Today Aimee and I had our first 70+ degree day on the river. It was amazing. If you haven’t spent a winter high in the mountains you may not appreciate just how incredible flip-flops are, or t-shirts. It was the first time that either of us had sported a t-shirt outside since sometime late October or early November. Heck yes.
It also helped that the fishing was stellar. We happened to run into our friend T-Bone, his fiancee Erica and their two dogs Echo and Koda, which was amazing since they had spent the last day and half figuring out what the fish were eating! They were about done by the time Aimee and I got there, but Erica graciously allowed us to steal her future husband for a couple of hours. T-Bone then proceeded to tell us where the fish were, what they were eating and how to catch them. We definitely owe that guy a beer!
This time of year they are eating stoneflies and eggs and we caught plenty of fish on both. We even picked up a couple on streamers – pretty much it was one of those days when if you got you fly close enough they would probably eat it, regardless of what pattern you are throwing.
After a great day it was time to relax with a beer or cocktail. For Aimee that meant a bubble water mixed with cranberry juice, for me it was a Laughing Lab Scottish-Style Ale by Bristol Brewing Company in Colorado Springs. I like Scottish Ales in general and Laughing Lab is right up my alley, not bitter at all, not too sweet and pretty darn drinkable for a darker ale.
Appearance: A really nice caramel color with a medium very foamy head. Pretty good retention with nice lacing as you drink.
Smell: Sweet, malty and a little toffee.
Taste/Mouthfeel: Really nice and smooth, malty with a hint of caramel. Not too heavy, medium bodied and drinkable for a Scottish style ale.
Overall: Hearty enough for a winter beer, but light enough for a hot summer day. I like it.
5 out of a Six Pack Scale ©
Stats:
ABV: 5.0%
IBU: 19
Brewed in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Visit their website at http://www.bristolbrewing.com/
