Leinenkugel’s Leinie Lodge broke in the new year by bringin’ the summer vibes early, announcing the release of nationwide favorite Summer Shandy and a brand new brew, Lakeside Cherry.

The duo’s official release party will be held at Leinie Lodge (124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls) on Friday, Jan. 26, from 5-8pm, where folks can get a taste of summertime. While the early release of Summer Shandy May be a surprise to avid Leinie’s drinkers, Leinenkugel’s President Tony Bugher said they’re giving the people what they want.

Lakeside Cherry. (Photos via Facebook)

“What we’ve learned through data is that Summer Shandy outperforms, in terms of rate of sale, many of the winter seasonals,” Bugher said. “Summer is a state of mind and with this recent cold stretch across the country, we sure need that summer state of mind right now. So we’re putting out Shandy as early as we can.”

The new brew in town, Lakeside Cherry, is a rose-colored lager made with real cherry juice and cluster hops inspired by Rose Leinenkugel (part of the fabled brewing family’s second generation), with an IBU of 12 and 4.4% ABV. Rolling out on shelves now, Lakeside Cherry was originally developed and sold at the pilot brewery in Chippewa Falls last year, now going out for larger distribution and will be available year-round.

Plus, Shandy lovers will get another Leinie’s treat later this year as Grapefruit Shandy will be returning to shelves this spring, according to Associate Director of Media Relations Sarah Kemp. Leinenkugel’s Grapefruit Shandy – formerly only available in the Lodge Variety Pack – is “a spin on the shandy tradition.” Each batch starts with traditional Weiss beer and then is combined with natural white grapefruit flavor, making for a fresh-cut citrus note.

Look out for more information on Lakeside Cherry on Leinenkugel’s Facebook page and website. Tickets for the Summer Shandy and Lakeside Cherry release party are available online.