Something lurks in Lake Erie. A creature displaced in time, hungry for the megafauna of an era bygone. At least this is what the Great Lakes Brewing Company would like you to believe with its seasonal Double India Pale Ale, Lake Erie Monster, a tribute to the lake’s local cryptid South Bay Bessie. Does this brew live up to Bessie’s legendary status, or is it just another big fish story? The beer pours the dark yellow color of corn flakes and has a foamy head with lots of nice lacing on the edge of the meniscus. The aroma of the drink is tangy with dominant citrus notes, an artifact of the massive hopping involved in this type of beverage. The flavor comes across tremendously balanced however with strong malt flavors countering the earthy Fuggle hops in the mix. The offering is slightly acidic and yeasty with a rich, full body. Bessie tales are balanced between myth and cryptozoology kook, just as Lake Erie Monster is balanced between malt and hop flavor. While balance is not what most hophead IPA fans crave, Lake Erie Monster has found a place on my summertime drink list. Just don’t let the seasonal price break your line. 3.5/5