Stumbling Upon a Hidden Gem
As I found myself winding through the picturesque canyons of northern New Mexico, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of adventure. The open road stretched out before me, flanked by towering cliffs and the gentle flow of the nearby river. It was the kind of scenery that made me want to slow down, take a deep breath, and soak it all in.
But just as I was about to lose myself in the tranquility of the moment, a small sign caught my eye. “Blue Heron Brewing Co.” it read, beckoning me to veer off the main highway and explore this unknown craft beer oasis. With a mixture of curiosity and excitement, I decided to heed the call and see what this hidden gem had to offer.
Craft Beer in the Middle of Nowhere?
As I pulled into the parking lot, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of skepticism. This brewery was literally in the middle of nowhere, nestled in a small valley between Española and Taos. Surely, I thought, a place this remote couldn’t possibly be producing quality craft beer. Boy, was I in for a surprise.
The source information revealed that Blue Heron Brewing Co. has been quietly churning out delicious craft beer since 2009, despite its unassuming rural location. With a mere 3-barrel system, this small brewery has managed to cultivate a loyal following among the local community and beyond.
As I stepped through the doors, I was immediately struck by the cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The taproom was filled with a mix of locals and curious travelers, all gathered to enjoy the fruits of this rural brewing labor. And when I took my first sip of the La Llorona Scottish Ale, I understood why.
Crafting More Than Just Beer
It wasn’t just the beer that impressed me, though. What truly set Blue Heron apart was the sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the entire experience. As I sipped my ale, I observed the interaction between the brewer, Jami, and one of the local regulars.
The two of them greeted each other like old friends, and Jami seemed to know exactly what the customer wanted without even asking. This wasn’t just a transaction – it was a genuine connection, a shared appreciation for the art of craft brewing. And it was clear that this kind of relationship was the backbone of Blue Heron’s success.
“These are the kind of patrons that keep the brewery open during the colder, slower months,” Jami explained to me, as he filled the customer’s growlers with his signature Scottish Ale. “And it’s all the visitors passing through or thrill-seeking rafters that bump up business significantly in the warmer months.”
It was a delicate balance, but one that Blue Heron had clearly mastered. By catering to both the local community and the adventurous travelers drawn to the area, this small-but-mighty brewery had carved out a unique niche for itself. And the proof was in the pint glass – or, in this case, the baby growler.
A Diverse Lineup of Craft Delights
As I continued to explore the taproom, I was impressed by the sheer breadth of Blue Heron’s beer selection. With 21 or so different beers in rotation year-round, this brewery was clearly no one-trick pony.
“You can always expect one of the IPAs, usually a Pale Ale, and a dark beer which will most likely be the Scottish Ale,” Jami told me, “lest the locals revolt.”
But beyond those core offerings, the brewery also had an impressive array of seasonal and specialty brews. From a malt-bomb of a Maibock to the delightfully quaffable La Loma Session Ale, there was something to satisfy every craft beer enthusiast’s palate.
And for those who weren’t quite as enamored with hops and malt, Blue Heron had another trick up its sleeve – a winery. That’s right, in addition to their award-winning craft beers, this hidden gem also produced their own line of wines, as well as offering selections from the nearby La Chiripada Winery.
A Truly Local Experience
As I sat back and sipped my beer, taking in the sights and sounds of this rural oasis, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of appreciation for what Blue Heron Brewing Co. had accomplished. In a world where craft beer is often dominated by big-name brands and urban hubs, this small brewery had managed to carve out its own unique identity, rooted firmly in the local community.
“Why you should stop in? Because beer,” Jami had told me, “And they serve it in pints, growlers, and the new baby growlers when you just can’t commit to a full 64 ounces of something delicious.”
But it was more than just the beer that drew people to Blue Heron. It was the sense of authenticity, the feeling that you were experiencing something truly local and genuine. From the live music that filled the taproom several nights a week to the friendly banter between the regulars and the staff, everything about this place oozed a small-town charm that you just can’t find in the big city.
And that, my friends, is what makes Blue Heron Brewing Co. a true hidden gem. It’s a place that reminds us that the best craft beer experiences aren’t just about the liquid in the glass – they’re about the connections, the community, and the sense of discovery that comes with stumbling upon a true local treasure.
So, the next time you find yourself meandering through the canyons of northern New Mexico, be sure to keep an eye out for that small sign that reads “Blue Heron Brewing Co.” Trust me, it’s a discovery you won’t soon forget.
The Up and Under Pub – where we believe that the best craft beer experiences are the ones that take you on a journey, one sip at a time.
