Assertively bitter and very dry.
The grain stays in the background so every note the beer offers can come from the hops.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for Return of the Lake Erie Monster
◎ Appearance
Pours a clear amber hue with bright translucency and excellent visual definition. The off-white head settles to a fine lace that clings to the glass with moderate persistence. Carbonation appears well-integrated, delivering steady streams of fine bubbles.
◌ Aroma
The nose leads with pronounced pine and earthy spice, grounded by the herbal character of Willamette and Apollo hops. Ripe berry notes emerge alongside hints of tropical fruit from the newer Idaho 7 and Azacca varieties, while the Caramel 30 malt remains subtle in the background, offering a touch of sweet depth without dominance.
◐ Taste
Entry is clean and moderately full-bodied with the lighter body evident against the 9.5% strength. Mid-palate develops the berry and pine character with persistent herbal notes, while caramel malt provides a gentle sweetness that balances the assertive hop profile. The bitterness carries firmly through without harshness, finishing dry and edged with spice.
◑ Finish
Medium finish length with lingering pine and earthy spice that gradually fades. The aftertaste remains clean and crisp, without warming alcohol or lingering sweetness.
Serve & Enjoy
How to get the most out of Return of the Lake Erie Monster
Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.
The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.
Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.
Food Pairing
What to eat with Return of the Lake Erie Monster
About Double IPA
Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives
What is a Double IPA?
IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.
Finding a similar Double IPA
hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same piney, berry, earthy character as Return of the Lake Erie Monster will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.
Other Double IPAs in hopIQ