Lorraine, I'm Your Density

Back when I first turned 21-years-old I wasn't fully aware of what was available in terms of beer. At that point in time, great beer was Yuengling Traditional Lager, Guinness etc. I also remember walking into very generic bars and pubs to find mixed beers on special. These "mixed beers" included the likes of what I recall to be a Dark Side of the Moon (a combination of Guinness and Blue Moon) and Black Velvet (a combination of Guinness and hard cider). Still, I can't figure out whether or not Guinness is actually sought after anymore here in the states.

I've noticed this trend has taken a slight foothold in the craft world (Hoegaarden and Lindeman's Frambois), but that depends on whether or not you consider Hoegaarden craft. I've moved away from Guinness slightly, but I'm not in complete dismay if I have to have one. That and Yuengling are still considered to be among those first beer's I've had that ran the thought of amazing beer through my head for the first few times in my life. I'm forever thankful.

With the previous beer mixes I've mentioned, another popular one is shandy. I've had the Leinenkugel Summer Shandy. It's alright, but I'm kind of over it nowadays. That and the fact that a lot of people tend to shun it due to corporate aspects. I had a bottle of it recently (honestly was the best choice of the lot at the time) and had to force it down.

I've read in the past that mixing cider and beer is one of the tastier ways to go. Granted, I'd rather have a straight beer most of the time, but broadening one's horizons never hurt anyone. I'm interested in discovering which ciders go well with some craft beers. Why the hell not? I remember discussing that very subject a few months ago with my friend, Beer Snob Sr. I get the feeling that shandies contrived out of sheer experimentation are simply better than the commercially sold ones. To get back on the subject of Lenenkugel, wasn't its Lemon Berry concoction some form of a shandy? It tasted eerily similar to Robitussin.

Just watch this video from it's YouTube channel. Doesn't the story about the Summer Shandy just turn you off from it? it just doesn't feel that traditional to me. Someone wanted to conserve beer. So, he cut it with lemonade? For the second time this week, maybe I'm just nuts.

Beer Review: Leinenkugel Summer Shandy

Serving Type: Draft

ABV: 4.2 percent

Appearance: Summer Shandy pours a pale version of a straw/gold color. It also appears to be very thick, hazy and foggy. The head begins thick and fluffy, but fades away fairly quick. Don't expect much lacing as you continue to sip it.

Smell: The tartness of the lemonade that makes up most of this beer is ever so present. The wheatiness of the rest of the beer's body is just an afterthought when compared to the strength of the lemony scent in this brew.

Taste: The lemon and citrus is what hits your tongue first. The first inclination I got upon sipping this beer was that it was a very powerful lemonade. The wheat and yeast kicks in for a faint and malty after taste.

Overall Rating: 

I've been looking to try this beer for a good while now. I was fairly pleased with it. It doesn't exactly taste like your typical beer, nor should any shandy. This is a crucial aspect I think one needs to know before drinking one of these. It will be a very different experience from any ordinary beer. This was far from the paved roads, so to speak. I love adventurous beers like this one.