Lakefront Brewery Switching To All Cans In 2023
Lakefront packaging move is more economical, a lighter carbon footprint, and a trend.
After 35 years of bottling some of Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s favorite craft beer, Lakefront Brewery is installing a canning line. “We wish we had the room for both canning and bottling,” said Lakefront President, Russ Klisch. “But in our historic brewery building, space is very limited. And considering all the benefits, all cans were, by far, the way to go.”
Those benefits include:
- Cans cut packaging materials and costs dramatically.
- Cans boost shipping efficiency by nearly 50%.
- Cans eliminate degradation from light and oxygen.
- Cans chill faster and go where glass cannot.
- Cardboard costs and usage is lower as well.
A large part of the canning line is made locally. The canning machine is made by KHS in Waukesha, the labeler is made by Krones in Franklin, and the conveyor system is made by Arrowhead Conveyor Corporation in Oshkosh. A number of local contractors are currently installing the equipment.
“We had been canning a few brands via Stevens Point brewery,” said Lakefront’s Director of Brewery Operations, David Karrer. “But obviously, all our brands will now be canned here in Milwaukee. We soon will have the ability to can from 8-ounces to 19.2-ounces; from 4-packs to 24-packs.”
One thing that is NOT changing, is the liquid, quality, and recipe. You’ll also find similar brand graphics and logos.
“Riverwest Stein is still Riverwest Stein, Hazy Rabbit is still Hazy Rabbit,” said Luther Paul, Lakefront Brewery’s Head Brewer. “IPA, Eastside Dark, New Grist, Bierzeit and even the perennial favorite Black Friday, will have the flavor, quality, and dependability as always.”
5 years ago, the trend of craft beer in cans was relatively new. These days, finding your favorite craft brands in a can is ubiquitous. Most drinkers prefer the can for its infinite recyclability and mobility.
Lakefront Brewery’s canning line is due to begin operation later this month. Meanwhile, fans can still purchase Lakefront beer in bottles through spring.
Lakefront Brewery, Inc. distributes its products to over 30 states, Ukraine, and Canada. Lakefront Brewery is the first brewery in Wisconsin and 22nd brewery in the world to be certified as a B Corporation. Lakefront Brewery also produced the first beer in the United States made from 100% in-state-grown ingredients, including a first-of-its-kind, indigenous Wisconsin yeast strain (Wisconsinite Summer Weiss), the first certified organic brewery and the first gluten-free beer granted approval by the U.S. Government (New Grist). For more information, visit http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com or call (414) 372-8800.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Recent Press Releases by Lakefront Brewery
Lakefront Brewery Unveils Tropical Rabbit, a Sun-Soaked Tropical Ipa Helping Escape the Wisconsin Winter, With a Free Beer Party to Celebrate Its Arrival
Jan 27th, 2026 by Lakefront BreweryLakefront Brewery is embracing a balmy mindset with an exciting new year-round release this week of Tropical Rabbit, a citrusy, pineapple, fruit-forward Tropical IPA.
Lakefront Brewery’s Popular Valentine’s Day Celebration Is Back in Its Eleventh Year With More to Offer
Jan 21st, 2026 by Lakefront BreweryOver an eleven-year span, Lakefront has married countless couples in their uniquely affordable and memorable “Lakefront Chapel”. This year, they’re expanding their offerings to give everyone a reason to stop by.
Lakefront Brewery, the Largest Producer of Gluten-Free Beer in the United States, Eyes Increased Distribution and a New Brand in 2026
Jan 20th, 2026 by Lakefront BreweryThe first to brew a gluten-free beer back in 2005 is still rewarding those who need the alternative with high quality, consistent, and fully-flavored gluten-free beer options.
