LAKEFRONT BREWERY CONTINUES ITS 16-YEAR RUN OF RELEASING THEIR PRIZED BLACK FRIDAY™ BEERS THE MORNING AFTER THANKSGIVING
The annual tradition returns Friday, November 27th 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:
• 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)
• 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)
• 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)
• 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 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 16th 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.
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