This is the first of what we hope will become a weekly feature in which all the members of the Crew try to figure out what they are doing for the upcoming weekend, beer-wise.

We hope to inspire others to set forth and explore our local breweries, or in some cases those locations outside the ABQ metro area. We will also use this forum as a way to discuss trips to local liquor stores in search of special beers or our home-brewing efforts or just about anything and everything that could (or should) involve the joy of beer.

And who knows, maybe one or more of us will inspire those who don’t have a good beer-plan among the Crew. This is a collaborative Web site, after all.

Stoutmeister: My other writing gig, covering sports for the Albuquerque Journal, will keep me from making any concrete plans, beer-wise. The high school basketball state tournament kicks off with the girls’ first round on Friday night and the boys on Saturday. I will almost certainly make my usual late-night, post-game/writing stop at Tractor for a pint or two. Beyond that, I am working on a post on the breweries in New Mexico outside Albuquerque and keeping an eye out for any other stories that pop up (like the far overdue debut of Tractor’s Mustachio Milk Stout). If you happen to be at Tractor late Friday or Saturday and spot my bearded mug downing a frothy mug of goodness, stop by, say hello, tell me how much you love the blog (or go ahead and be critical, I can take it), and maybe I’ll be a nice guy and buy your next pint. Just don’t bring your 27 best friends along hoping they can get one, too. The Journal doesn’t pay me that much.

E-Rock: I have a busy weekend that will leave very little time to get a good beer during the day.  Luckily, there is my old standby, Tractor’s taproom in Nob Hill.  Since it is a taproom, it will be open after midnight.  As a bonus, the late-night drinking crowd starts to lighten a bit leaving more time available for Albuquerque’s friendliest brewery waitstaff to socialize in between serving drinks.  After a long day, Tractor is like Cheers and I get to play the part of Norm.  I will mostly likely start off with the most recent batch of the black I.P.A. and then grab another seasonal to go with what is sure to be some deliciously crazy meals created by one of the resident food trucks.

Franz Solo: I plan on picking up a bomber or three of some crazy sounding brews from out of state. It is a particular love of mine, and a supreme passion for filling a large stein with an unknown but delicious liquid.  I may also head by the IV taproom on my way home from work as it has been too long since my last visit.  Otherwise, I plan on getting outdoors, getting out of town and going for a hike, maybe with a growler on my back for refreshment.

Shilling: Poor Shilling had a rough week at work and did not have time to share his plans. If somebody sees him out and about, buy the man a beer. He will appreciate it.

Cryptogrind: This weekend will afford me little time to indulge, as I will certainly be in attendance at the National Fiery Foods & Barbeque show this weekend, partaking in numerous sauces that will be sure to leave in an endorphin-induced stupor!  Plus I do have my batch of ESB to tend to, it should be ready for secondary fermentation by Sunday… I’ll save further details on that for the Brewology articles though.  Though I will be busy, I feel it is my civic duty as a beer drinker to indulge in a pint or two … which means La Cumbre is probably in the cards for me!  Say hi if you see me out there and let’s raise a glass!

Enjoy your weekend, may it be filled with delicious beer, but as always, make sure you don’t combine that with getting behind the wheel. Stay safe and have fun!

Cheers!

— The NMDSBC