Leinenkugel's Releases "Big Eddy" Russian Imperial Stout!

Beer aficionados, wine enthusiasts, home brewers and other taste-adventurers are about to get a hearty helping of new Big Eddy brews from Leinenkugel’s. The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company today launched its Russian Imperial Stout, the first in a series of Big Eddy brews in the works. In 2012, Big Eddy fans can look forward to three brand new robust brews in this craft series: a Double India Pale Ale, a Baltic Porter, and a Scotch Ale.

Inspired by the Big Eddy Spring, the lifeline of the Leinenkugel’s brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wis. since 1867, the Big Eddy brand offers big beer fans complex, yet balanced flavors beyond the mainstream. The Russian Imperial Stout, only available November to January, is a deep mahogany brew featuring dark fruit, espresso and mocha character and finishing with toffee and molasses notes.

“At Leinenkugel’s, we are always looking for new characteristics and flavor profiles to share and our Big Eddy brews offer big beer fans something more to explore for a dynamic flavor experience,” said Jake Leinenkugel, fifth generation brewer and president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. “The Russian Imperial Stout is a big beer with a rich history and we hope Big Eddy enthusiasts will join us for a taste this year along with three new brews in 2012.”

Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout ages well and is reminiscent of the 18th century Russian Imperial Stout style that contained extra malts and hops to act as preservatives during long voyages from England to Russia, where it was served in the royal court. Brewed with 11 different malts including Munich, Carmel, Chocolate, classic Pale and Pale Ale, this Russian Imperial Stout provides a rich, dry character, perfectly balancing Big Eddy’s hoppy assertiveness. Warrior, Summit and Glacier hops create a bold tribute to the characteristic intensity of the flavor.

First available in only a handful of markets for two months in 2010, Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout will be available in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, and Arizona. The stout, which is 9.5 percent ABV, will be available in four-pack bottles and on draft for a limited time.