Maybe it’s because my expectations are relatively low for a Leinenkugel brew, but I am legit blown away by this beer. The nose is deep toast with some toffee, raisins and maybe some cherries. The flavor is pretty complex. I get more cherries and raisins, along with a nice dark, toasted whole wheat bread note.
There are some rich caramel notes that hint at sweetness, but it is not cloying in any way. There is a little bit of tartness and some smokiness in the finish that balance out the sweetness perfectly. Because there are so many layers here you get fleeting notes of things like milk chocolate and scotch. And even though it clocks in at 9.5% ABV, it isn’t boozy in any way. This beer is very drinkable, bordering on poundable.
After two sips this beer had me regretting that I don’t drink Scottish ales more often. Belhaven used to be a staple in my fridge years back. Looks like a 70/- into a Wee Heavy will have to be on my brew docket this spring.
I guess SAB/Miller/Coors is finally doing something right. They’re hitting the market from two dozen different angles now it seems, not focusing just on one or two brands. The Blue Moon offerings are okay, I like the Batch 19, I have not tasted the Third Shift Amber yet but I’m willing… but I certainly agree that Big Eddy is where it’s at. Here’s hoping Big Eddy gets a LOT BIGGER!
I’ve tried most of the Big Eddy series and while he wee heavy is good it’s not my favorite. It was a little too smoky for my tastes. The imperial stout and uber Oktoberfest are my favorites. The ryewine and Baltic Porter are solid too. Definitely craft beer, but I hear Miller-Coors pretty much keeps their hands off the Leinenkugel brand.
Same here. I haven’t made a Wee Heavy in a couple years. I did a split batch on the last one with half getting bourbon-soaked oak chips (ala Founders Backwoods Bastard). Mighty tasty.
I don’t know. I’m going by something a friend who works for MC told me. Why does anyone brew an American Wheat? I’m guessing a business decision- there’s a market for American Wheat. Probably the same reason there’s a BMC.
I agree…it’s pretty good, but the smoky character is not really appropriate IMNSHO. Still, that’s their interpretation and it’s very well made… and proof that the bigs are headed in the right direction in terms of ‘craft’ product.
The next few years are going to be mighty interesting as the bigger companies (eiher via their own labels or via breweries they acquire) roll out more and more real beer. There will undoubtedly be built in prejudices against some of them from the hard core geeks, but in the end I think that over all, it will be a very good thing for the industry.
It will “up” everyone’s game.
Maybe the bottle I picked up had a little age on it, but I found the smokiness to be pretty subtle. Maybe a touch more than what you typically see in the style, but it fit very well to my palate.
The smoke was subtle compared to other “craft” wee heavy and strongs. For example, Sam Adams Wee Heavy (for the record I like Boston Beer Co. and respect Mr. Koch) was way too smokey for my tastes and what I’ve read authentic Scotch Ale should taste like (smoke is inappropriate for the style). Honestly, if I had the Leinenkugel next to a real scotch ale I probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference as subtle smoke flavor may come from the yeast. The Leinenkugel was probably the best American version other than Old Chub. Not the point though. The Big Eddy series is legit and I will try any of their offerings.
Glad to hear the review. I picked up a four pack a couple of days ago for $4. Also got the RIS for the same price. At the normal price I would have passed, but I grew up with Leinies, so I thought I’d give em a chance. Looking forward to it now.
