Great Lakes - Rye of the Tiger

Yet another old review. Picture lost amongst all of Leah's dog fur. 

Great name. +1 on the marketing points.

I had this on draft a few months ago on the same night I had a Hopslam. I thought it was really great, but I didn't get a lot of rye out of it.

I'm not sure if the recipe's been changed for the bottling or if my taste buds were off that night, because the rye is a lot stronger now (which is good). I'm not really in love with the hopping and bittering here though. The bitterness just lingers too long and I don't like how it plays with the rye. Certainly a good beer, just probably not for me.

Great Lakes - Blackout Stout (2011/2012)

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Previously Reviewed Here

Bitterness seems to have fallen off a lot. Chocolate and a hint of coffee are still there. This is decent. Nothing great. I'd drink it fresh if I got another 4 pack. 

Great Lakes - Alchemy Hour IPA

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Another beer to prove my theory that anyone can make a great IPA.

As it warms up the aroma really comes out. Great smelling beer, lots of tropical fruits.

Reminds me of the Schlafly Tasmanian IPA, but with more of a malt backbone. Good amount of bitterness. Lots of tropical fruit flavors. Recommended. 

Great Lakes - Blackout Stout

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Tasty. Roasted coffee & associated bitterness are the main flavors, but there are hints of chocolate and anise as well. Very nice. Recommended.

Great Lakes Engine 20 (Smoked Pale Ale)

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

On tap at Meridian Pint. Mandy actually ordered this.

This seriously tastes like bacon.

Great Lakes - Lake Erie Monster

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

This was just okay. Middle of the road bitter, not super bitter. Just didn't do it for me.

The label is really great though.

Great Lakes Conway's Irish Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

The last of a sixer.

It has an.. interesting taste now. Maybe slightly nutty? Bready? I like it. It went well with my corned beef sandwich.

I'd buy another six pack next year.

Great Lakes Christmas Ale

Pretty good. Probably not worth the $4 I paid for the bottle though I do appreciate actually being able to find some to buy.

Moderately spiced with cinnamon and some ginger coming through. Slightly sweet.

Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald

Ooo. Very nice. Good balance of chocolate, coffee and malt. Gary, you should drink this if available.

Great Lakes Burning River Pale Ale

From a sampler pack:
Slightly sweet/caramel-y, not overly hoppy. Pretty drinkable and enjoyable. Not mind-blowing though.