We love lagers. Ales, you’re great too, but we think bottom-fermenters are tops. In fact, when we first opened in 1988, the first two beers we brewed were our longtime favorites Dortmunder Gold Lager and Eliot Ness Amber Lager. We didn’t stop there either, with our award-winning Oktoberfest joining GLBC’s lager family in the 90’s, followed by new year-round Cold Rush Premium Light Lager and seasonal favorites Mexican Lager with Lime and Rally Drum Premium Lager. See? We’re really not kidding when we say we love lagers!

Back in 1988, brewing craft lagers wasn’t a common choice. Lagers typically take longer to ferment and condition, and it’s often said that it’s more difficult to hide flaws in lagers than ales. Still, co-owners Pat and Dan Conway were enamored with the flavorful, full-bodied lagers they’d enjoyed in their European travels, and wanted to bring that experience to American craft beer.

So how different are our lagers? Let’s explore!

Dortmunder Gold Lager

About the Style:
First brewed in mid-19th century Dortmund, Germany and frequently shipped internationally, earning it the nickname “Exportbier”. Due to its hometown’s water chemistry, Dortmunder-style lagers are both distinctly malty and firmly hoppy, while striking a perfect balance between the two.

About Dortmunder Gold Lager:
Brewed with our proprietary lager yeast, Dortmunder Gold hauled home our first (but certainly not our last!) medal at the Great American Beer Festival. We’re partial to Dortmunder Gold for its balance of sweet malt and dry hop flavors, which have served as many a Clevelander’s introduction to craft beer since 1988.

The Best Time to Drink a “Dort”:
Perfectly suited to any occasion. Ballgames. Bonfires. Backyard barbecues. Whether you're low key chilling with friends or hosting a family gathering, Dortmunder Gold is a certified crowd pleaser (especially with its sharp new label artwork alongside its classic recipe!) "Dort" pairs well with salads, fish, chicken… pretty much any food you can think of! Enhance your perfect Dortmunder food pairings with our Dortmunder Gold Beer Mustard made in collaboration with Bertman.

Cold Rush Premium Light Lager

About the Style:
Light lagers first became popular in the second half of the 20th century as American breweries grew to great scale by brewing beer that appealed to as wide an audience as possible. As such, American Light Lagers are intentionally low in flavor, light in body, and high in carbonation for maximum refreshment. They are also low in alcohol content and calorie count. Best served cold.

About Cold Rush Premium Light Lager:
The newest addition to our storied line of lagers, the 4% ABV Cold Rush Premium Light Lager is crisp, easy-drinking, and just 100 calories. Brewed with a hint of rye for a crafted touch. Available exclusively in Northeast Ohio in 12 oz. Can 12-Packs, Cold Rush pairs with classic munchies like French fries, hot dogs, and potato chips.

The Best Time to Crush a Cold Rush:
Before, during, and after the game. After a long run. Keeping your senses sharp at trivia night. At happy hour while waiting out rush hour. With a "sessionable" ABV and low calorie content, Cold Rush is crafted for long hangouts and post-grind rewards. Also the perfect choice for anytime you just want an ice cold beer.

Eliot Ness Amber Lager

About The Style:
While we call Eliot Ness an Amber Lager, the beer is inspired by Vienna Lager, the style perfected by Anton Dreher in 1841. Vienna Lager was the world’s first lighter-colored lager, and Europe’s most popular style for a number of decades. Interestingly, it’s now more commonly produced by Mexican breweries. Vienna Lager sports a reddish hue and toasty, bready malt flavors. 

About Eliot Ness Amber Lager:
Fun fact: although Dortmunder Gold is our hometown hero, Eliot Ness is actually the first beer GLBC ever brewed under original Master Brewer Thaine Johnson. With its untouchable blend of lightly toasted malts and earthy Mt. Hood hops, Eliot Ness has our current Brewmaster Mark Hunger’s stamp of approval as his favorite go-to brew. 

The Best Time to Drink a Ness:
Thanks to its caramel malt flavors, Eliot Ness is our favorite beer to pair with food, often finding a spot on a Brewmaster’s Dinner menu. And while it’s hard to think of somewhere that the smooth, approachable Eliot Ness would feel out of place, our favorite spot for a Ness has to be the GLBC taproom’s historic Tiger Mahogany bar – after all, Eliot Ness was known to have a beer there himself!

Oktoberfest

About the Style: 
Not to be outdone by his childhood friend Anton, Gabriel Sedlmayr released his own lighter-colored lager in Munich later in 1841. The German brewer managed to outdo his Austrian counterpart, as his even richer, more robustly malty lager was named the official beer of Munich’s Oktoberfest celebration in 1872. It’s remained a staple of Oktoberfest celebrations around the world to this day.

About Oktoberfest:
Speaking of staples, our Oktoberfest is often regarded as one of finest American examples of the style. No surprise there, as our brewers take extra time crafting our Oktoberfest using a decoction mash, an additional step in the brewing process that intensifies the beer’s deep bready, toasty malt character. So raise a stein of Oktoberfest and give a hearty “prost” to our hard-working brewers!

The Best Time to Drink a “Festie":
It’s right there in the name! Whether it’s those last warm sunny days on the beach, or the first cool, crisp evenings around a bonfire, Oktoberfest is perfect for anytime a late-summer or early autumnal celebration is called for. And since Munich is a bit out of the way, we hope you visited us at Cleveland Oktoberfest, where we poured Oktoberfest (and more) all throughout the entire festival as the Official Craft Beer Sponsor!

Fall in love with lagers again! Use our Beer Finder to locate Dortmunder Gold, Cold Rush, Eliot Ness, and Oktoberfest near you.

Words by Michael Williams

Photos by Marissa DeSantis and Lily Switka