As expected, Breckenridge was cold but tolerable. The streets were kept warm by many gas-powered firepits and patio heaters, as well as the constant flow of people and traffic through town. Every shop's doors were wide open, enticing visitors and tourists to come in and shop around.
Of course, we all B-lined it to the nearest shop selling warm winter clothes, especially the places that were having clearance sales. There, we bought everything we needed to stay warm and cozy the rest of the time we endured the mountains' harsh spring weather, all for heavily discounted prices!
From there, donning our newly-bought insulated gloves, hats, and flannel, we went on the prowl for food like a pride of lions. Hunger led us all the way uphill to the Breckenridge Brewery, where we were just able to beat the lunch rush crowds.
There, we sat down at the biggest table the brewery had available for us, and instead of paper menus being handed out to us, we were instructed to use our phones to scan a QR code for the menus. My mouth began to water as I read through the menu and noticed the smells around me. I hadn't realized how hungry I'd been.
"Are you gonna drink anything?" Troy leaned over to ask me, "If you do, it's on me."
"Uhhhh..." I trailed off as I swiped through the drinks menu.
"I'm gettin' the ale." Troy pointed out, "They've got 'em in five ounces if you don't wanna drink a whole pint."
"Alrighty." I smiled, "I'll give the five ounces of Avalanche Ale a shot. By the way, what does this stuff taste like?"
"It's basically Busch Light, but a little thicker." Troy shrugged, "If you like Busch, then you'll like this stuff."
"Ok." I nodded, "I believe you."
We placed our orders digitally, then waited for a server to come to us. Before long, a waitress arrived to confirm everyone's orders.
"I need to see everyone's IDs." She declared.
"Even mine?" Uncle Wade smiled, scratching his silver beard.
"Yes sir." the waitress laughed, "Even yours."
Long before our food arrived, the waitress returned with our drinks. Everyone, except for me, had ordered a pint. My ale came in a small glass.
"I see you're 'bout to get wasted there, Maya." Jess chuckled, taking a sip from her pint of beer.
"Yup! Damn sure am." I nodded, taking a quick little sip of my ale.
Troy was right! I really liked the Avalanche Ale. It tasted a lot like Busch Light, but with a stronger burning sensation of alcohol and a hint of maple. The longer I let the taste sit in my mouth without chasing down my ale with water, the stronger the taste of maple became.
At the time of this writing, three weeks later, Avalanche Ale is still my favorite alcohol so far!
