Great Leap's 15th anniversary is approaching, which also means it's time for their annual Karl Long Challenge! Scheduled for this Saturday (October 18), if you're a fan of Great Leap beer and enjoy bar crawls, this is an event you won't want to miss!
For those unfamiliar with Karl Long and the challenge named in his honor, here’s the story from Great Leap:
"In 2010, when Great Leap was still new, Karl Long – who later managed GLB #12 – visited the brewery's original location on Doujiao Hutong. At that time, they had only eight beers on tap, and Karl decided to try all of them in one go. Then, he drank them again!
According to the tale, he got into a disagreement with another patron whom he mistook for Sabrina from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, after which he took off his shirt and let out a fierce growl.
Thus, the legend of Karl Long and the Karl Long Challenge was established."
As in previous years, participants must purchase a Challenge Card (RMB 338 in advance, RMB 358 on the day) and drink the 15 designated beers on the card. They must have at least one beer at each of Great Leap's four locations, and each beer consumed earns a stamp on the card. Once all 15 stamps are collected, participants will receive a limited-edition Great Leap 15-year anniversary t-shirt, bragging rights, and (likely) quite a hangover!
If drinking 15 beers in a single day sounds overwhelming to you, there's an alternative route to success! This year, a new Mixed-Double Team Option has been introduced. Participants can team up with one partner (at least one must be female) to complete the Challenge Card together. The prize remains one anniversary t-shirt, but successful teams can pay an extra RMB 100 to acquire a second t-shirt.
Of the 15 beers on the card this year, 14 are pre-selected (see the image above), while you have the option to choose one beer of your preference (pro-tip: opt for a lower alcohol percentage beer; you'll thank us later). You can consume the beers in any order, but remember that at least one beer must be drunk at each Great Leap branch.
To participate, purchase a Challenge Card on October 18 from the Great Leap branch where you wish to start. Alternatively, you can obtain the Cards at the early bird price (available until October 17) through Great Leap's WeChat mini program (search: GreatLeapBrewing大跃啤酒) or from any Great Leap location.
The 2025 Karl Long Challenge will happen across all Great Leap locations on Saturday, October 18, starting at 11 am. Early bird Challenge Cards are RMB 338, while Cards purchased on the day are RMB 358. They can be bought via the WeChat mini program (search: GreatLeapBrewing大跃啤酒) or at any Great Leap branch prior to or on the day of the challenge at your chosen starting location. More information about the challenge can be found here.
Addresses:
Great Leap #6 (Doujiao Hutong)
6 Doujiao Hutong, Dianmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Phone: 010 6406 0510
Great Leap #12 (Gongti)
1/F, Zi Ming Mansion, 12 Xinzhong Jie, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Phone: 010 6417 0018
Great Leap #45 (Xinyuan)
45-1 Xinyuan Jie, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Phone: 010 5947 6984
Great Leap Lido
Rm 103, Nuo Center, 2A Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Phone: 010 6434 7221
Read: Colombo in Chaoyang: Sri Lanka's First China Outpost, Cinnara, Is Here
Images: courtesy of Great Leap
Join us in celebrating Great Leap's 15th anniversary on October 18 with the Karl Long Challenge!