Review of Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy

Posted By Ken Sunday, 13 April 2008 10:05

After discovering at the liquor store last night that this Limited Time Only beer was on the shelves for the summer season, I decided to grab some and give it a try. As you know, I am a big fan of the Leinenkugel's line of beers. The Summer Shandy is a special brew that is sold only from April through August, so read on if this is a good thing or not...

Ken's Review

Taste: A Taste is where Leinenkugel's excels yet again. This beer is blended with lemonade and a hint of honey to create what I would describe as a much more tame, smooth version of say a Smirnoff Ice. When the taste first hits your tongue you can definitely get the lemonade out of it. The honey is just barely in the background of it, and overall the combination creates a really great flavor that is perfect for summer afternoons on the patio, or summer nights around a bonfire.

Packaging: A- The labelling has the classic water-based scene behind the name of the beer, with a boat. In this scene there is a speed boat on a lake with a water skier being pulled along. Can't complain with this display, as it does do a good job of capturing the feel of summertime enjoyment.

Value: A- The sixer that I got of Summer Shandy was around $7.49, which is a little bit higher than what I've seen it for elsewhere, but this was also the price of their other beers so it was more than likely the liquor store doing it a little more expensive. Overall it is well worth the money for a good, refreshing beer that gives you something different than just a beer taste.

Drunkeness: C Every Leinenkugel's beer I have had to this point was 4.9%. This one actually comes in lower at 4.2%. So this is definitely not one you want to get drunk on. One, it will require a lot of beer to do so, and two, the lemonade taste coming back up I am sure would not be worth it. If you want a good drink to be refreshed with but have no expectations or desire to get drunk, then it is perfect where it is.

Overall: A- Summer Shandy is probably the best Leinenkugel's experience I have had so far. I like the lemonade flavor in it, and am looking forward to drinking some of this on a nice summer day at a party or cookout. It should definitely enhance the experience. Run out and grab some of this while you can!