It seems every summer Leinenkugel bombards every party stores and bar in Michigan with their latest Shandy brew. It’s as if every spring Willy Wonka shows up to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and unleashes his beer brewing bearded Oompa Loompas inside the Leinenkugel brewery. The result - Summer Shandy, Orange Shandy, Lemon Berry Shandy, Snozzberry Shandy, ect. Even in Comerica Park there is a Shandy stand with a big red Leinenkugel canoe logo attached to a rough wood frame. All they sell is Shandy! I have nothing against Leinenkugel personally, but the Shandy is getting out of control. Will the real Summer Shandy please stand up!
That being said, tonight’s brew review focuses on one of Leinenkugel’s year round offerings - Creamy Dark.
Creamy Dark pours dark chocolate brown with nearly two finger's worth of tan head. Big malty aroma on this brew with a trace of dark fruit. The malty aroma follows to the pallet, along with flavor notes of toffee, chocolate, and a hint of caramel. It’s not really creamy as the name advertises, and has more of a slick mouthfeel. Creamy Dark finishes with lingering notes of roasted malts.
I like this brew. It’s doesn’t have a real heavy body, which makes it good for those who are looking for a dark brew to enjoy during the summer months. That being said, it isn’t watery or thin either, there is substance to this brew. Overall, I’m usually not a fan of lighter bodied darks - (ever have a porter that has the mouth feel of a lager?), but this brew balances well in my opinion. Not bad Leinenkugel, not bad.
Cheers!!!
