Out of Chippewa Falls, WI (1867-2017…)
Now in their 5th and 6th generations of brewmeisters, the Jacob Leinenkugel line of the Prussian immigrant family still keeps a firm hand on the company. While the MillerCoors Brewing Company owns Leinenkugel Beer, Jacob’s descendants keep a steady eye on the annual birthing of the liquid gold. In 2007 the family developed and has since released annually, the now-famous “Summer Shandy,” with its subtle and refreshing burst of natural lemonade. It was this newest edition that poured forth from the tap during the 150th festivities.
A packed house greeted Dick and John Leinenkugel and other members of the family in addition to the staff of the brewery and Hofbräuhaus Chicago. German food, music and beer accompanied the genuine good cheer the Leinenkugels have engendered for the past century and a half in this country. The hospitality of Hofbräuhaus staff and musicians was the only thing that outshined the food and drink. This Rosemont establishment, modeled after the 400 year old original in Munich, will delight any foodie or ethno-phile at any time of the year.
Chicago: A Great Place to Kick Off the Sesquicentennial
Both of the Leinenkugel brothers expressed appreciation for this city’s commitment to the German immigrants of the past. They felt deep regard for the citizens of Chicago who have shown unwavering support for the industry and its workers. They were, as well, humbled by the sacrifices made by past generations in difficult times, most-particularly during the almost decade and a half ban on alcohol manufacturing following the First World War.
Family pride is evident with the Leinenkugels, and their work ethic flows clearly in the business and its product. Keep your eyes and ears primed for new products coming out from them in the fall and winter…you might want to hone your taste buds, too!
LEINENKUGEL ANNIVERSARY LAGER at a glance
Ingredients
Hops: (Mt. Hood, Centennial, Steiner Experimental Hop, Mosaic)
Malt: All malt brew. Two Row Pale, Weyermann CaraRed, Weyermann Melanoidin, and Briess Bonlander
IBU: 25
ABV: 5.4%
Retail Dates: April, 2017-February, 2018
Hofbräuhaus Chicago at a glance
When
Sunday-Wednesday: 11:00am-11:00pm
Thursday-Saturday: 11:00am-2:00am
Live Entertainment
Sunday-Thursday: 5:00pm-10:00pm
Friday-Saturday: 6:00pm-1:00am
Where
5500 Park Place (in the MB Financial Park)
Rosemont, IL
or visit them online at http://www.hbchicago.com
Joseph Anthony Rulli is a transplanted Hoosier, living in Chicago since the fall of 2006. A 1987 graduate of the University of Notre Dame (BA, History) and a 1992 graduate of St. Meinrad School of Theology (MDiv) he taught Social Studies, Religion, Philosophy and History at the high school level. He began writing as a career upon his arrival to his second city and has had two short stories published, a stage play performed, an electronic tour book published online and The Chicago Haymarket Affair (History Press/Arcadia Publishing, 2016) his first print book.
