Return of the Lake Erie Monster
A reworked version of the brewery's older Lake Erie Monster Double IPA, relaunched in 2024 as the April release of the Double Feature series. The strength stayed at 9.5 percent while the body was made lighter. Apollo, Willamette, Simcoe, Idaho 7 and Azacca hops sit on two-row malt and Caramel 30. It pours clear amber with an off-white head. Pine, earthy spice and ripe berries lead, with a touch of tropical fruit from the newer hop varieties. Caramel malt stays in the background, and the bitterness is firm without turning harsh.
Tasting Notes
AI-generated sensory profile for 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.
More from Great Lakes Brewing Company
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