The Week Ahead in Beer—It’s finally fall … no, wait, it’s still summer

Greeting fellow lovers of all things brewed (and by all things brewed, I mean beer)! I am E-Rock and I am here, as I am almost every Monday, to bring you the most current information on music, events, and seasonal beers served up in the Duke City and the surrounding area.

The seasons seem to change slowly in New Mexico. One day I am convinced that autumn has begun, and the next day I catch another taste of summer. Seasonals at local breweries seem to be following the same pattern as the weather. Several local breweries have Oktoberfests and Pumpkin Ales in the works, some breweries have released new batches of summertime friendly pale ales, and a few breweries have introduced new porters to complement the intermittent colder weather. All in all, it is a good time to be a Burque beer drinker. Broken Bottle has a new sunflower seed-flavored, American-style ale called Sol Rosenburg Ale. Chama River is bringing back their Hopslap. Il Vicino is featuring their GABF Pro/Am entry, the Koa Coconut Porter and they brought back their Cascade Pale Ale. La Cumbre is unleashing their Pecos Porter. Marble is introducing Kyle’s Oaked Ale. Nexus has just released their Sandia Watermelon Wheat and Tractor has a new batch of their Otter IPA on tap.

Long time readers of my weekly post will notice that The Week Ahead in Beer now covers Mickey C’s Brewery, located on the northeast corner of Wyoming and Harper/San Antonio inside Sandia Chile Grill. The Brew Crew has also seen encouraging signs that Bosque Brewing Company may be opening their doors soon. We are hoping to head over and do a sneak preview story later this week.

That is just a taste of what is going on in the 505. Continue reading for all the news that is fit to blog for the week of September 17.

E-Rock, left, has uncovered all the beers worth sneaking up on this week.

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: TBA. Still no word on any upcoming new seasonal beers at ABP. There should be a CSI: Beer Unit to investigate mysteries like this.

Back Alley Draft House — 766-6973 (NYPD)

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

Beers: Melia, “Cali Girl” Cherry Wheat, Goathead Stout, Goathead IPA. The Melia tastes like a subtle wheat bear or a saison. The Goathead Stout is Goathead’s first new offering at Back Alley since they opened. This stout has hints of a smoky flavor and lived up to Stoutmeister’s high standards for a good stout.

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: Belgian Mistress, English Brown Smog, C Squared, Naked Euphoria, Utter Insanity, Half Dressed Ale, Charlies Old Red, 3 Way IPA, Matt’s Smoked Ale, Hefe Rojo, Eat Your Oatmeal, Triple Chocolate Stout, Bitter Black. The Belgian Mistress is actually BAB’s dark Belgian that was originally named the European Whore. Needless to say, BAB went with Belgian Mistress because it’s a bit more classy.

News: BAB has added Chef Chris McGinnis to their kitchen, and he is bringing with him a bunch of new specials from Thursdays to Saturdays including New England Clam Chowder, Black Bean Jalapeno Chicken Soup, Greek Salad, and Crispy Chicken Club with Green Chile Aoli.

Events: BAB is hosting their biweekly open mic on Tuesday at 7 p.m. and anyone wearing a football jersey on Sunday at BAB gets their pints at the $3 happy hour price.

Broken Bottle Brewery — 890-8777

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

Beers: Sol Rosenburg Ale, “The Incident” Black IPA. Sol Rosenburg Ale is an American-style ale made with roasted sunflower seeds. According to Broken Bottle, “It’s like being at a baseball game and drinking a beer while chewing on some sunflower seeds. Unique, yet awesome.” Two more seasonals are in the pipeline and if scheduling works out right, the Crew will be trying them first and letting you know just what you’re in for.

Events: BBB has $3 pints all day on Tuesday, and Geeks Who Drink are back at Broken Bottle this Wednesday.

Music: Tues — Kyle Martin 7-9 p.m.

Chama River Brewing Company — 342-1800

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

Beers: Hopslap, El Hefe, Chama Red, Hopricot Pale Ale (only available at the downtown tap room), Big LaBrewski (8.9%). The Hopslap is back on tap. In case the name hasn’t clued you in on it, there are a lot of hops in this beast.

Il Vicino Brewing Canteen — 881-2737

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

Beers: Koa Coconut Porter, Cascade Pale Ale, Dunkle Hefe, Crystalweisen (filtered hefeweisen), Dark Matter (Black) Pilsner, India Pale Ale, Galaxy IPA, Sasquatch Scotch, Saison D’Gaul, Boysenberry Wheat. The Koa Coconut Porter is IV’s GABF Pro/am entry brewed with recipe designer Kyle Baxter. This delicious porter was inspired by Kyle’s years in Hawaii. Members of the Brew Crew had a sneak peek at this beer and we loved it.

News: The Exodus IPA is on tap for Cask Wednesday and the Rye PA will be on cask Saturday. If you haven’t had beer from the cask, Mr. T pities you.

Music: Tues — Schumann & Kinabrew 6-9 p.m., Sun — Boris and Salt Licks (Roots/Americana) 3-6 p.m.

La Cumbre Brewing — 872-0225

(Open every day at noon)

Beers: Pecos Porter, Double IPA, 1/2 Nelson Pale Ale, Fievre D’Abricot (apricot saison), Blanche de Burque (Begian white). The Pecos Porter is a robust porter “featuring a boat-load of British Pale, chocolate, caramel and black malts, this nearly opaque beer is brimming with a nose of milk chocolate and caramel. A good dose of American Centennial hops balance the sweetness of the malts nicely and leaves you with a beer that is a great stepping stone to the colder months without smacking you upside the head with coffee, burnt toast and … alcohol.” This beer is a perfect way to stay cozy during the cooler autumn weather.

News: The Blanche de Burque is almost out, so get it while you still can.

Music: Weds — Chris Dracup 7-10 p.m., Sat — Odd Dog 7-10 p.m.

Marble Brewery — 243-2739

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

Beers: Kyle’s Oaked Ale (8.5% ABV), HBC Brown, India White, Double White, Imperial Red (9.0% ABV), Abbey Darkness (8.8% ABV). Kyles Oaked Ale 
is a brewer’s blend of Imperial Red and Double IPA aged in American oak barrels. Pints are $6.

Events: Marble will host a comedy night Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m., and they will host their annual Septemberfest on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Stoutmeister will be there on assignment.

Music: Weds — Cactus Tractor 6-9 p.m., Thurs — Atomic Balm 8-11 p.m., Fri — The Dregz 8-11:00 p.m., Sat — The Gregg Daigle Band, Red Light Cameras, Alex Maryol 12-6 p.m., The Squash Blossom Boys 8-11 p.m.

Mickey C’s Brewery — 798-1970 (located in Sandia Chile Grill)

(Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun 8 a.m.–6 p.m.)

Beers: Smoked Milk Stout, India Pale Ale, Hefeweizen. Mickey C’s Hefeweisen was brewed with just grains and hops in honor of Oktoberfest. It is much drier and a bit stronger of a beer than their normal honey wheat.

News: Mickey C’s Irish Red will be back on tap next week, and their Amber Ale and Double Pilsner will be on tap in the near future.

Nexus Brewery — 242-4100

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

Beers: Sandia Watermelon Wheat. The Sandia Watermelon Wheat is this first of many seasonal beers made possible by Nexus’ expanded brewing capabilities. Nexus has some of the smoothest and tastiest beers in the state, so I am looking forward to tasting their newest offering.

News: In two weeks, Nexus will once again release their Equinox Spiced (Pumpkin) Brown. My taste buds pine for the change in seasons.

Events: Nexus is introducing new fall specials including $3 pints on Monday and Tuesday, and six of their famous Southern Fried Wings for only $5 on Sunday and Monday. As always, 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 — Washboard Road Band  6 p.m., Sat — Chava & the Paid My Dues Band 6 p.m., Sun — Smooth Jazz, noon

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: Otter IPA, Scotch Ale, Hang Me Out To Dry Cider, Chug Hole Double IPA, “Nut” What You Think Brown Ale. The Otter IPA, made from unfiltered British otter malts, is back on tap at the Nob Hill Tap Room. Those of you who are hanging onto the last vestiges of summer can always find solace in this tasty IPA.

News: La Cumbre’s Elevated IPA is now available in cans at Tractor’s Nob Hill Tap Room. Traktoberfest, Black IPA, Black Lager, and Beer Noir Month are coming soon. Yes, Stoutmeister is more than a little excited for this event.

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: “Dark Knight” Maduro Stout, Hophead Red, Hybrid IPA, Cabo Lager, PNB Brown, Yardsale Amber, 80/80, Red Rye, Hybrid IPA on cask. The Dark Knight Maduro Stout was brewed to coincide with Santa Ana Star Center’s production of Batman Live which will be running from October 17-21. Stay tuned for more information regarding the upcoming collaborative events between TMBC and Santa Ana Star Center.

News: TMBC will be the only local brewery participating in Rio Rancho’s Oktoberfest on Saturday at Hanes Park.

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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

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