I have always been intrigued by Scotland’s legend of the Loch Ness Monster.  I like the idea that there might yet be some fantastical beast out there that can strike awe and fear into the hearts of man.  The disappointing part of it is that it only seems to be a larger than life myth.  I am the first to admit I tend to exaggerate when I tell a story.  Most folks do and when it comes to legends like this the tales grow larger with each telling. Lake Eire has had its fair share tof wild tales from burning rivers to the threat of ravenous Chinese carp.  So it’s no surprise that Great Lakes Brewery in Cleveland has created the Lake Eire Monster.  This beer is so distinctively hoppy it inspires its own tall tale; of South Bay Bessie, the legendary monster that roams the shallow depths of Lake Erie. Perhaps inspired by Loch Ness or “Ole Bessie”, the label itself depicts a pre-historic monster lifting its head from the foamy depths. I would not want to come face to face with this or any monster but I do enjoy having a cold Lake Erie Monster brew to enjoy. I picked up a 4-pack of these from my favorite drive thru and cracked the first one open as soon as I got home. The aroma coming from the bottle was of strong malts with the hops following after. I poured the brew into a chilled pint glass noticing a slight haziness. The beer poured nicely and was a golden yellow with tight small carbonation bubbles. The first drink was like a bitter storm of flavors all over my tongue. The flavor is amazing then mellows out nicely into a sweet malty citrus. The after taste lingers long after swallowing and the aroma returns to my nostrils. This is a very balanced, monstrously delightful beer. Lake Eire Monster does not disappoint.