Leinenkugel’s – Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale–Hits Shelves 3/5

The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company today launched Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale, the first in a series of daring, yet delicious Big Eddy brews to be released in 2012. Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale captures the signature warmth and comfort of traditional scotch ales, one of the most majestic beer styles in the world.

Thanks to an intensive brewing process, Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale offers significant malt complexity, including eight malts and grains for a robust richness. The brew, which adds a touch of hops to balance the malts, features assertive chocolate, toffee and caramel notes, with a hint of smoke and dark fruity undertones subtly emerging throughout.

Born in Scotland, velvety full-bodied Wee Heavy Scotch Ales were originally brewed to satisfy the demand of hearty laborers who endured cold weather and harsh working conditions. “Being from Wisconsin’s Northwoods, we know a thing or two about cold temperatures and had no problem capturing the signature warmth and comfort of the traditional brew,” said Jake Leinenkugel, fifth generation brewer and president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company.

Bold in flavor, yet remarkably balanced, Leinenkugel’s Big Eddy family of beers shares a common taste for the extraordinary. 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.

Filling the senses with a fragrant malt aroma, Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale features a variety of robust malts that create rich flavor and texture. Hand-selected malts include Pale, Honey, Caracrystal® Wheat, Roasted, Victory®, and Cherrywood Smoked. Like its predecessor, Russian Imperial Stout, Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale ages and travels well.

Leinenkugel’s Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale, a dense, mahogany-colored brew, features a creamy tan foam. As it warms, the layers of malt flavors will melt together revealing the subtle undertones of fruit and biscuits. As the brew mellows, it reveals more of its plum, raisin, and dark cherry flavors.

Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale will be available in limited release through June 2012 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 ale, which is 9.5 percent ABV, will be available in four-pack bottles and on draft.