Our previews for ABQ Beer Week continue with a few special events from Colorado’s Upslope Brewing. Many of us have tried Upslope now since they’ve been available in New Mexico for a couple years, so we know they make good, solid beer. Well, for those who second that notion, and for those who aren’t yet in the know, there will be plenty of opportunities check out Upslope’s offerings during ABQ’s huge annual 11-day ode to craft beer.

During ABQ Beer Week, there will be many events ranging from charcuterie pairings and special releases, to tap takeovers and full-on beer dinners. As for Upslope, there will be a total of 11 events, that’s right, 11, with five at the three M’tucci’s locations alone. According to Southern Colorado/New Mexico Market Manager (and old friend of the Crew), Antal Maurer, this represents the unique partnerships that each M’tucci’s locations have with Upslope and with craft beer in general. Antal said he gives most of the credit to general manager Austin Leard.

“He possesses a remarkable passion for craft,” Antal said.

On Thursday, the first day of Beer Week, Upslope will be kicking things off with a specialty tapping of their Tap Room Series Champagne Saison, brewed with Nelson Sauvin hops. This will take place at the new M’tucci’s Moderno in Rio Rancho.

“This bright, bubbly beer is a great match with happy hour specials and menu staples like the wild mushroom soup,” Antal said.

That same day, Upslope will be tapping five different beers at the original M’tucci’s at Coors and Montano.

“(These beers) represent much of our core lineup as well as a couple specialties, which you’ll just have to come out to discover,” Antal said. “The bar environment at this location is much like our portfolio of beer — unpretentious, accessible, and a great way to start a conversation with someone you may not know.”

No stranger to our local craft beer industry, Antal is all about pushing the boundaries of ABQ Beer Week by getting people from outlying areas involved, such Rio Rancho and even Bernalillo, which is where Upslope will be doing a Mountain Man-themed beer dinner at Freight House on June 1. Local musician Keith Sanchez will be playing at 7 p.m.

The Upslope ABQ Beer Week experience all culminates with the “End of Beer Week Brunch” on Sunday, June 4, at the original M’tucci’s, featuring beer cocktails by the one and only Amanda Romero.

So if you’re a fan of Upslope, or, if you haven’t really tried any of their beers yet, then I suggest you catch any one of these events. You’ll probably run into me, or even the man, the myth, the legend Antal himself. Special thanks to Antal for responding to my questions, even while he was on vacation. Hope your lady forgives you for working at the beach! (We owe you a beer, Nicole. — S)

We hope you all can join us for at least one or two of the many events from our great local and regional independent breweries during ABQ Beer Week. Prepare yourselves, my friends. Get your favorite Uber or Lyft driver some flowers in advance. Get thee ready for a week of madness! Hell, I’m preparing for the complete avalanche coming from just Upslope. See you at the rail!

Cheers!

— Luke

Upslope Full List of Events

Thursday

Upslope Brewing Co Special Release Tapping and Beer Week Kickoff at M’tucci’s Moderno

Join us for Happy Hour at the newest M’tucci’s location with beer and food specials and a specialty tapping of an Upslope beer you won’t find anywhere else.

4 p.m.–7 p.m., M’tucci’s Moderno, 1908 Wellspring Ave. SE, Rio Rancho

Upslope Brewing Co Beer Week Tap Takeover at M’tucci’s Italian

Join Upslope Brewing and M’tucci’s Italian for a special beer week tap takeover featuring rare beers and lots of giveaways!

6 p.m.–10 p.m., M’tucci’s Italian, 6001 Winter Haven Road NW, Albuquerque

Friday

Upslope Brewing Co Presents: Loteria at Monroe’s with Prizes

Join Monroe’s and Upslope for a night of Loteria (Mexican Bingo) around the legendary counter at the Lomas location. Play Loteria for prizes and indulge in wonderful New Mexican cuisine paired with delicious Craft Lager.

5 p.m.–7 p.m., Monroe’s, 1520 Lomas Blvd. NW

Saturday

Candemonium Charcuterie with Upslope Brewing Co. at M’tucci’s Italian

“Another notable M’tucci’s/Upslope event includes our can/charcuterie pairing at M’tucci’s Deli on Saturday. It’s a great way to start a day of beer events!” — Antal Maurer

11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Family Style Dinner Featuring Upslope Brewing Company at Eclectic Urban Pizzeria and Tap House

Join Eclectic Urban Pizzeria and Upslope Brewing Company for a night of live music, wonderful food and craft beer. $25 gets you a seat at the table where you will enjoy a family-style meal and the best of Upslope Brewing Company beers. Music by Anna Rudolph.

For more info please visit: www.eatdrinkrepeat.us/

7–10 p.m., Eclectic Urban Pizzeria and Tap House, 2119 Menaul Blvd. NE

Tuesday

Upslope Brewing Co. Canarchy at Taco Tuesday at Sister

Join Upslope Brewing Company for complete and utter CANARCHY as we take over taco Tuesday with Citra Pale Ale and TACOS!!

4–7 p.m., Sister, 407 Central Ave. NW

Wednesday, May 31

Early 90’s Night at The Grain Station with Upslope Brewing Co

Relive the 90’s with all the classic hits spun by live DJ’s, a costume contest with prizes for the top three costumes, and cold Upslope brews on tap! For more info please visit: facebook.com/thegrainstation/

5–9 p.m., The Grain Station, 2004 Central Ave. SE

Thursday, June 1

Upslope Brewing Co Beer Dinner at Freight House Kitchen + Tap

Join us at Freight House Kitchen + Tap for a special Beer Week Beer Dinner featuring Upslope Brewing Company and a delicious menu by Chef Matt Schnooberger. For more info please visit: http://www.fr8house.com/

6:30–9 p.m., The Freight House, 200 South Camino Del Pueblo, Bernalillo

Friday, June 2

Upslope Rochambeau Tournament and Pint Night at Rock & Brews

Join Upslope and Rock & Brews for a Rochambeau Tournament for the ages. Free entry and prizes for top five finishers. Flex those rocks, papers, and scissors and enjoy some special beers on tap.

5–9 p.m., Rock & Brews, 4800 Montgomery Blvd. NE

Saturday, June 3

Upslope Brewing Co Beer Dinner at M’tucci’s Market and Deli

Join the representative from Upslope Brewing Co. for a Beer Dinner at M’tucci’s Market and Deli. For more reservations and more info please visit http://www.mtuccis.com.

7–10 p.m.

Sunday, June 4

End of Beer Week Brunch at M’tucci’s Italian with Upslope Brewing Co.

Celebrate the end of ABQ Beer Wee 2017 with Upslope Brewing Co and their F#$% Beer Week Brunch! For more information please visit the official website.

11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Also, if I’ve forgotten any Upslope events. Well, there were a lot. Just chime in, in the comments.

 

Luke lives, writes, and drinks beer in both Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Feel free to contact him about story ideas or send generally flattering emails to santafeluke@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @SantaFeCraftBro!