Truly a beast.

Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland, OH

Say what you want about Cleveland, OH (and believe me, a lot of it has been and will be said), but the Great Lakes Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in the country. Which makes it a shame that it has to reside in a city that gets such flack and also must be related to Ohio State in some way. Regardless, Great Lakes does not make a beer that is worth passing over. And undoubtedly, some of their consistent stunners are their IPAs. From their Commodore Perry to the Lake Erie Monster, Great Lakes knows how to produce a powerfully hoppy beer with wonderfully well-rounded characteristics. So whenever I’m lucky enough to find the Lake Erie Monster hanging around the shelves even after being released a few months ago, I have no problem with immediately jumping on a beer that packs a wallop at over 9% ABV, but remains incredibly drinkable no matter the temperature outside or the state the beer happens to be from. Have I mentioned yet that I hate Ohio?

Despite my hatred, the Lake Erie Monster really makes up for a lot of the ill-feelings I have toward that lesser state south of Michigan. Pouring a gorgeous and rich-looking cloudy, honey-wheat color that included a thick and frothy cream head atop my pint glass, the Monster set up perfectly as a dastardly IPA. The nose was filled with piney and citrusy hops that could knock over anyone with a top-notch olfactory sense. The taste never disappointed, either, with an instant hop explosion taking over all your senses. A persistent bitterness lingers through the duration of every sip and really adds another dimension for the hops to showcase their intensity. A slight apricot flourish is noticeable underneath some of the more earthy hop tones that brush perfectly against the bed set out by the full-bodied malt. I guess what I’m getting at here is: DELICIOUS.

Definitely not your average IPA or even a standard double IPA, the Lake Erie Monster may take the cake as one of the most delicious, affordable, and dynamic imperial IPAs I’ve ever had. It’s a nice beer to enjoy all summer long, but might even be hearty enough to carry your over into the seasons of dark beers. However, don’t expect me to relate myself with anything from Ohio during football season. For me, that’s just blasphemy. Great Lakes, I’ll see you in the winter.