Beer Run Blog

A New Friend

There's always a certain joy when I arrive in one of my favorite beer-stocked liquor stores, kind of like the Spring Training fan just happy to see all the players on the field again. But there was an extra joy tonight, as I popped into my favorite store and found the shelves now stocked with Farmer's Friend.

Farmer's Friend, for those of you unfamiliar with the brand, is a malty caramel Irish-style ale from the beer mecca of Palisade. Previously one of those hidden joys I was only able to find when I was visiting a friend who lived in Montrose (who has since moved, making the joy temporarily unattainable), Farmer's Friend began statewide distribution just about two weeks ago, the clerk informed me. A number of beers from Palisade Brewery, in fact, can be found on the shelves of better liquor stores now, adding one more arrow to the Colorado beer aficionado's quiver. This one is a special one to me, though.

A good Irish beer is what a good friend should be - constant, loyal, just what you need at the right time. This amber-hued creation doesn't dazzle you with a new taste or with loads of malt; it just gives you a full mouth of flavor when you really want it. Perfect for sipping on cold nights or mixing with food - I just had it with a stir fry that it complemented without overpowering - it's a beer that's just there, all quality and no frills laid out for you. And that's cool.

Any other Farmer's Friend fans out there? Or does anyone else know of other Western Slope creations that need to be brought to the Front Range?