Lake Superior Quad
Lake Effect Brewing Co.

My first quad-in-lieu-of-dessert since Covid started. (You know, the formula: limited exercise, so consume less food/dessert, so ales do not have to be sacrificed.)

As for Lake Superior, it is decent; but not a great quad. It Looks only slightly above average because it lacks sufficient foam and swirling protein. Smells are a full-on panoply of dried dark fruits and, then, some Bourbon. All melds well on the palate with the only new introduction being a slight stale, reminiscent of a blended old ale... or possibly milder like a traditional porter. For the same reason it has average Looks (caused mostly by an average yeast), this quad has an average Feel; lacking viscous and bubbles that a good yeast engenders.

However, I like Lake Effect. Chicago's market needed another entry that knew how to brew the Belgian styles and Lake Effect is filling that need. As most American crafters have this difficulty, a Belgian-inspired yeast is the hardest thing to cultivate and even harder to keep. A sante'.

Pour somewhat opaque amber with no head save some bubbles on the edge. Smell has huge dark fruit, especially raisin, with caramel, bourbon, and molasses. Taste explodes the raisin to now include prune, fig, and plum, caramel is big too as it bonds well with the bourbon, no wood and yeast is limited. Feel is the aspect that hurts this one, booze warm is good but the body is thin which finishes smooth but nonplussed. The wife liked it