Leinenkugel rings in new year with return of 1888 Bock

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. – The New Year is bringing with it the return of Leinenkugel's 1888 Bock – brewed based on the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company's first bock beer recipe developed 121 years ago. Leinenkugel's most successful spring seasonal brew is a true bock style beer that touts a foam collar thick enough to steady a pencil.

Available January through March nationwide in bottles and on draft, Leinenkugel's 1888 Bock's robust head seizes the rich aroma of toasted and caramel malts. The flavor of this full-bodied brew is defined by the Munich malts and the 20- to 25-day cold lagering process, which creates a smooth, toasted malt flavor. Leinenkugel's 1888 Bock also features caramel, pale and two-row chocolate malts while Cluster hops add a touch of citrus character.

“For 142 years Leinenkugel's has been sharing adventurous craft beers with our loyal fans and we're delighted to bring back the original Leinenkugel family bock recipe again this year,” says Jake Leinenkugel, fifth generation brewer and president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. “1888 Bock brings to life the flavors of Leinenkugel's five generations of brewing history and the brew's robust, yet smooth character makes it ideal as we move from winter into spring.”

In the spring of 1888, after 21 years of brewing in Chippewa Falls and one of the harshest winters anyone in the Midwest could remember, the then Jacob Leinenkugel Spring Brewery staff realized Leinie fans were primed for the brand's first seasonal brew. So, they produced a hearty bock beer, a style that rose to popularity as a source of sustenance for monks during the Lenten fasting season and can be traced back to 14th century Germany.

Brewed in small, high-quality batches at Leinenkugel's brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wis., 1888 Bock is the perfect complement for foods with big flavors such as roasted and game meats as well as strong cheeses such as Gruyere, Swiss, aged Cheddar and creamy semi-soft cheeses featuring an earthy, buttery flavor.