Note: this is a review of a promotional sample I received from the brewery.
Flip flops. Sand in my swim trunks. The squealing giggles of kids playing at the water’s edge. These are the sights and sounds that came to mind after the first couple of sips of Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy. In all reality, however, I was sitting on my front porch, dripping sweat and covered in mulch dust with a cold can in my hand. I don’t think there was a more appropriate, more refreshing beverage that would have hit the spot as well as the Shandy.
Now, let’s get something straight here. This isn’t a beer that’s going to win best brew at the nation’s largest competitions. It’s not something you’re going to even think of cellaring — at 4.2% ABV, I sure as hell hope not. What you do have here, however, is an interesting little thing. Boasting “an adventurous blend of select malted wheat and barley, lemonade flavor and a hint of Wisconsin honey,” the Shandy isn’t actually half bad. It’s a refreshing, albeit gimmicky, summer time concoction that would be perfectly suited at any back yard picnic, the beach or on your nearest riding mower.
Appearance
Summer Shandy pours a hazy, pale yellow with a pillowy white head that faded quickly.
Aroma
Smells like lemonade with a little malt in the background. Perhaps it was too chilled, but I didn’t really pick up any honey notes, but that may have just been lost in the sweetness of the malt.
Taste
Honestly, I was very skeptical of this one and was prepared to hate it, but it’s hard to go wrong with carbonated lemonade and a touch of maltiness. The brew starts off like a Hefe Weizen and is quickly followed by a nice tangy lemonade flavor that leads to a slightly bitter and tart finish. The overall character of the beer leaves you refreshed and ready for the next swallow.
Overall
This one surprised me. It was cold, refreshing and in a can — perfect for a hot day working in the yard. It’s not the best beer in the world and had it been presented as such, probably would not have gotten as good a review as it has. It’s a Summer time, gimmicky, fun little refresher that would fit in nicely at any outdoor activity.
Rating: 2.5/5
April 6th, 2010
Al said:
I’ve had this from the bottle and wasn’t impressed, but I’m intrigued by the can. I’ll bet it would be better that way. I’ll have to check my retailer to see if they’ve got it.