Scarlet Lane & Caplinger's Fresh Catch? Yes please!

06 Apr Scarlet Lane & Caplinger’s Fresh Catch? Yes please!

Posted at 18:55h in Scarlet Lane Brewing Co, Special Events, Uncategorized by Justin Knepp 0 Comments

By Steve Williams for Indiana On Tap

First Friday events at Scarlet Lane are usually an exclusive opportunity for Legion of Ale Drinkers members, such as myself, to gather as a group and have a few beers. The April 1 rendition was all that and so much more thanks to the release part for Scarlet Lane’s new brew: Laughing Water.

I arrived around 6pm, and the place was PACKED. The tap room at Scarlet Lane isn’t all that large, and comfortably seats about 20 people. On a typically weekend, you might see 30-40 people in there, especially if the brewery tour stops by. On this Friday, it must have been close to 100 people, with the garage door open and people flooding outside.

I had to start my visit by tasting the Laughing Water, which is an Australian Sparking ale. It is described as “Native-born style of Australia. Cloudy with Pride-of-Ringwood hops to create a crisp and unique ale designed for easy drinking.” Its definitely quite unique and unlike any beer I’ve ever had. In fact, I found it to be more similar to a champagne than beer.

Being a regular and a Legion of Ale Drinkers member, I knew exactly what I wanted: Dorian Stout. Although they ran out of the coconut version during my visit, Dorian was still available in the espresso and “kisses nate” (chocolate cherry) variety. Of course, my pour came in my Legion of the Ale Drinker mug – a 22oz pour for the regular 16oz price.

After my first mug of Dorian I found myself hungry. Scarlet Lane doesn’t serve their own food, but you can always order delivery from a nearby restaurant (they have menus on hand). Fortunately for me on this special Friday, a food truck was present. Not just any food truck this night though, because we had Caplinger’s. Yes, you read that right. Caplinger’s now has a food truck! And the lobster roll was even more delicious with my Dorian Stout.

If you’ve never been to Scarlet Lane, I highly recommend you check it out on a weeknight before attending a special tapping or event. It is a place where you can sit at the bar and get to know the people serving you (usually Lea and Alex) while they get to know you. In fact, if you visit on Keep the Pint Glass Wednesday, you can pay $7.50 for any beer of your choice AND keep the pint glass! Who knows, after a few visits you might just be ready to join the Legion of Ale Drinkers. And if you are, remember that you can save $10 with your Indiana On Tap Tasting Society Marketplace offer!