Farm to Glass


 

Prior to me moving here the only thing I knew about New Mexican agriculture was the Hatch Chile. It wasn’t until after moving here that I realized that New Mexico was also a major producer of Blue Corn and Lavender. While I have enjoyed both products in multiple food forms from tortillas to honey, one thing that has surprised me is how the craft beverage industry has embraced it. There are multiple breweries, cideries, and distilleries that have used these simple ingredients in their various beverages and the end results are amazing. The farm to table movement has always been big in food, but now we can also enjoy farm to pint glass.

When it came to seeing beers featuring blue corn the first two I had were Compa by Steel Bender, and Denim Tux by Bow and Arrow. Instantly I was hooked on the usage of this ingredient as a grain, and I am glad to see that other breweries are using it as well. Most recently La Cumbre released their own version of a blue corn lager, and it is just refreshing as the other ones. It is hard to believe that such a simple ingredient can add so much depth and additional flavor to a beer. The blue corn additional body, and a subtle nutty flavor to what is a simple lager. The result is making a refreshing beer more complex, and hearty to drink. One brewery that has taken it even further is Casa Vieja by adding blueberry to their blue corn lager. The result of this one gives off a slightly blue color, and the blueberry compliments the blue corn well creating a very refreshing drink. Of course, it is also not only breweries using blue corn, but Left Turn Distillery also makes a great whiskey using this ingredient that has quickly become one of my favorite spirits.

When it came to drinks with lavender in them, I must admit that I was a little more hesitant at first. It can be such an overwhelming ingredient that I wasn’t sure what to think, but after trying some my concerns were quickly alleviated. The first drink I tried was the Lavender Cider from Sandia Ciders and it was amazing how well balanced this cider was. This cider balanced out the sweetness and tartness of the apple, with the most subtle floral flavor from the lavender. I was shocked how much I liked it, and when I am craving cider, it has become one of my favorites. The other lavender drink which I have become quite fond of is a great canned cocktail from Safehouse Distilling. The Blueberry Lavender Vodka Lemonade is packed full of so much flavor, but it is such a refreshing beverage. This cocktail pours a deep purple color and has a fresh flavor from all the ingredients, and again the lavender is present but compliments the other flavors into a well composed drink. This is the perfect drink on a warm day, and one that I find myself craving when the weather becomes hot.

After realizing how many craft beverage companies are utilizing local ingredients, I can only hope that this trend continues. Much like I enjoy watching chefs cook and put their own spin on local ingredients, it is amazing to watch brewers, and distillers do the same. With two simple ingredients like blue corn and lavender there are so many different beverages that have been produced, each unique and delicious in their own way. I love that I have discovered these drinks, and it only adds to the amazing culture of New Mexico.

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