Anyone who knows anything about my love of beer knows that I’ll try just about anything brewed at least once. This goes for all types of beers, barleywines, or ciders. Regardless of the fact that at this point I have become knowledgable enough that I have a good idea of what I like and what I don’t, there are always a few concoctions out there that make me question my own tastes and reconsider whether or not a particular style is for me. I find this time again when browsing the internet for information about the World Beer Cup and other such tasting events. Beer lovers across the land recognize these competitions for what they are: A perfect opportunity to learn about new brews and taste and rate unknowns. I have yet to attend one of these festivals, but it’s on my to do list, believe me.
One beer that caught my eye recently is Leinenkugel’s Creamy Dark, which has taken home to Wisconsin quite a heavy load of the aforementioned awards. Most recently, a silver medal at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival, with gold and bronze medals in 2006 and 2004, respectively. Another bronze medal at the 2004 World Beer Cup pretty much guaranteed that this beer was bound to wind up on my “must try” list. And that it did.
This beer pours a very rich dark color that glimmers hints of deep red in the right light. The head is about two fingers thick if poured properly and radiates an aroma of mild hops with undertones of chocolate. The mouth feel is rather light for such a dark beer, with a level of carbonation that I would call medium. The flavor follows suit with the smell while adding some distinct sweetness and finishing clean with just a touch of hop bitterness.
This seems to be one of Leinenkugel’s most popular beers, at least among my circle of friends. I can’t decide whether this is because our local beer store usually has it for sale for under $9 per six pack or because they just love it as much as I do. It’s a good choice for a guy like me who typically prefers pale ales but wants to run a change of game plan for a night.
