Lake Monster Brewing Company opens its doors today at 4pm. Since they first announced plans for their taproom and brewery back in July of 2014, I have been waiting with baited breath to see what their brewery would look like. Along with their two flagship beers, Calhoun Claw Pilsener and Empty Rowboat IPA, they will have several new additions to their portfolio that are taproom exclusive beers. The taproom fills an old railroad storage warehouse just south of the Green Line off of Vandalia in Saint Paul.

Their beers span a nice range of styles. On the lighter end of the spectrum, they have a Session IPA, IPA, and a Pilsener. Towards the darker end of things, a Brown Sour Ale, a Dunkel Lager with wild rice, and a velvety smooth Milk Stout provide wonderful options for drinkers who gravitate more towards malty flavors. Their beer is available in pints and 4 beer taster flights. They have a beer engine for beers on cask. As of Wednesday night, their cask was the Milk Stout with vanilla bean and it was a delight.

The people at Lake Monster Brewing were very smart to leave the old brick of the building exposed. There is very minimal decor and the yet the ambiance is comfortable and not cold. The lights were soft and warm and not bright at all. Ample windows will provide lots of sunlight during the day. The U-shaped bar that was built by one of the owners anchors the middle of the space. Behind the bar, separated by a rail where patrons can stand and set their pints down, the brewhouse where brewer Matt Lange works his magic sits. The visibility of brewing equipment in a brewery is something that I really appreciate. Overall, the taproom is ve ry open and conducive to any sized group. I cannot wait to hole up there on some snowy weekend afternoon with some friends and some conversation. I recommend making this a stop on your weekend craft beer itinerary. Lake Monster Brewing is another splendid addition to the Green Line Craft Beer district.



