TASTE OF THE BIG BEND

5

3

2

    It may be remote out here in West Texas, but it's far from barren. And the following brewers, roasters, and farmers are proving it. This is an arts publication, and we believe these men and women are practicing an art form of the highest level by creating some of the best food and drink in the Big Bend Region.

1 / BIG BEND BREWERY
    The Big Bend Brewery cares about two things: beer and you, the person drinking it. If you don't feel special yet, you should, because they brew the best beer in West Texas.
    The Big Bend Brewery was founded by Steve Anderson, an iconic figure in the world of Texas craft beer. After 32 years of making his mark in Austin, Texas, Steve packed up and moved to Alpine. And we're glad he did.
    Their commitment to craftsmanship and only the finest ingredients results in a brew that can't be described as just another beer. One sip is all it takes to remind you what's so satisfying about the fiss pop of opening a beer this good after a long day.

    If you don't try some while you're out here, shame on you. Visit their website bigbendbrewing.com to find out where to buy some for yourself.

4

2 / Mesa Vineyards
    When you think of fine wine, you might visualize French Villas, ancient oak barrels, or perhaps the California coastline. You probably didn't think of West Texas, but you will after tasting some of the wine Mesa Vineyard's been crafting in deserts.
Mesa Vineyards is located about 30 miles east of Fort Stockton, Texas, in the Escondido Valley, which has a surprisingly ideal grape growing climate. The founders planted their first vines in 1981 and haven't stopped since. Now, 25 years later, they have over 500 acres and the largest vineyard in Texas.
The temperate climate has helped enable some of their success. The bright West Texas sun nourishes the vines by day, and the gentle drop in temperature at night causes the grapes to mature at a slower-than-normal rate and produce a greater variety of flavors and achieve an exquisite balance.  
The vineyard also utilizes the mineral rich topsoil and excellent natural drainage. These topographical features allow the wine makers to precisely measure the water intake of individual vines, which increases the quality and abundance of grapes they produce.
You can't tour Mesa Vineyards but you can, and should, visit their tasting room at The Grey Mule Saloon in Fort Stockton.  Drop in to taste a wide variety of their offerings, purchase wine, including their famous Ste. Genevieve, and learn more about the joys and travails of grape growing. The historic saloon at 101 E. Callaghan in Fort Stockton is open Wednesday - Saturday from 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm and closed Monday - Tuesday.  
    For more information visit SteGenWines.com. You can also call (432) 336-9463 with any questions about special appointments.

3 / Big bend COFFEE
    Joe Williams, the founder of Big Bend Coffee Roasters, likes his coffee smooth. "I don't want my espressos bitter," he said. Which is why the company manually roasts their beans to have low acidity for a smooth, flavorful cup.
    Big Bend Coffee Roaster's advertising is almost exclusively word of mouth between satisfied customers. If you're a coffee drinker, it's impossible to live in the Big Bend region and not have a cup brewed with beans from BBCR. Their 100% organic and fair trade coffee can be found at almost any retailer in the region. But it didn't take long for their beans to impress more than the locals.
    "Marfa is the best exposure," explained Williams. Visitors from all over the country filter through Marfa and the region every year, taste the coffee, and want to take it back to wherever they came from.
    Even though Big Bend Coffee Roasters ships beans around the country, they are heavily involved in their own community through their give back programs. The staff selects different types of coffee and donates a percentage of its sales to a variety of community organizations.
     Big Bend Coffee Roaster's is bound to impress you with their exceptional coffee. Try some when you're in the region and arrange a tour of their Marfa roasting facility, or check out their website bigbendcoffee.com for shipping and wholesale information.

1

4 / FORT DAVIS NUTS
    Gus and David Billing started The Fort Davis Nut Company in their home kitchen over 17 years ago. Today, they're still hand making what they claim to be the best tasting pecans in the world (they'll send you samples to prove it).
    The Billing's pecans are unique. Marinating the pecans in different syrups before any roasting occurs creates a delicious flavor you won't find anywhere else. After roasting, the brothers lightly coat small batches of pecans with one of their signature toppings. This process of moderation prevents the nuts from being drowned in excessive flavoring, and preserves the taste and texture of the original nut.
    Cinnamon, Chocolate, Key-Lime, and their original Vanilla-Almond are just some of the addicting options available. Visit their website allpecans.com to get your mouth watering sample, and be sure to stop by their retail store when you're in Fort Davis.
    The Fort Davis Nut Company is open Monday - Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

5 / GOAT CHEESE
    Several years ago Malinda Beeman and Allan McClane started the Marfa Maid Dairy and began producing delicious goat cheese. All the milk comes from goats they raise themselves to make aged and semi-soft cheeses.
    Cheese making classes are available at the dairy. In a day-long class, you could learn to make several types of cheese from different kinds of milk. After your hard work, there's a cheese tasting.
    For more information about their dairy and cheese, or for a schedule of upcoming classes, email marfamaid.dairy@gmail.com, visit their website marfamaid.com, or call (432) 729-3987.

- David Stephens