Lake Erie's Monster

Great Lakes Brewing Company is one of the first original craft breweries in Cleveland.  Great Lakes is known for its regular craft beers, such as its Dortmunder Gold or Burning River Pale Ale;  but it also has a reputation for great seasonals, such as its Nosferatu.

One legendary seasonal is the Lake Erie Monster, the Great Lakes seasonal for the summer.  An Imperial India Pale Ale, it registers at a 9.1% ABV with an IBU of 72.  The high ABV and relatively low IBV make this monster a little unique.  (The Nosferatu and Blackout Stout both have higher IBUs than the Imperial IPA).

The Lake Erie Monster is smooth, with a more rounded hop taste.  The finish is also smooth, with the alcohol following lock step with the hop taste.  Yet, this monster is no wallflower, as that 9.1% ABV provides the teeth for this beer.

I strongly recommend this beer, and, if I were rating it on a 1 to 5 star scale (with 5 being the highest), I would give it 4.5 stars.  The Lake Erie Monster is available at Whole Foods Markets.