Great Lakes Grand Cru

Brewed by Great Lakes Brewing Company
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Cleveland, Ohio USA

On Tap at the downtown brew pub. The Cru came in a tulip glass with just a whitish head about one half inch. The pour was a deep golden yellow, however the body was fairly hazy...at first I thought it was a frosted glass. The Cru is not as strong as other belgian strongs I have had. It a nice complex flavor of citrus, corriander and a touch of sweatness. But the body was a bit thinner then most other belgian strongs. The finish was nice and long and lingering. Another good beer from Great Lakes.

All beers poured by Steve at the brew pub are in the correct glass, and with a perfect head. The beer’s body is thin for a Grand Cru, and the head faded slowly. The sweetness and spice in the aroma and taste are nice during the winter. But the citrus turned me off after one glass. I usually like these for the summertime. But overall it’s a very very good beer.

I’m not a fan of this style, but I realy enjoyed this grand cru. A bit thinner than what I normally think a grand cru should be but most Great Lakes are kind of thin.

Last one I sampled, and by far my fav. it makes the other wheat beer pale in comparison. nicely hazy, great bold citrus and spice, really packs a punch. Very well crafted, especially liked the smoothness and bitterness.

On tap at the brewpub. Hazy light amber color with a thin and fluffy off-white head that disappears quickly. Nil lacing. Zesty citrus aroma, with a bit of sweet spice. Medium-bodied and very smooth on the tongue with a straightforward sweet and spice balance that interplays with citrusy hops flavor. A bit of alcohol comes through as the glass progresses. The finish is lightly bitter and lingering. For a "regular" Belgian ale this is pretty darn good.

Strong but good... one of them kicked my butt a little bit. If you can get it TRY IT!

Tap 5/25/05 Dark orange pour, topped with a bubbly white head. Nice belgian lace. Spicy aromas with lots of corriander, orange, yeast, and a touch of grassy hops. Full bodied with very pleasant, mild carbonation. Malty flavors turn dry and spicy, with more orange and corriander. Just a touch of yeast on an overall very soft finish. Hides the alcohol frighteningly well. Very nice Belgian.

This is a strange beer. It’s very sweet, and has a sour aftertaste that is not altogether unpleasant, but that I wasn’t a huge fan of. Its flavour is very complex, but I feel it almost has so much going on that it tastes confused. An interesting beer, but definitely not one of my favourites.