & Cacao Nib Stout Aged in Lux Row Ezra Brooks Bourbon Barrels with Stone Creek Coffee and Cocoa. $25 plus tax per can; 750 cans available. (13.44% ABV)

Ø  2026 Black Friday™ 5-Year Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels for 5 Years. $25 plus tax per can; 750 cans available. (15.72% ABV)

 “Over the years, we’ve learned which Lakefront Brewery Black Friday™ varieties people enjoy, and we try to bring those flavors back,” says Lakefront head brewer Luther Paul. “It can be fun to taste similar styles from various years. Different barrels and brewing methods make for beers with a ton of depth.”

All varieties will be packaged in beautiful Four Horsemen-themed 19.2 oz. cans, housed in dynamic individual boxes with no limit to the purchase amount. Lakefront will have each Black Friday™ variety on tap while supplies last and may dig out a previous year’s offering as well. A collectible Black Friday™ Four Horsemen-wrapped snifter glass will be free for those who purchase a minimum of four Black Friday™ cans.

New this year, in addition to their Black Friday™ beers, Lakefront will be releasing their 16^th product in their Brewers’ Reserve series: Brewers’ Reserve Gluten-Free Cranberry Sparkling Mead Aged in Wollersheim White Port Barrels, which will be available in 12 oz. single cans ($4 +tax) and six-packs ($20 +tax) while supplies last. It is recommended to show up early for a chance at this rare and special gluten-free treat.  

Lakefront will be offering their famous Black Friday Burrito and coffee out of their food truck starting at 6am. Their gift shop inside will be open with exclusive Black Friday™ items and other warm weather apparel if your preparations didn’t quite pan out. Lakefront Brewery co-founders Russ and Jim Klisch will open the Beer Hall doors at 8am when sales begin.

For the fourth year in a row, Lakefront is excited to announce the return of the Warm Hearts Community Coat Drive benefiting students at schools like George Washington Carver Elementary. Starting at 7am below the Beer Hall entrance, guests who donate a new or gently used and laundered coat suitable for youth ages 3 to 14 years will receive one bottle/can of a retro Black Friday™. Guests may donate additional coats with a maximum of two bottles/cans per donor over 21. Coats will be accepted conditionally at Lakefront Brewery’s discretion to ensure immediate wearability.

They also encourage donors to bring colorful, youth-appropriate items, especially coats for girls and young teen women, giving students the dignity of choice. Gloves, hats, and other winter gear will gladly be accepted as well. All week long, guests can also round up their bill to donate to the school.

Visit Lakefront Brewery’s Black Friday webpage for additional details.

Related Lakefront Brewery news from mybeerbuzz.com:
Lakefront Brewery has been a regular part of our Wisconsin craft beer coverage, and there is plenty more to explore beyond the 2026 Black Friday collection. Check out our previous coverage of the Lakefront Brewery Black Friday 2026 Variants Revealed, where we took an earlier look at the four specialty beer labels and upcoming lineup, along with our report on the Lakefront Brewery 15th Annual Black Friday Details, which covered the brewery’s 2025 release.

You can also revisit Lakefront Brewery’s Brewers’ Reserve Kitchen Sink Barleywine Variants for another look at its barrel-aged specialty releases, or check out Lakefront Brewery’s Tropical Rabbit IPA for a different side of the Milwaukee brewery’s brewing program.

Lakefront Brewery, Inc. is an independent craft brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin founded by brothers Jim and Russ Klisch in 1987 when they scaled up their homebrew equipment to a 7-barrel brewhouse. They have grown to produce over 20 full-scale offerings yearly including Riverwest Stein Amber Lager, Hazy Rabbit IPA, Dive Beer Milwaukee Lager, and New Grist Gluten-Free Pilsner, the first Certified Gluten-Free beer in America.

Lakefront Brewery is committed to using business as a force for good by achieving the high social and environmental standards verified through B Corp™ certification. Experience Milwaukee’s brewing legacy by taking their award-winning brewery tour and indulge in top notch traditional Bavarian and Midwestern fare at Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall, one of Milwaukee’s premier tourist destinations. Lakefront distributes its best-in-class products to over 30 states, Canada, Ukraine, and Sweden. For more information, visit lakefrontbrewery.com or call 414-372-8800.

Lakefront Brewery is an independent craft brewery located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a history that stretches back to 1987 and the early growth of the American craft beer movement. Founded by brothers Jim and Russ Klisch, Lakefront Brewery began as a small homebrewing operation before developing into one of Wisconsin’s recognizable independent breweries. What started with a modest seven-barrel brewhouse has grown into a business producing more than 20 full-scale beer offerings each year, along with seasonal releases, specialty beers and its Brewers’ Reserve collection.

The Lakefront Brewery story began when the Klisch brothers developed an interest in making their own beer. Jim first became interested in homebrewing, and Russ eventually joined him in experimenting with different recipes and brewing techniques. Their early success encouraged the brothers to take the next step and turn their hobby into a commercial brewery. In 1987, they began producing beer in Milwaukee, establishing the foundation for what would become an important part of the city’s modern brewing community.

Lakefront Brewery built its reputation by developing recognizable beers while remaining willing to experiment with ingredients, brewing techniques and different styles. Among its best-known offerings is Riverwest Stein Amber Lager, a beer that has become closely associated with the brewery and its Milwaukee roots. The brewery also produces Hazy Rabbit IPA, Dive Beer Milwaukee Lager and a variety of other beers that reach consumers through its distribution network.

One of Lakefront Brewery’s most significant achievements has been its work with gluten-free beer. Its New Grist Gluten-Free Pilsner became the first Certified Gluten-Free beer in America, helping establish Lakefront as an early participant in a category that has continued to expand. New Grist gave consumers looking for gluten-free alternatives another way to enjoy beer without relying on traditional barley-based brewing. The brewery has continued developing its gluten-free offerings, demonstrating that its brewing program extends well beyond conventional ales and lagers.

Specialty releases have also become an important part of the Lakefront Brewery identity. The annual Black Friday beer release is perhaps the most recognizable example. What began as a limited specialty beer event has developed into a major annual gathering for Milwaukee beer fans, with customers arriving early to purchase beers that are generally available only through the brewery. The Black Friday collection has featured imperial stouts, bourbon barrel-aged beers, coffee and cacao variations, specialty ales and other limited-production releases. The 2026 event continues that tradition with four beers, including a five-year-aged imperial stout that has spent half a decade in bourbon barrels.

Lakefront’s Brewers’ Reserve series provides another opportunity for the brewery to experiment with ingredients and aging methods. These releases can include distinctive beer styles, barrel-aged variations and products that move beyond traditional brewing categories. The 2026 cranberry sparkling mead aged in Wollersheim White Port barrels is another example of the brewery expanding its specialty beverage selection while maintaining the limited-production approach that makes these releases interesting to follow.

The brewery is also a destination for visitors interested in Milwaukee’s brewing history. Its Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall combines beer, food and hospitality in a setting that attracts both local residents and tourists. Visitors can enjoy traditional Bavarian and Midwestern-inspired food alongside Lakefront’s beer lineup, while brewery tours provide an opportunity to learn about the company’s history, brewing operation and products. The Beer Hall has become one of the recognizable stops for people exploring Milwaukee’s food and beverage scene.

Lakefront Brewery has also made environmental and social responsibility part of its business identity. The company has earned B Corp certification, recognizing its commitment to standards involving social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Its community involvement includes initiatives such as the Warm Hearts Community Coat Drive, which supports local students by collecting winter clothing for children and young teenagers. The annual Black Friday event gives the brewery an opportunity to connect its beer-loving audience with that charitable effort.

Today, Lakefront Brewery distributes its products to more than 30 states, as well as international markets including Canada, Ukraine and Sweden. Its combination of established flagship beers, seasonal offerings, gluten-free products and limited specialty releases has helped it maintain a recognizable position in the Wisconsin craft beer industry.

For beer fans following Milwaukee breweries, Lakefront Brewery remains a name worth watching. From Riverwest Stein Amber Lager and New Grist Gluten-Free Pilsner to bourbon barrel-aged imperial stouts and its annual Black Friday beer collection, the brewery continues to bring together its Milwaukee brewing history and an evolving lineup of specialty beverages.

For additional information about Lakefront Brewery, its beer lineup, brewery tours, Beer Hall and upcoming events, visit lakefrontbrewery.com.

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