November 2026 12
The Beloved American Beer Brand That Went National After 150 Years
Leinenkugel’s Original has a devoted following in Wisconsin and across the upper Midwest, where the beer is often affectionately called “Leinie’s.” First brewed in 1867, the classic pilsner became available nationwide in 2017, 150 years after the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company was founded.
To mark the anniversary, the brewery released a Fall Explorer pack featuring a Vienna-style lager and two German Märzen beers. The collection reflected the brand’s Bavarian roots and was made at the Chippewa Falls brewery, where founder Jacob Leinenkugel once sent beer to nearby saloons by horse-drawn wagon. Molson Coors later turned the historic site into a pilot brewery in 2025, while Leinenkugel’s Original remained on sale nationwide.
The brand’s expansion beyond the Midwest began earlier, with the success of Summer Shandy. Inspired by German radlers—beer mixed with lemonade or lemon-lime soda—the seasonal beer went national in 2010.
What Leinenkugel’s Original tastes like
The lager is a straightforward, easy-drinking beer, with mild malt sweetness, toasted-grain notes, and a clean finish. One reviewer described it as a dependable, unpretentious beer that goes down easily.
Leinenkugel’s recommends pairing it with bratwurst and sauerkraut, cheese curds, or cherry pie. Its crispness also works well with fried, salty foods, making it a natural choice for a casual meal or cookout. It can even be used in a Michelada, where its light malt flavor complements lime and hot sauce.
Sacramento Kings Partner with Aspen Vodka to Serve a Custom Game-Day Cocktail
Sacramento Kings fans can order a custom espresso martini from Aspen Vodka-branded carts at Golden 1 Center during games.
Aspen Vodka became the official spirits partner of the Kings and Golden 1 Center through a multi-year partnership announced earlier this year. The companies cited their shared focus on environmental stewardship: both the vodka’s production facility and the arena are LEED Platinum-certified.
Aspen Vodka is available through the brand’s website and at local Total Wine & More stores, where it is listed for $21.99.
Fans can also make the drink at home:
Ingredients
- 2 oz Aspen Vodka
- ½ oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
- ¼ oz simple syrup
- Optional: coffee beans or cinnamon, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until well chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with coffee beans or cinnamon, if desired.