Cryptozoology and alcohol probably don’t sound like the perfect match—though if you guffaw Bigfoot sightings, the two could seem like an obvious couple. But Great Lakes Brewing Company bridges the world of “hidden animals” and craft beers in its summer favorite, Lake Erie Monster. Finally, something both the believer and the skeptic can enjoy.
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Great Lakes Brewing ships its products throughout the eastern seaboard. The award-winning line of year-round and seasonal beers uses no preservatives or gross chemicals, a major coup to those of us who at least try to go natural. However, like any good cryptid, the Lake Erie Monster beer can be elusive. It debuts every May but disappears from shelves in July.
First and foremost, what’s the story behind the lake-dwelling leviathan? Affectionately known in the Lake Erie region as Bessie, this celebrated sea serpent is the Midwest’s answer to the prodigal cryptid of Loch Ness. Artists Pat Wilkinson and Brittney Fuchs designed the beer’s artwork, which honors the beast with a fittingly fearsome tribute. Flashing red eyes and dripping fangs, the beer depicts Bessie as nobody’s nautical fool. Krakens of the world, beware.
But a beer should be more than a cool label. Fortunately, Lake Erie Monster doesn’t disappoint. An Imperial India Pale Ale, it features just a hint of spiciness, reminding me of either cloves or cardamom. Great all on its own, the beer also pairs well with food—the official site suggests steak, pork chops, dark chocolate, and aged cheese, but I can personally vouch for pizza too.
Full-bodied yet smooth, Lake Erie Monster has predictably become my new favorite of the Great Lakes “family”. Although my hope may be in vain, I would love to see the company put this one into rotation year-round instead of just seasonally. While it makes a great summer choice, perfect for barbeque fare, Bessie would be more than welcome in the bitter winter months. Nothing like a sea monster and a beer to warm the bones.
If Lake Erie Monster appeals to the weird wanderer in you (or just your inner IPA fan), use Great Lakes’ Beer Finder to see if the brand is available near you. And as a major Halloween and horror aficionado, I eagerly await the release of Great Lakes’ Nosferatu beer in October. Libations never sounded so spooky.
Happy haunting!