Cleveland, OH

Christmas Ale is here! Great Lakes Brewing’s 2023 first-pour party packs in festive crowd (photos)

Published

10 months ago

October 12, 2023

Christmas Ale is here! Great Lakes Brewing’s 2023 first-pour party packs in festive crowd (photos)

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Scores of Christmas Ale-loving folks headed to Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s first-pour party Thursday, the annual unofficial start to the holiday season.

It’s an occasion that moves us to poetry each year (our limerick is below). Christmas Ale is a cult favorite for Great Lakes, which was one of the pioneering breweries in the country to create the style of beer. It’s a spicy ale made with organic ingredients, and its launch party remains popular at the brewpub in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.

More than 150 people were in line long before the doors opened at 11 a.m. with the ceremonial tapping taking place soon after. The crowd stretched around Carroll Avenue facing Dave’s Markets.

Corrine Murphy’s essay earned her and her father, Jay Spetrino, the ceremonial first sip. She wrote about how her father did a great job raising her and how ever since she turned 21 the two always find time to share a Christmas Ale.

“My dad is the most deserving person I know; he’s the best,” said Murphy, who lives in Mentor. “Everybody always says, ‘I have the best dad.’ I truly have a man who should be a pillar of the community and looked up to by other men and fathers.”

Each year the first-pour party moves us to poetry:

We jaunt each year to Ohio City

To create this little ditty

It’s a special time of year

Thirsty masses gather for beer

Didn’t make it? What a pity.

∙ ∙ ∙

It’s a toast to Christmas Ale

Surely a day without fail

A dose of honey

Costs a bit of money

Kind of a brewing holy grail.

∙ ∙ ∙

Everyone in line is cool, no one’s a jerk

You’ll find only smiles, never a smirk

On Market Avenue

You’ll know what to do

It sure beats heading to work.

∙ ∙ ∙

The masses endured a little drizzle

But their moods, they never did fizzle

Reindeer antlers and bunny suits

The party’s always a hoot

It’s a day for suds and sizzle.

∙ ∙ ∙

Order a pint or two or three

It’s sure to set you free

Cinnamon adds spice

To this holiday vice

A fine seasonal sipper, that we can all agree

∙ ∙ ∙

The hops are Mt. Hood and Cascade

That’s how the ale is made

Brewers spend weeks toiling

As the liquid begins boiling

To ensure the ale makes the grade

∙ ∙ ∙

Ginger gives it a zing in your glass

It’s out for a while but definitely won’t last

It’s a hearty ale to be sure

With a special allure

Drink too much, wind up on your a**

∙ ∙ ∙

We can thank two brothers, Pat and Dan Conway

for this one-of-a-kind ale and special day

They started Great Lakes in ‘88

35 years – let’s celebrate

Happy anniversary – yay!

∙ ∙ ∙

A barrel-aged version is due

We can say it’s pretty tasty, too

The ale is out for 10 weeks only

Call a pal, you won’t be lonely

Treat yourself, you know you’re due

∙ ∙ ∙

So head on down to the brewpub

Take a car, train or even a sub

Servers work quick

kind of like St. Nick

Or just hoist one for the Browns’ Nick Chubb

∙ ∙ ∙

Fans come in all colors with whistles and bells

The ale remains an oh-so-easy sell

Carolers sing

The beer is king

Because Clevelanders think it’s swell

∙ ∙ ∙

They packed the pub nice and tight

Whoops and hollers, cameras and lights

The drafts did pour

People cheered for more

For on this day everything is right

∙ ∙ ∙

Dortmunder Gold is a nod to the Heisman

That’s another story, just ask Pat or Dan

Fans didn’t mind a bit of rain

Their spirit will never wane

As they seek draft, bottle or can.

∙ ∙ ∙

In Cleveland it was a bit gray

While the temperatures made it a slightly cool day

Friday the gift shop will have the ale

And Monday begins retail sales

That’s reason to cheer, wouldn’t you say?

∙ ∙ ∙

A drive was held to donate toys*

It adds to the day with untold joy

Brewnuts are glazed

Leaving all in a daze

Could you imagine all this hoopla for a can of LaCroix?

∙ ∙ ∙

Near the pub were a pair of portable bathrooms

And the line was filled with many in costume

Nothing on this day would spoil it

Thank God for a toilet

They also were popular, we presume.

∙ ∙ ∙

A trio of pals was first in line since 6 o’clock

They drove more than an hour, ready to rock

Rolled out of bed

Surrounded by those dressed in green and red

From their hats down to their socks.

∙ ∙ ∙

Corrine and her dad won the rights for the first sip

They hoisted a pint and let it tip

The bar drew a crowd

People cheered clear and loud

While the fans of the ale enjoy a kinship

∙ ∙ ∙

A keg was hoisted high, no one looked glum

Patience remains the rule of thumb

Their wits they will regain

After glasses they drain

Best word for Christmas Ale is yum.

∙ ∙ ∙

We’ve got nothing on William Shakespeare

Who wrote the timeless classic “King Lear”

Did he wear a toga?

He never saw the Cuyahoga

The bard missed out on the beer.

∙ ∙ ∙

The First Pour party is always a ball

A pleasant tradition every fall

Lines out the door

As people clamor for more

It makes us shout, “Happy holidays to all!”

* Scott Ward, a keg-line operator at the brewery, runs his own charity to support Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. If you’re heading down to the brewpub today – Thursday, Oct. 12 – feel free to bring a new toy.

Like beer? Check out GiveThemBeer for gifts for beer lovers. The company offers craft-beer baskets, seasonal selections and more.

I am on cleveland.com’s life and culture team and cover food, beer, wine and sports-related topics. For my recent stories, here’s a directory on cleveland.com. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursdays. Twitter: @mbona30. My latest book, co-authored with Dan Murphy, is “Joe Thomas: Not Your Average Joe” by Gray & Co.

Get a jumpstart on the weekend. Sign up for Cleveland.com’s weekly “In the CLE” email newsletter, your essential guide to the top things to do in Greater Cleveland. It will arrive in your inbox on Friday mornings – an exclusive to-do list, focusing on the best of the weekend fun. Restaurants, music, movies, performing arts, family fun and more. Click here to subscribe. Cleveland.com newsletters are free.

Like cool local food + drinks photos and videos? Follow @DineDrinkCLE on Instagram.

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Cleveland, OH

GCSC Summer Golf Classic | Greater Cleveland Sports Commission

Published

5 hours ago

August 4, 2024

Press Room

GCSC Summer Golf Classic | Greater Cleveland Sports Commission

Get Your Golf On!
Golfers of all abilities are invited to play in GCSC’s Summer Golf Classic presented by First National Bank on Monday, August 5, 2024 at Cleveland Metroparks Sleepy Hollow.
Join us for a day of 18 holes with cart featuring beverages, contests & prizes, lunch and a buffet dinner.
FORMAT:…

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Cleveland, OH

Fatal shooting on east side after reports of large fight: Cleveland Police

Published

12 hours ago

August 4, 2024

Press Room

Fatal shooting on east side after reports of large fight: Cleveland Police

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – One man is dead after a shooting following reports of a large fight on the east side, according to Cleveland Police.

Police got reports of a large fight around 2:50 a.m. on Saturday in the 1000 block of East 71st Street.

While officers were en route, they learned that two people were shot.

Police located a 22-year-old man and a 24-year-old man who were both shot, according to a release.

Both of the men were taken to the hospital by EMS.

The 22-year-old man later died at the hospital.

The condition of the 24-year-old is unknown.

Cleveland Police homicide unit is investigating, according to police.

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Cleveland, OH

WWE SummerSlam 2024 Results: Winners And Grades On August 3, 2024

Published

20 hours ago

August 4, 2024

Press Room

WWE SummerSlam 2024 results

Credit: WWE.com

WWE SummerSlam 2024 from Cleveland, Ohio advertised six championship matches. Among them was Solo Sikoa challenging Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed Championship, LA Knight challenging Logan Paul for the WWE United States Championship, Sami Zayn defending the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Bron Breakker and GUNTHER challenging Damian Priest for the WWE World Championship.

This week’s broadcast of WWE Raw garnered 1.412 million viewers on SyFy after being preempted by the Olympics.

WWE SummerSlam Results | August 3, 2024

Liv Morgan def. Rhea Ripley | WWE Women’s World Championship
Bron Breakker def. Sami Zayn | WWE Intercontinental Championship
LA Knight def. Logan Paul | WWE United States Championship
Nia Jax def. Bayley | WWE Women’s Championship
Drew McIntyre def. CM Punk
GUNTHER def. Damian Priest | WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Cody Rhodes def. Solo Sikoa | WWE Undisputed Championship

WWE SummerSlam 2024 Ticket Sales

WWE SummerSlam 2024 Venue: Cleveland Browns Stadium (Cleveland, OH)
WWE SummerSlam 2024 Tickets Distributed: 55,858
WWE SummerSlam 2024 Tickets Available: 807

WWE Money In The Bank 2024 Winners And Grades

Liv Morgan Def. Rhea Ripley

Despite all the talk of The Judgment Day competing by themselves, Dominik Mysterio accompanied Rhea Ripley to the ring.

Michael Cole noted the last time Rhea Ripley lost a singles match was 26 months ago. To Liv Morgan.

This match started as a cat-and-mouse as Liv ran away from Ripley. Fans became frustrated and booed Liv loudly.

Rhea dominated this match until Liv Morgan dodged a charging Ripley and followed up by throwing her, shoulder-first, into the turnbuckle. Ripley could be heard (kayfabe) saying “it’s out, it’s out!”

Fans were split as they made dueling chants of “let’s go Rhea/let’s go Liv!”

Liv Morgan (kayfabe) popped her shoulder back into place by running herself into the announce table and fans went crazy.

Ripley hit the riptide, but did not pin Morgan. Instead, she grabbed a steel chair that Morgan brought into the ring. Mysterio grabbed the chair from her, which was the wise decision because she would have gotten herself disqualified. This led to an Oblivion for a nearfall and “holy s—t” chants.

Dom distracted the ref, leading to an Oblivion on the steel chair for the win. After the match, Dominik Mysterio kissed Liv Morgan and they left together.

Backstage, Damian Priest was furious with Dominik Mysterio for his actions. Finn and the rest of the Judgment Day vowed to go find him. I don’t trust them.

Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan Grade: A-

Bron Breakker Def. Sami Zayn

Bron Breakker hit his always impressive Breakkensteiner early on, then he proceeded to scream “quit!” at Sami Zayn.

Bron Breakker cut Sami Zayn off with a Spear, then he hit ayn with another Spear for the win. This wasn’t necessarily a squash match, but it was definitely a dominant win for Breakker.

Bron Breakker vs. Sami Zayn Grade: B

LA Knight Def. Logan Paul

Logan Paul wore a Cleveland-inspired American Flag vest and greeted two security guards on his way to the ring. One of hte security guards turned out to be Cleveland’s own MGK.

LA Knight shattered the glass on Logan Paul’s Prime vehicle before making his way to the ring.

Paul cleared the table, but LA Knight got the better of him with a modified TKO, though the table didn’t break.

Paul won these people over with a springboard moonsault on LA Knight. Though they cheered the spot, they eventually came to their senses and chanted “you still suck!”

After jumping up on the top rope, LA Knight hit a scary looking superplex. Fans chanted “this is awesome” after a nearfall.

Logan Paul borrowed brass knuckles from MGK. After a shot to LA Knight, Knight countered with a BFT.

Logan Paul vs. LA Knight Grade: A-

Nia Jax Def. Bayley

Bayley relentlessly knocked Nia Jax off her feet early in the match.

Nia Jax took control of the match, to the point where she hit the Annihilator, but Bayley kicked out.

Jax called herself “reckless” and “clumsy” while trash-talking Bayley on offense.

Bayley hit an awesome power bomb on Nia Jax from the top rope. The fans were fervently into a match that struggled to follow Logan Paul vs. LA Knight.

A Tiffany Stratton cash-in was thwarted by Bayley, but the distraction led to two power bombs and two Annihilators for the win.

Nia Jax vs. Bayley Grade: A-

Drew McIntyre Def. CM Punk

Seth Rollins walked out in a long cloak, and what was under the jacket was certain to be even wilder.

WWE used ref cameras on the referee’s ear, and there were never more ref cam shots than during Seth Rollins’ entrance.

Rollins’ referee outfit were baggy, bedazzled pants and a cutoff shirt similar to Shawn Michaels.

Fans chanted “CM Punk” to start the match as punk donned pink gear in homage to Bret Hart.

Rollins did a great job working the fans into a frenzy before ringing the bell. When the bell rang, Punk and McIntyre brawled like crazy.

Instead of counting to 10 while Punk and McIntyre were outside of the ring, Rollins instead chose to tie his shoes. Rollins also took immense pleasure in seeing Punk and Rollins beat the hell out of one another.

During an Anaconda Vice on McIntyre, Punk secured his friendship bracelet and the entire stadium celebrated.

Punk stopped his GTS on McIntyre dead in its tracks and confronted Rollins about wearing his bracelet, which Rollins picked up off the ground did wear, but out of no malice.

After a ref bump and a nearfall (followed by a second visual pinfall), Punk and Rollins got into a heated argument. Punk hit a Go To Sleep on Rollins and took his bracelet back, but it cost him the match.

Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk Grade: B+

GUNTHER Def. Damian Priest

Finn Balor wished Damian Priest luck before the match. Famous last words.

GUNTHER already had chop marks on his chest before the match even started.

GUNTHER and Priest chopped the hell out of one another to the point where GUNTHER was bleeding from the chest.

Finn Balor hit the ring, presumably to save Priest, but he ended up costing Priest the WWE World Heavyweight Championship by putting GUNTHER’s leg on the bottom rope.

After this match, Jelly Roll, The Miz and R-Truth took out A-Town Down Under.

GUNTHER vs. Damian Priest Grade: B+

Cody Rhodes Def. Solo Sikoa

Cody Rhodes ran into Arn Anderson backstage, and Anderson said he called in a few favors to a few allies of Cody Rhodes. Some of whom he knows, some he doesn’t.

For a full recap of Cody vs. Solo Sikoa in Bloodline Rules, click here.

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