New Release: Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout

The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, based in Chippewa Falls, Wisc., recently released its first stout--Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout.



The Big Eddy stout clocks in with a 9.5% alcohol content, which fits in perfectly with the industry standard for the stout style.

According to the Leinenkugel Web site, 11 different malts and three different hop varieties were used in the making of the stout. The effect of the malt and hop combintation is a stout with dark fruit, chocolate and toffee notes. The Big Eddy stout sounds about par for the course in terms of smell and taste.

The stout is the second in a series of Big Eddy brews. The first installment was an Inida Pale Ale released last summer. The series is named Big Eddy after a spring that runs through Chippewa Falls.

Unfortunately, it appears the stout will only be available in the Madison, Wisc. and Milaukee areas. Interstate distribution laws prohibit the use of direct sale from Leinenkugel to individual customers, so you'll have to find a local distributor to get your hands on the Big Eddy stout.