The new Leinenkugel’s 150th Anniversary Lager has been described as a “marriage” made in beer heaven. Chippewa Valley beer connoisseurs can taste this specially crafted beer at a local launch open to the public on Friday, April 7, from 5 to 8pm at the Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls. Dick Leinenkugel, president and chief beer merchant, and Steve Kyscki, Hofbräu München brand manager, will be doing the honors at the special keg tapping ceremony … a keg all the way from Germany. Over a year ago, Leinenkugel’s – with its German roots – joined forces with the 400-plus-year-old Hofbräu München brewery owned by the state of Bavaria to create the collaborative Märzen style beer. Identical ingredients were used – malt, hops, yeast, and water – to adhere to the “Reinheitsgebot,” or the German Beer Purity Law. No raspberry, lemonade, or pumpkin here. Bottled beer is being brewed in Chippewa Falls, while the kegs in Munich. And to commemorate the 150th anniversary, Leinenkugel’s beer will be made in Germany for the first time since Jacob Leinenkugel and his parents arrived in America in 1845. New 150th Anniversary merchandise will be available for purchase. The event will also feature food, prize giveaways, and entertainment by the Big Deeks Band. So put on your dirndls and lederhosen, and head over to the Leinie Lodge on April 7. And looking ahead: Leinenkugel’s will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a huge public event on August 11-12 at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, but more on that later. 

Leinenkugel’s 150th Anniversary Lager beer release celebration • April 7, 5pm • Leinie Lodge, 124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls • www.gochippewafalls.com