10 Year Storm
Lake Effect Brewing Co.

Beer Under Glass 2022.

Amber tone, sharp clarity, two fingers of foam that fade to a wispy broken skim, no lace. Aroma is barrel forward, fresh oak or rye barrel notes of dill, wet wood, spiced apple butter. Mildly tart, light carb, full bodied with a vinous wine barrel profile, low level bitterness, apple butter on exhale. Chewy malt in the middle, obscured by wild bugs after time in the barrel. Uniquely complex profile, still recognizable as a Biere de Garde by the ample malt character. Nice slow sipper.

 

Had on-tap at Beermiscuous Lincoln Park. It was probably a bit cold for me to appreciate the malt subtleties; but enjoyable. A collaboration with Pipeworks, their fellow "3rd Generation" crafter. (I consider them 4th Generation, but that is a long discussion.) The first Biere de Garde from either 10 year old... and it is impressive

While I've had 11 from Pipeworks, I've only had 5 brews from Lake Effect. But I'm enjoying over time how Lake Effect has progressed in the Belgian tradition. 10 Year uses a bit of Brett to Good Effect. The barrel-aging also draws out a few non-traditional flavors (woody) in this traditional food-friendly table ale style. Good innovation.

7/10/22 Bought a can from Beermiscuous and drank it at slightly below room temperature (my preference) and it was much better. The winey-ness and malt blending is more apparent. Glad I drank this at my temperature. Complexities are more apparent. A wine-drinker thought it good also. Hope I can find more.

8/16/22 I did find more and am even more impressed. Upped Taste rating and Overall Hugs for this thoughtful, daring collaboration that they pulled off. A Votre Sante' ! May you two brew more and slightly better each time in the Belgian tradition.