Today is Monday and I am E-Rock, which must mean that you are reading my weekly preview of the newest seasonal beers to be offered by Albuquerque-area breweries. The monsoons have hit the 505, which means we have more rain than usual. We also have more red ales and Belgian beers than usual. Turtle Mountain and La Cumbre are both releasing a new whitbiers this week, while Il Vicino is tapping a new saison.  Il Vicino is also bringing back their Irish Red and Red Rye just as Marble is introducing their Red Light Lager and bringing back their Imperial Red. Also new on tap this week are Chama River’s Cold Crush Kolsch and the return of Bad Ass Brewery’s Zombie IPA. Without further ado, here is all the news that is fit to blog for the week of July 8.

To break down each “capsule,” I listed the brewery (with Web page linked), its phone number (all are area code 505, for out-of-state readers) and hours of operation. Under “Beers” are the new or seasonal beers on tap for this week. And for those breweries that play host to musicians, I made sure to list who’s on the week’s set list.

ABQ Brew Pub — 884-1116

(Mon–Thurs 11 a.m.–midnight, Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–midnight)

Beers: Imperial Alien Stout. I’m a downtown guy, but the Imperial Alien Stout is a great reason to head uptown to try something new at the ABQ Brew Pub. (You can also buy it in four-packs at reputable beer-selling establishments. The Professor already did. But draught always beats bottle. — Stoutmeister)

Back Alley Draft House — 766-6973

(Hours 5 p.m.-11 p.m. daily)

Beers: Cherry Wheat, “The Streets” Saison, Goathead Pale Ale. “The Streets” Saison is a sweet Belgian style beer with a touch of hops, and Stoutmeister says the Goathead Pale Ale has a “nice bite with a smooth finish.” Either beer is great to beat the summer heat.

News: New Belgium Lips of Faith Fresh Hop IPA, Ace California Cider, and Stone Old Guardian now on tap.

Bad Ass Brewery — 918-2337

(Mon–Thurs 4 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Fri–Sat 3 p.m.–midnight, Sun noon–8 p.m.)

Beers: 66 Pin Up Porter (Maple Porter), 3-Way IPA, Half Dressed Ale, Double Headed Zombie, C-Squared, English Brown Smog, Big Blue, Utter Insanity, Amber Ale, Matt’s Smoked Ale, Hefe Rojo, Triple Chocolate Stout, Bitter Black, Eat Your Oatmeal, Zombie IPA. B.A.B.’s signature Zombie IPA is back on tap. We may go for a quick pint or a sampler tray before checking out Red Light Cameras and Shoulder Voices next door at Hooligans on Wednesday night.

Broken Bottle Brewery — 890-8777

(Mon–Fri 4 p.m.–midnight, Sat noon–midnight, Sun noon–10 p.m.)

Beers: 12-Step Apricot Ale, Nacho Brau, Fat Willy’s Smoke Stout. The 12-Step Apricot Ale is an Apricot Wheat recently reviewed by several members of the Dark Side Brew Crew. After tasting the 12-Step Apricot Ale, Derek said, “Every sip was a smooth white wheat flavor. Then, as it settles on your palate, you get a back-rush of fresh apricots that stays with you. It’s a really tasty summer beer and I’m looking forward to my next pint.”

News: Geeks Who Drink are back at Broken Bottle this Wednesday. Also, B.B. has petitioned the city to begin selling growlers.

Music: Thurs — Dylan Sneed 7 p.m.

Chama River Brewing Company — 342-1800

(Sun–Thurs 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–midnight)

Beers: Cold Crush Kolsch, India White Ale (60 IBU, 6.3% ABV), Summer Ale (28 IBU, 5.5% ABV), Cascade Pale Ale (47 IBU, 6.1% ABV). Chama River is brings the Cold Crush Kolsch on tap this week. Kolsches tend to be light, but flavorful, summer beers that have been appearing on tap all around town this summer. Now we have the pleasure of sampling Chama River’s take on this style.

Il Vicino Brewing Canteen — 881-2737

(Sun–Thurs noon–10 p.m., Fri–Sat noon–midnight)

Beers: Saison d’Guil, Irish Red, Red Rye, Aztec (Mexican Lager), Raspberry Wheat, Hefeweizen. Il Vicino long awaited Saison d’Guil has made its way to tap this week.

News: The Crystal IPA in on tap for Cask Wednesday. The beer featured on Cask Saturday has not yet been posted, but info on it should be available by Wednesday. You can stop by the Canteen to purchase tickets in advance for the final day (July 28) of the IPA Challenge. Defending champion Il Vicino is playing host to the final round of tasting.

Music: Tues — Wildewood (Roots) 6-9 p.m., Sun — Soul Kitchen duo w/ Chris Dracup & Hillary Smith (Soul/Blues) 3-6 p.m.

La Cumbre Brewing — 872-0225

(Open every day at noon)

Beers: Blanche Burque (Begian White), No, You’re a Dort! (Dortmunder ale), BEER (classic American pilsner), Pale 32 (low gravity ale), Miles from Cologne (Kolsch). No, You’re a Dort! is a full-bodied German-style pale lager that mixes La Cumbre’s penchant for witty beer names with their interest in old world beers. This full bodied Dortmunder is something you don’t want to miss.

News: Check out La Cumbre’s Elevated IPA in cans where better beers are sold.

Music: Weds — The Watermeon Mountain Jug Band 6-9 p.m., Sat — The Cali Shaw Band 7-10 p.m.

Marble Brewery — 243-2739

(Mon–Sat 1 p.m.–midnight, Sun 1 p.m.–10:30 p.m.)

Beers: Red Light Lager, Imperial Red, Rye PA, Double White Ale. I had to opportunity to get a pint of the Red Light Lager this weekend. This tasty lager is smoother than Marble’s regular Red Ale. With less hops, a fruity flavor, and a lower alcohol content (4.2% ABV), this is very drinkable beer for long summer days.

Music: Weds — Next Three Miles 5-7 p.m., Felix y Los Gatos 7-10 p.m., Thurs — Eric From Philly 8-11 p.m., Fri — The Dregz 8-11 p.m., Sat —  RJ Perez Trio and Seth Hoffman Acoustic 12-3 p.m., Rumelia 8-11 p.m.

Nexus Brewery — 242-4100

(Mon–Thurs 2 p.m.–10 p.m., Fri–Sun 11 a.m.–midnight)

Beers: Brown Ale, Imperial Cream Ale, Beam Me Up Scottish. When it comes to smooth beers, no one beats Nexus Brewery, and Brown Ale, Imperial Cream, and Scottish are perfect examples.

News: Nexus plays host to the Young, Dumb, and Full of Comedy open mic on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Sunroom.

Music: Thurs — Scooter Rally 6 p.m., Sat — Casualz 6 p.m., Sun —  Smooth Jazz Sundays noon, Shirlette Weathersby 2 p.m.

Tractor Brewing Company — 433-5654 (Nob Hill Tap Room)

(The tap room opens most days around 3 p.m. and stays open as late as 2 a.m.; it opens earlier on weekends)

Beers: Belgian Saisson, Belgian White, Barnstorm, Apple Cider. For those who find Belgian beers to be a little too sweet, the Belgian Saisson may be the beer for you. The Saisson is tasty, refreshing, and not overpowering. It makes for a great summer beer.

News: Tractor will be rotating beers soon, so look for the return of the Mustachio Milk Stout and other great seasonals in the near future!

Turtle Mountain Brewing Company — 994-9497

(Kitchen hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.)

Beers: Witbeir, Hybrid IPA, PNB Brown, Hop Duster IPA, Oatmeal IPA, Maibock, Big Toe Barleywine, Hop Duster on cask. Also, be sure to check out the Brewer’s Specials: the Maibock and the Big Toe Barleywine. At least three of the Crew will be out in Rio Rancho this Thursday night. Join us if you can!

News: TMBC is now hosting the 2009 Sierra Nevada Barley Wine as a guest tap. Congratulations to TMBC for another successful Pork N’ Brew Festival.

* * * *

That’s all for this week! If you have any questions or comments, leave them below or contact us on our Facebook page.

Cheers!

— E-Rock