Press Release:
Editor’s Note: This beer has already arrived in some markets, a good 4+ months before summer officially starts.
(Chippewa Falls, WI) – Forget spring – summer has arrived ahead of schedule. The Chippewa Falls, Wis.-based Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company is celebrating “Leap Day” by bringing warm weather refresher, Summer Shandy, out of hibernation early.
Typically not on shelves until late March, Leinenkugel’s will roll out the seasonal brew on Feb. 29. An adventurous blend of select malted wheat and barley, lemonade flavor and a hint of Wisconsin honey, Summer Shandy is available nationwide in cans, bottles and on draft.
Leinie’s Summer Shandy, the first shandy-style brew in the United States, experienced an impressive 80 percent growth in 2011. When autumn rolled around, many Shandy fanatics stocked up on as much as they could for the off-season. Since then, Leinie fans have anxiously awaited its return.
“Summer Shandy has captured the imagination of fans who want a refreshing light-bodied beer – the ultimate combination of craft beer and refreshment,” said Jake Leinenkugel, fifth generation brewer and president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. “We’re excited to celebrate this leap year by giving our fans an early taste of summer.”
The “shandy” (which is short for “shandygaff”) as it’s called in England and Germany, is typically a mixture of beer and soda or lemonade. The drink has been enjoyed across Europe since the 17th century. Another variation of a shandy is the “radler,” which is a German term for cyclist. In September 1922, Franz Xaver Kugler developed the radler, when approximately 13,000 cyclists visited his tavern in Munich. His beer supply started to run out, so he cleverly mixed the remaining beer with lemonade and claimed to have created the blend especially for the cyclists.
Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy features a tangy character with malty undertones of hops. Its tart lemonade flavor complements spicy and robust grilling dishes, and its subtle hoppiness creates the perfect balance for salads.
Summer Shandy will be available where Leinenkugel’s is sold in 12-pack 12-oz. cans, 6 and 12-pack bottles and on draft. Summer Shandy retails for approximately $6.99 to $7.99 a 6-pack.
About the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company is headquartered in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where the brewery was founded in 1867. It is the leading craft brewer in the upper Midwest. Year-round offerings include Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss, Sunset Wheat, Berry Weiss, Leinie’s Red, Creamy Dark, Original, Light and Classic Amber Lager. In addition to Summer Shandy, Leinenkugel’s offers several other limited-release seasonal beers, including Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest and Fireside Nut Brown. Leinie’s also brews a robust Big Eddy lineup, including a Russian Imperial Stout and a Wee Heavy Scotch Ale.
Leinenkugel’s has a dedicated fan base of more than 200,000 Leinie loyalists living throughout the U.S. Leinie loyalists are a group of devoted fans of the specialty brewer who stay in touch virtually throughout the year via Leinenkugel’s newsletters and gather for the Leinie Lodge Family Reunion in Chippewa Falls, Wis. every June. For more information on the rich history of Leinenkugel’s, visit www.leinie.com or join virtual Leinie loyalists at www.facebook.com/leinenkugels.
Its been on the shelf for 2 weeks here in Wisconsin!!
…we’re also waiting to see what the new flavors will be this year.
I find it this interesting. About a year ago, I was talking to Jake himself about the possibility of making Summer Shandy a year-round item due to its massive demand, and he said that it was the exclusivity that made it such a success. “If it were released for any longer, it would lose it’s appeal.” Yet, this year, it seems it’s “season” will be extended.
Where in WI Joel???
I hear they are developing a shandy for all the seasons. You know, like a cherry for the fall and a cranberry for the winter.
Leinies Summer Shandy has not been out for “weeks” already!! Northern Wisconsin’s Leinies seasons are MUCH different than that in southern Wisconsin. I’m assuming that it is based on distribution directly from Chippewa vs distribution from the mother ship of Miller/Coors. I know this from living in both areas and having family “up north”! I live near Milwaukee and have noticed that seasons start closer to date and beers are pulled closer to the close of the season (leaving little time to stock up). I have yet to see Shandy here even though my family and friends near Eau Claire and Lacrosse have seen it “for weeks”. Just an FYI for all of those assuming we’ve been drinking Shandy “for weeks” all over Wisconsin…..not the case unfortunately! Lol!! However, today is the official/unofficial release….so we’ll see if I finally have a taste of SUMMER!! Cheers!!!!
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