Leinenkugel's IPL 6Pk

Leinenkugel's IPL 6-Pack is an India Pale Lager brewed by Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, at 6.0% ABV with 57 IBUs. This now-retired expression distinguished itself by applying generous hop charges — five varieties in total — to a cold-fermented lager base, delivering hop intensity with a cleaner, crisper backbone than a traditional IPA.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.0%  |  IBU: 57  |  Origin: Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin  |  Style: India Pale Lager  |  Brewery: Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company  |  Status: Retired

Production & Heritage

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company was founded in 1867 in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and operates today under the Molson Coors umbrella. The IPL was brewed using bottom-fermenting lager yeast at colder temperatures and conditioned for a longer period than ales, yielding a clean fermentation profile that stays out of the way of the hops. Five hop varieties anchored the recipe, including Mandarina Bavaria from Germany and Citra from the United States, each contributing distinct citrus and tropical dimensions that defined this hybrid style.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with resiny, citric hop character followed by a distinct note of passion fruit and lingering floral citrus. A faint bready malt sweetness sits underneath without competing.

Taste: On the palate, a solid medium malt body greets the entry before giving way to piney resin and grapefruit at mid-palate. The citrus influence leans toward bitter lemon as the beer develops, with rich, spicy hops carrying a subtle peppery undertone throughout.

Finish: The finish runs long, dry, and decisively bitter, with grapefruit pith and pine lingering. A spicy hop warmth stays behind well after the sip, rewarding slower drinking.

How to Drink Leinenkugel's IPL

Best served cold — around 40–45°F — in a pint glass or tulip to concentrate the aromatic hop oils. The clean lager base also makes it a surprisingly versatile cocktail ingredient. A Shandy with fresh lemonade tempers the bitterness while amplifying the citrus character. A Beer-a-Rita (beer margarita) works well because the piney, grapefruit notes complement lime and salt. A Michelada pairs the IPL's dry bitterness against tomato, hot sauce, and lime for a savory contrast.

Best For

• IPA fans seeking a cleaner, more drinkable hop-forward alternative
• Pairing with grilled foods at summer cookouts
• Introducing craft-curious lager drinkers to hop-centric styles
• Collecting or tasting retired and hard-to-find Leinenkugel's seasonal releases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Leinenkugel's IPL taste like? It leads with piney resin and grapefruit over a medium bready malt body, finishing long, dry, and bitter with a spicy hop undercurrent. The lager fermentation keeps the profile crisp and clean compared to a traditional IPA.

How does Leinenkugel's IPL compare to Samuel Adams Double Agent IPL? Both occupy the India Pale Lager category, but Leinenkugel's IPL leans more heavily into citrus and pine from its five-hop blend, while Samuel Adams Double Agent IPL tends toward a more balanced, malt-conscious approach. Leinenkugel's version also ferments and conditions at colder temperatures for a drier, sharper hop presentation.

Is Leinenkugel's IPL good for hop lovers? Yes — at 57 IBUs with five hop varieties, it delivers substantial bitterness and aromatic complexity while the lager base provides a cleaner canvas than most IPAs, allowing a purer hop experience.

Where is Leinenkugel's IPL made? It was brewed at the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, a brewery founded in 1867 and now part of the Molson Coors family of brands.

What foods pair well with Leinenkugel's IPL? Spicy Thai or Mexican dishes benefit from the beer's dry bitterness cutting through heat. Grilled bratwurst and burgers match the malt backbone. Sharp aged cheddar echoes the beer's peppery spice. Citrus-dressed salads mirror the grapefruit and lemon hop notes. Fish tacos with lime crema complement the clean lager finish.

What sizes does Leinenkugel's IPL come in? The standard format was a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles. Availability of other formats varied by market during the beer's active production run.

Is Leinenkugel's IPL worth the price? During its production, it positioned as a mainstream craft offering — priced competitively within the domestic specialty tier. As a retired release, remaining stock may carry a scarcity premium but represents a genuine hybrid style from a heritage Wisconsin brewery.

Why Leinenkugel's IPL?

The India Pale Lager category remains a niche corner of the beer world, and Leinenkugel's entry stood apart by committing to five distinct hop varieties — including the distinctive Mandarina Bavaria — fermented against a cold-conditioned lager base. That production choice let the hops speak without the fruity esters and residual sweetness that ale yeast introduces, resulting in a drier, more focused bitterness. Now retired from Leinenkugel's lineup, any remaining bottles represent a snapshot of a 150-plus-year-old Wisconsin brewery experimenting at the intersection of lager tradition and hop-forward American craft.