CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI – The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company’s Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout is returning for its third winter. Available now through January, the robust Russian Imperial Stout offers big beer drinkers a complex flavor experience.

Inspired by the Big Eddy Spring, the lifeline of the Leinenkugel’s brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wis. since 1867, Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout is a deep mahogany brew featuring 11 different malts, espresso and mocha character. The brew finishes with nutty toffee and molasses notes.

First introduced in 2010, Russian Imperial Stout is one of four brews in the Big Eddy craft series, including Big Eddy Baltic Porter, Big Eddy Imperial India Pale Ale and Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale.

“Over the years, our Russian Imperial Stout has attracted a loyal following from beer enthusiasts,” said Jake Leinenkugel, fifth generation brewer and president of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. “It’s a robust, flavorful beer, yet Russian Imperial Stout pairs well with a variety of meats as well as chocolate desserts.”

Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout ages well and is reminiscent of the 18th century Russian Imperial Stout style that contained extra malts and hops to act as preservatives during long voyages from England to Russia, where it was served in the royal court. Brewed with 11 different malts including Munich, Carmel, Chocolate, classic Pale and Pale Ale, this Russian Imperial Stout provides a rich, dry character, perfectly balancing Big Eddy’s hoppy assertiveness. Warrior, Summit and Glacier hops create a bold tribute to the characteristic intensity of the flavor.

Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout will be available in limited release beginning in November 2012 in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Arizona, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut. The stout, which is 9.5 percent ABV, will be available in four-pack bottles and on draft for a limited time.

About Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co.

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, based in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin since 1867, is the leading craft brewer in the upper Midwest and is distributed nationally. Year-round offerings include Leinenkugel’s Lemon Berry Shandy, Sunset Wheat, Honey Weiss, Berry Weiss, Leinie’s Red, Creamy Dark, Original, Light, and Leinenkugel’s Classic Amber Lager. In addition to the limited release of robust beers from its Big Eddy series, the brewer offers seasonal beers including summer favorite Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Oktoberfest, and Snowdrift Vanilla Porter. For more information on the rich history of Leinenkugel’s, visit www.leinie.com or join virtual Leinie loyalists at www.facebook.com/leinenkugels.