Great Lakes Eliot Ness - Great Lakes Brewing Company

BigHead

Arizona

3.53/5  rDev -14.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A nice red copper brew sits in my glass with a slightly yellowish head that is thick initially but quickly dies down to about 1/4". Sweet malts come to the nose, with the hops, spices, and hints of fruitiness coming through. Tastes kinda like a sourish sweet malt flavor, with an apple like fruit presence. This beer has an odd complexity that I can't quite put my finger on, seems to be more like an amber ale at first but then finishes with the lager. A different brew.

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2003 11:10:38 | More by BigHead

Jon

Illinois

4/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This brew pours a glowing amber color with a creamy, off-white head. Nose is mostly sweet and fruity, although some earthy-spicy hops peek their collective heads out to let you know they're present, too. Caramel malt is the featured flavor here, although some red apple fruitiness and spicy hops linger behind. Mouthfeel is somewhat carbonated, but quite smooth overall. This is a very drinkable beer, and one that I find pairs particularly well with Mexican cuisine. If you're a fan of Vienna-style lagers, this one is about as good an American sample as I've come across.

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2003 21:20:22 | More by Jon

Mitchster

Michigan

4.33/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Made with American Two-row, Belgian Munich, Caravienne and Caramunich malts. Hopped with Hallertauer. New website says it's made with Harrington 2-row, Munich, C-45, and C-30, hopped with Hallertau.

35 IBU (new website says 27). 6.2% ABV, OG=15P.

Pours out to a brilliantly clear dark red-amber, forming a decent sized dark-beige to light tan head atop medium-sized bubbles with good retention and OK lacing. Aroma is nice....a "fruity" lager ferment with touches of apples, amber malts, some distant spicy German noble hops, toast, grain husk, and toffee. This is definitely fruitier than most lagers in this category, and I'd say it's a stretch from a Vienna Style Lager as they state on their web page. But damn, it's so good, it doesn't matter. Mouthfeel is initially brisk with a smooth, dry finish. Carbonation is moderate. Taste begins with nice spicy hops and a firm malt body, followed by cookie-like residual sugars, toast, grain husk astringency, and ending in a lightly earthy, moderate bittering hop finish.

This is very similar to Bell's Amber Ale with more earth, plus a more intense hop finish. One of the best Amber Lagers out there (Vienna-style or not). Another excellent brew from Great Lakes. They can do no wrong.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2003 17:36:32 | More by Mitchster

steelreign

New York

3.55/5  rDev -13.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

As I have tried all of GLBC's brews to date, I must say this is my least favorite. Having said that, it is STILL a great beer - it's just a little different that what I really like. However, if you like a malty, semi-sweet finishing brew that is slightly heavier than a typical lager and has alot more taste, this one should appeal to you. Personally, I feel it has a lot of carbonation, and it kind of takes away from the overall impression. Not my style, but I can appreciate it for what it is.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2003 08:17:46 | More by steelreign

tar

Bahamas

3.1/5  rDev -24.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

The Eliot Ness pours a clear red amber color with a very thick, fluffy, off-white head. The smell is fairly mild, some malt is present as is an almost bourbon or whiskey type aroma. The taste is somewhat spicy. The primary flavors seem to be those of malt with a bit of hops. The finish leaves an oaky taste and a hint of the bourbon that came through in the smell. A relatively smooth, medium bodied beer. The drinkability has improved since the first time I had it, although it noticeably drops as the beer warms up. I've given this beer several tries at different times, thinking that I should like it more, but never seem to.

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2003 08:40:23 | More by tar

clvand0

Kentucky

3.9/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer pours an amber color with tons of carbonation on the sides of the glass and a small head that oddly centers itself in the center. The aroma is not very strong but I can sense home hints of fruit and light malts. The taste is amazingly smooth and enjoyable. It's a little sweet and the carbonation makes it more interesting. The aftertaste is sweet, but reminescent of something earthy - can't pinpoint it. Very good beer. I could drink this one all night long.

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2003 19:37:17 | More by clvand0

jcalabre

California

4.13/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Originally sampled on 10 November 2002. This pours a beautiful amber color w/ a 2" (5cm) head. Crystal clear w/ a big malt nose & well balanced flavors. In my humble opinion, this is a very good example of what an Oktoberfest beer should taste like.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2003 20:28:26 | More by jcalabre

pezoids

Pennsylvania

4.53/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This beer poured out a clear and deep copper/iced tea color and had a foamy off white and creamy head. This one is deliciously bitter and malty at the same time. Nice pairing of the malts and hops. The alcohol is well hidden here. There’s some caramel sweetness to it, also. An excellent amber lager with a weighty body to it. Highly drinkable and very enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

06-08-2003 11:53:02 | More by pezoids

cbill

Florida

4.45/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

this is just about my favorite beer, definately my favorite lager. it was a very deep red color and had a warm roasted smell. tastes very smooth. warms the mouth with a slightly nutty taste. would never guess the alcohol content from the taste, it is definately hidden well. it was just so good i think i'm gonna have to have another

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2003 08:37:14 | More by cbill

jaz

Indiana

3.68/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Clear, deep red amber color with a thin head and minimal lace. Aroma was sweet and smelled somewhat of bready yeast. The taste started out with a sweet, well pronounced carmel flavor, and some bread flavors coming out as well. Mildly hoppy with floral hops, but not enough bitterness to balance out the malt sweetness. Overall a tasty beer, but a little off balance.

Serving type: on-tap

05-23-2003 17:54:58 | More by jaz

SheepNutz

Kentucky

3.98/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

I had this brew in a 12oz. bottle poured into a spaten oktoberfest glass. The color is a deep red with a large off-white head, which really sticks around, leaving good lacing. The smell is almost a sweet caramel aroma. The taste is a bit sweet and malty. Could use a little bit more hops. The mouthfeel is a little oily. This is a very drinkable lager that is very refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2003 20:42:33 | More by SheepNutz

Sixpack595

Michigan

4.2/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I'm glad I decided to grab a sixxer of this instead of a single. This fine beer pours a deep copper red with a thick tan head that quickly recedes to a thin film. The aroma is sweet and malty just like the taste begins. efore the sweetness gets a hold the hops kick in (just a touch too much for me) and balance it out very well.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2003 21:05:43 | More by Sixpack595

zerk

California

4.08/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a clear amber with a fairly persistent cream colored head. Does manage to leave behind some lace, and a thin layer of foam sits atop the beer. Aroma is malty, with caramel, toasted malt, and a touch of herbal hops. Flavor is sweet and fruity, some hints of bread mixed in with caramel. Mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, with moderate carbonation, and it has a medium body. I would personally like a touch more bitterness in the finish, but this is a very solid Marzen style beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-15-2003 14:24:51 | More by zerk

chilidog

Ohio

3.55/5  rDev -13.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A very complex brew, but another good one from GLBC. It pours a very nice cranberry like amber with an off white head just under an inch. Lace is good and plenty through-out the drink. The aroma is floral and of toasted grain. Taste is smooth but with a bite. A malty caramal with a spicy hop flavor. The mouth is left with a hop aftertaste. Like I said, its complex. Alot going on with thisone but in good GL quality manor. I only had one sitting with this, i'd like to try it again now that I know what to expect.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2003 19:38:40 | More by chilidog

allboutbierge

Austria

4.47/5  rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Yet another superb offering from GLBC. Rich reddish hued brown color and off-white/biege head. Very aromatic--malty and earthy herbals scents hit the nose. Flavor is a touch bitter but rich and mellow in malts. I detect a touch a light 'nut' taste as well. The body sits heavy on the tongue and carbonation is nearly non-existent. It finishes with a silky feeling down the throat and a dry feeling in the mouth. Extremely drinkable and the best Vienna I have yet had.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2003 11:31:37 | More by allboutbierge

fattyre

Georgia

4.33/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours a slightly hazy medium dark golden red with a large dark tan head. The mouthfeel is very firm. The smell is cookie-like and very slightly herbal. The taste is roasted malt with a very soft pleasing hoppy finish. This is a very smooth drinkable vienna style lager.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2003 17:00:53 | More by fattyre

AtLagerHeads

Ohio

4.88/5  rDev +18.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Beautiful dark lager; a deep golden reddish color. The half inch head is gorgeous with a luscious tan shading that hangs around a short while, but leaves marvelous lacing. The more I drink this beer, the more I realize how marvelously rich, and balanced it is. Each taste is joined by a pleasantly caramel-ly aroma. The fullness of the mouthfeel is enhanced by a slightly sweet, and yet somewhat sour start that ends on a pleasantly bitter note. As it warms a bit, the flavoring builds strength; either cool or warm the great taste lingers long and strong. A warming brew that you can stick with all evening.

I tried this recently on tap and it seemed consistent with the bottled version, although the head lingered longer. Combined with a roast beef on Kaiser, the combo topped off a Friday evening in great form. Does life get any better?

Serving type: bottle

03-02-2003 19:37:55 | More by AtLagerHeads

Bunnyhop

Georgia

4.05/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A slightly hazy, medium dark, golden red Vienna-style Lager with a medium, dark tan head. The smell is hoppy. The taste is mildly roasted malt with a hoppy finish. The body is very firm in my mouth. Overall, a nice smooth lager.

Brewed in accordance with the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. Named after "the one-time Cleveland Safety Director who used to frequent the bar at the Great Lakes Brewing Co."

(source: PremierGourmet; Buffalo, NY)

Serving type: bottle

02-12-2003 21:02:14 | More by Bunnyhop

oberon

North Carolina

4.22/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Good malty-spicy beer,smelled like bread rising,went great with pizza nice high alcohol content went well with the spiciness of the pizza.I honestly havent had a bad beer from Great Lakes yet.Best brewery in the midwest,with Kalamazoo(my beloved Bells)not far behind.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2003 18:06:45 | More by oberon

Jdiddy

Rhode Island

4.6/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Another great beer from what I feel is one of the finest breweries around. Pours a beautiful copper red. Great head that sticks sparingly throughout. Tase is total sweet malt with a hint of caramel. A slight hop taste hits you in the finish. Mega-smooth. Highly recommended!

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2003 18:15:16 | More by Jdiddy

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A slightly hazy, beautiful reddish-orange body is topped by a frothy one-fingered light tan head that holds really well. The aroma offers softly sweet toasted malt with a light touch of background hops. Very clean. The body is medium/full with a fine, median carbonation that's lightly crisp and then creamy in the mouth. The rich, full flavor of lightly sweet toasted malts is balanced by a solid bitterness which dries out the long lingering malty finish. It's not complex, but quite full. This version really presses the limits of the style, but in a good way!

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2003 17:46:58 | More by NeroFiddled

ADR

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the brewery/pub...

Clear dark copper color, head of 1/4 inch and light in color. A lot of caramel and a little toffee to the aroma. Nicely aromatic brew. Boldly malty for a Vienna, hops are barely evident. Very smooth with a full mouthfeel with tastes that follw the smells closely. I liked the flavor a lot but would probably pinch a few more hop flowers into the brew kettle, myself. Leans more toward a Bock in some aspects, rather than the toasty characters of most Vienna Lagers -- so I thinks its a little off the typical aspects of style. Still, another nice one from a standout brewery...

Serving type: on-tap

12-29-2002 10:56:43 | More by ADR

jtw5877

Ohio

4.22/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a nice light brown, reddish hue, with a off white head. Nice malty aroma. Tastes great, the first Vienna style lager I have ever tried. smooth maltiness, with a little bit of hops thrown in to balance things out. Great Lakes simply makes great beers, I can't say I have ever tried one I didn't like.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2002 07:18:08 | More by jtw5877

49degrees

British Columbia (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Extremely enjoyable Vienna Amber that's worth the search to find it on tap. I regular drink the Eliot Ness and Dortmunder Gold every time I visit Cleveland, but have yet to try either (or any other Great Lakes) brew straight from the bottle although they appear to be readily available citywide. Sadly, these brews are near impossible to find west of the Rockies.

Pours deep red with a real beefy head. Nice blend of hops and malt providing both an enjoyable smell and even better taste. Enjoyable all the way round.

Serving type: on-tap

12-25-2002 22:34:07 | More by 49degrees

Kwak

New Jersey

4.28/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Head: Strong thick white holds on for dear life.

Body: Clear reddish/orange color with a nice carbonation.

Taste: A little toffee, a bit of roasted grain and a slight sweetness.
Full rich and smooth with a heavy malt feel. A lot of caramel all the way through, with a little hops nothing to bold. with a spicy dry finish which is just the right end to a good beer.

Nothing wrong with this one highly recommended for this style!!

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2002 23:02:53 | More by Kwak