Most breweries seem to go with pumpkin flavors for fall. Leinenkugel has chosen a different route.

Style: Fruit Beer

From: Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, United States

Most breweries offer seasonal choices, nothing out of the ordinary there. But it seems that for fall, most breweries go for German inspired Oktoberfest offerings, or with pumpkin beers. Leinenkugel has instead spiced up fall, and again has offered Apple Spice Beer.

Appearance, Aroma & Taste

Surprisingly, the beer pours a very light straw yellow, rather than the dark amber ciderish color that might be expected. It has a big, frothy white head that dissipates very quickly, and leaves behind almost no lacing. If it weren't for the carbonation, it would almost look like watered-down apple juice in the glass.

The aroma leaves absolutely no doubt that this is an apple beer. Even pouring cold from a refrigerated bottle, the apple smell is huge. The aroma is sweet, crisp and clean, with just a hint of cinnamon to tease. It's not necessary to bring the glass to the nose to enjoy it. It might not be necessary to have the glass in the same room.

Apple is the most noticeable flavor as well. Apple Spice is not quite as sweet as most of the hard ciders, such as Woodchuck or Strong Bow, but it's not for those who dislike sweet beers. Served cold, the cinnamon is subdued, but allow the beer to warm to room temperature and the spice becomes much more noticeable. There's almost no hops noticeable, just a sweet apple flavoring. The only real hint of beer flavor is in the aftertaste.

Apple Spice is not a heavy beer. It's very light and watery, with pronounced carbonation. The carbonation may be its saving grace; a heavier, smoother version would probably be too sweet for all but the most die-hard fruit fans. Instead, the carbonation leaves the mouth feeling clean and light.

Serving Recommendations

Served cold at refrigerator temperature (35-40 degrees), the apple is pronounced and the cinnamon less noticeable. Leinenkugel, however, offers a somewhat unique temperature recommendation for Apple Spice, suggesting that it can be served either chilled or hot. And although it almost seems blasphemous to actually heat a beer, for this one, it works, tasting like a lighter version of hot spiced cider. For those that are truly fans of the spice flavoring, heat it slowly with a cinnamon stick added to the pot. Even better, toss in a clove.

Pairing Apple Spice With Food

Leinenkugel Apple Spice would be good paired with many foods, especially with chicken or turkey, or with dishes flavored with cinnamon or apple pie spices - think Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. This would also be a good beer to cook with, taking advantage of its sweetness and cinnamon flavors. A poached winter fruit compote comes to mind. Or forget the apple pie for dessert at Thanksgiving. Why not layer graham crackers, apple pie filling, and ice cream in a stein and top it off with Apple Spice? An apple beer float instead of the root beer float!

Rating

Overall rating: 3.7

Appearance: 3.5 \ Smell: 4.0 \ Taste: 4.0 \ Mouthfeel: 3.0 \ Drinkability: 3.0