Colchuck Pale

Colchuck Pk from the lake in early spring conditions. Dragontail rising to the left.

The name. The mountain. Colchuck is part of the Stuart range, which extends from Mt  Stuart to Dragontail peak and the enchantments just SW of Leavenworth. The easy class 3 climb, although there are plentiful more technical established routes as well, starts at colchuck lake, climbs directly to the col between colchuck and Dragontail mountain and then heads to the summit.  If timed correctly, the descent from the summit can offer a 3000′ glissade back to the lake (hopefully not into the lake), or better yet, a nice spring back country ski. A great destination in itself, it is also a great side trip if you are camping at colchuck lake and heading into the enchantments (if Aasgard pass isn’t enough of a punishment for you).

The beer.  Magic Brown is our darker offering (glass half empty) for this tricky time of season and Colchuck is our lighter offering, for those optimistic that spring is finally here.  Colchuck is a light pale ale with just enough malt character to support the hop aroma and flavor.  We used typical NW hops in this beer, leading towards a nice citrus note in the nose, perfect for a refreshing spring drink. The aroma has a nice, distinctive grapefruit character to it and is on the forefront but not overpowering.

Malts: Pale, ESB, Wheat, Flaked.  Hops, Apollo, Cascade, Chinook.  American ale yeast.