Lakes & Legends - opinions?

I was there about a month ago. The people working were very nice and very gracious. I say this hesitantly, because, in my opinion, it's not at all fair to judge a brewery until they've been open for a while and settled into their systems. But, putting this nicely, I did not enjoy their beer, and noticed what I thought were some objective flaws. Again, they're relatively new, so take that with a grain of salt. Especially because people may disagree with me, and I very well could be wrong.

I definitely will be back at some point to drink more of their beer. It appears they're using lots of different yeast strains, which complicates the process and can make "dialing in" a little bit of a challenge. I think they're going to get much better, if they haven't already!

And I recommend regardless what anyone here says, go there and try it! Always good to support local.

 

I didn't care for the beer when I was there. They make interesting beers on paper but the execution was lacking

 

I went there in December, before I knew that they were pumping out unfinished beers (check out the alcoholbyvolume blog post about it). Nearly every beer I tried had obvious flaws. Most were under attenuated. The Belgian IPA was oxidized. I remember the Raspberry Braggot being good, but very very sweet. I liked it, but others might find it a cloying under-attenuated mess. I think the Saison was average. These are just my opinions, but hey...you asked for them.

 

Wow thanks for the thoughts on this place. It was on my list to hit next but I'll push it down the rotation further..

 

Was there something like a month ago. Had the stout which I thought was decent but that was it. Had a couple friends go last week though and they were not impressed by anything.

 

I've been thinking about checking them out, and probably will sometime soon even though the words here have been less than stellar. Does anyone have any advise for parking in the Loring Park neighborhood?

 

I've never had an issue with getting a spot nearby on the street.

 

When we went, they were partially validating in the Hyatt ramp.

 

I'll be the dissenter. I was there the end of November, thought everything I had was fantastic (did not have anything on the IPA front) - with extra appreciation to that raspberry braggot. From one visit (and one visit only), I wish Lakes and Legends was actually close to my house. My wife and I would go there all the time.

Part of this may be tied to an overall positive experience, really enjoying the vibe and family time we had there, but honestly, we really enjoyed the beers we had.

 

I was there in early January and enjoyed the Belgian Silky Stout and Boreal Winter. Both decent beers with no discernible flaws. Wouldn't go out of my way were they released in bottles, but certainly don't avoid them.

 

I have to say that I'm a big fan. I've been 5 times now and always leave excited. Their smoked rauch is one of my favorites. I would keep this beer permanently stocked in my fridge. I think the Harmony farm, silky stout, and raspberry braggot are also great.

They just released bottles of milk chocolate porter and dark chocolate stout. I haven't tried them yet, but can't wait.

Additionally, I think the staff and the tap room are awesome. Great vibes and great beer.

 

I rather enjoyed what I had myself. Had the Braggot, a Saison, and the IPA. Saison was alright, IPA was decent, and I liked the Braggot. I personally am not generally a fan of Belgian yeast, however I found their use of it subtle enough to enjoy the balance of flavors. I generally do not like American made Belgain brews because I find the yeast overpowering. I feel like that is what most Belgian fans are looking for, which is that the yeast be very upfront and prominent. Maybe I'm just more sensitive to those flavors. It seems many are actually looking for and have become accustomed to it. Some "aficionado's," may not apperciate the more subtle yeast balance at Lakes & Legends.

 

Debating between this and Lake Monster for one of my next visits.

 

I can't speak for Lakes & Legends, but Lake Monster has a pretty neat space, and I enjoyed a fair amount of their offerings.

 

ZAP, I've been to Lakes and legends (LL) three times and Lake Monster (LM) twice. Different types of breweries.

I think if you like Belgium style beers, LL is doing things better than most other Belgian style breweries in the area. I haven't had all their beers but what I did have were great. The people with me also enjoyed their beers. We like Belgian style beer and LL didn't disappoint. We didn't have a bad beer in the group (I can't say the same thing at other breweries). We brought in spicy Chinese food at my last visit so my taste buds may have been compromised. I found parking on the street each time but it might be a block away.

I've only had the pils at Lake Monster. Probably should branch out to other styles but the typical craft IPA doesn't really do it for me. I was there last Thursday night and it was packed. I didn't appreciate the booming bass from the DJ and it sounded like crap. Nice big parking lot.

ZAP, you need to visit both.

 

Thanks...this time we hit Lake Monster and really liked the tap room and parking, etc. Also thought the beer was very solid....real close to Bad Weather but I give a slight edge still to BW...that debate will be revisited though and a trip to LL is on the docket soon as well.

 

I enjoyed Lakes and Legends. My wife that doesn't even enjoy wit's enjoyed that. I believe when they come up with up a beer they think of the yeast qualities first then work in malts and hops. My favorite was their Triple. I even told the tap room manager that they should bottle it like the did for Marigold (golden strong). FWIW I went to Able later and was not impressed but maybe if I went to Able first I would had a different impression.

 

Do 'em both!

 

Ouch:

http://heavytable.com/lakes-legends-brewing-company/