Leinenkugel’s: Brings back “Big Eddy” Russian Imperial Stout

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (Oct. 7, 2010) – As craft beer lovers await the latest holiday offerings, Leinenkugel’s is brewing a batch of Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout. First brewed in 2007, the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company will release Big Eddy for a limited time beginning Nov. 1.

Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout is brewed with 11 different malts including Munich, Carmel, Chocolate, classic Pale and Pale Ale, providing 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. The beer 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.

Inspired by the Big Eddy Spring that has served as the lifeline of the Leinenkugel’s brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wis. since 1867, Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout provides a powerful, rich flavor experience that ages well. Big Eddy, which contains 9.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), demonstrates a deep mahogany hue and a complex, yet balanced, flavor, offering dark fruit, espresso and mocha character, and finishing with toffee and molasses notes.

“As the demand for full-bodied brews continues to grow, beer fans will find that the wait for Big Eddy’s return was well worth it,” said Jake Leinenkugel, fifth generation brewer and president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. “This beer has tremendous spirit and depth and we’re proud to share Big Eddy with beer drinkers.”

Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout will hit select markets in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, North Dakota, South Dakota and New Jersey, as well as Atlanta and Phoenix. The stout will be available in four-pack bottles and on draft for a limited time.

For more information, contact: Rebecca Skinner, 952.401.0125 ext. 4 / rskinner@leumpr.com or Tom Ryan, 312.496.2970 / Thomas.Ryan2@TenthAndBlake.com

About Leinenkugel’s

Leinenkugel’s, brewed in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, since 1867, is the leading craft brewer in the upper Midwest. Year-round offerings include Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat, Honey Weiss, Berry Weiss, Leinie’s Red, Creamy Dark, Original, Light, and Leinenkugel’s Classic Amber Lager. In addition to Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout, Leinenkugel’s offers four limited-release seasonal beers, including summer favorite Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Oktoberfest, Fireside Nut Brown and 1888 Bock. For more information on the rich history of Leinenkugel’s, visit http://www.leinie.com or join Leinie loyalists at http://www.facebook.com/leinenkugels.