Leinenkugel's Canoe Paddler

Leinenkugel's Brewing Company is from  Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.  They began brewing in 1867. Leinenkugel's has been owned by Miller for some time now (who is now owned by MolsonCoors). This seasonal release is a kolsch-style beer brewed with rye. I have noticed a recent trend of American lager/kolsch/goldens being brewed with some rye to boost the flavor and complexity.

The beer pours yellow and golden with lots of carbonation. There is a very tall head of white foam, somewhat fizzy, somewhat thick. The aroma is golden grain, straw, grassy, and spicy. The taste follows the aromas directly, with a touch of lemon zest (no sourness). It has a crisp and tingling carbonation in the mouth, moderately bitter and spicy in the finish. It drinks refreshing. I don't know why that don't just make all macro beers taste like this instead of flavorless swill. This reminds me of their old Northwoods (aka Limited Golden) Lager.

2017: New bottle design; let's see how it is tasting. The beer pours a pure golden, with a half inch of white head. The aroma is toasted grain, bread dough, very light fruit. The taste follows the aromas, is lighter than the aromas, and has a light vegetable note. There is almost no bitterness on the finish. The beer drinks with a near stinging carbonation. This is not as good as it was before.