CLEVELAND—I don’t recall when, where or how I was introduced to Great Lakes Brewing Company. However, I’ve been an ardent fan for well over a year now. I feel that GLBC has an unmatched respect for their customers as well as their products. In an age where brewers are not mandated to list ingredients on beer labels, GLBC does so voluntarily. GLBC also states on each beer label that they do not use chemicals or preservatives. Additionally, on each beer label they provide the Alcohol By Volume (ABV), which gives the customer more power to choose wisely. To me providing the consumer with this basic information is helpful as well as respectful. To boot, GLBC makes acclaimed, high-quality, and all-natural beers.

The Holiday Excursion

Anticipating the coming Holiday mayhem in early December, I felt the need to escape the city. I heard in my dreams the Midwest Brewer’s daughter calling, and so I made a reservation for a tour at my favorite brewery: Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland, Ohio. After the usual traffic leading up to King of Prussia on 76 West, it was smooth sailing. I checked into the Hampton Inn in downtown Cleveland around 5:30 pm. Had I synchronized my fueling and eating, I would have gotten there perhaps an hour sooner. Being an unabashed yet careful city-walker, I asked the ladies at the concierge desk where to go and where to avoid. Taking their advice, I hit the street and began walking across town. On the Veterans Memorial Bridge, it was chilly. I underestimated the weather, and did not bring a hat to cover my ears. The pain in my ear canals became an alarming sensation.

Once I crossed the bridge, I was lost. The streets were run-down, dark and uninviting. Fortunately, there was a restaurant nearby. I knew I needed to walk towards Carnegie Avenue, and so I stepped into the restaurant and asked where Carnegie was. “Car-NAY-gee?” the host corrected me as I seemed to have grossly mispronounced the name. He pointed me in the direction and I pounded the street for a few more minutes before finding comfort on 25th Street, which was a somewhat lively area with a strip of bars and restaurants. Finally, I stumbled upon what I had come for: Great Lakes Brewing Company.

The bar was packed with people but not uncomfortably. GLBC had a warm, intimate feel. The interior of the bar, adorned with beautiful woodwork and tasteful self-advertising posters, is classy but not pretentious. After a few moments, it dawned on me that there was either no music playing or that it was so low that I believed music was entirely absent. All that was heard was the soothing racket of entertained patrons.

The Suds

Before ordering food, I tried a beer that was unfamiliar to me called Highlander Scottish Ale (4.6% ABV). It is a pub-exclusive beer that unfortunately is not distributed to PA. Their popular, award-winning beers, which are available in Pennsylvania, are the Edmund Fitzgerald Porter (5.8% ABV), Elliot Ness Amber Lager (6.2% ABV), Dortmunder Gold Lager (5.8% ABV), Burning River American Pale Ale (6.0% ABV). The above mentioned beers have won numerous awards over the past two decades; they can all be conveniently purchased in a a single variety case. Also, available in Pennsylvania is the Commodore Perry IPA (7.5% ABV).

The Grub

The time came to judge the place on its grub. Personally, I feel that a bar should always have a solid burger. I kept my order simple so I could rightly judge. I got a basic cheese burger to avoid any interference from outlandish additions. What stands out in my mind to this moment is the freshness and tenderness of the beef. It was one of the most succulent burgers I have ever had. GLBC gets their beef patties ground daily from a purveyor called Lance’s Beef at the West Side Market, which is just around the corner from the bar.

To wash down my cheese burger, I had the Elliot Ness Amber Lager, which is a smooth, malty beer. I am usually not a fan of the lager style, but this distinct lager has actually become my beer of choice; it is a crisp, flavorful, mature beer—and to put it simply: really awesome. Once my belly was full, I stepped up to the seasonal Christmas Ale (7.5% ABV). This beer is brewed with honey, ginger and cinnamon and is outright amazing. This holiday ale is not too sweet, not too hoppy, nor too bitter; it is a pleasant, delicious ale that will, without doubt, delight the spirit.

Brewery Tour – (A) Room For Improvement

The tour was an hour long, and if I might add, somewhat unexciting. The tour guide dished out a lot of information about beer-making and some facts about GLBC, but overall it was forgettable. Of course, I mean no offense to the guide in any way. My preference is simply to hear less talking.

I do think there is room for improvement. I suggest providing literature and showing a movie highlighting GLBC’s history, mission, and daily operations. Any literature that could be provided, would be better than relying alone on a guide’s speech. A hand-out detailing the beers would be a great keepsake that visitors could take home, and show to others. I might add that inside the brewery is a big empty room where a bar had once been. That room is a perfect spot for a quick movie-showing.

What Really Matters

GLBC does an excellent job with the things that really matter, such as making superior beer, supplying awesome food, and providing an enjoyable, friendly atmosphere, all of which bring a variety of appreciative people together to celebrate at Great Lakes Brewing Company. Additionally, GLBC is a socially- and environmentally-minded brewery that is committed to the community and the environment. According to their website, they are engaged in numerous sustainability projects including water conservation, waste reuse, local foods and farming, energy efficiency, and bio-fuels to mention a few.

Aside from their great products and their thoughtful philosophy, the good nature of the Great Lakes Brewing Company Staff also left a great impression with me. The bartenders, hosts, and guide were attentive, accommodating, and courteous, making my solo Christmas getaway vacation an entirely special treat.