Just a couple items this Friday, and then we promise some more in-depth (re: we got off the couch) stories are coming next week.

First up, the second round of the 2023 New Mexico IPA Challenge is set for Saturday at the southernmost brewery in the state, Public House 28. Located on its namesake Highway 28, which runs parallel to I-10 on the west side of the Rio Grande, this relatively new brewery stepped up to host this year and make sure that Southern NM gets to take part.

We checked in with the folks down there and they said there are no road construction sites or anything that will impede getting to the brewery. There are a few options to get there for hopheads traveling south or coming up north from El Paso.

Option 1: For those in Las Cruces, hop on Avenida de Mesilla and just head on south. That is Highway 28. It’s a long but scenic drive through farmland and vineyards. The brewery is located at 10092 NM-28, about 19 miles south of the central plaza in Mesilla.

Option 2: For those coming down I-25, you will eventually merge onto I-10 and continue south. Hop off the freeway at Exit 155 and go west on NM-227/W. Vado Dr. Take a quick left at W. Holguin Rd., which will then connect you with NM-189. Continue west across the Rio Grande until the road meets up with Highway 28. Then turn left and go south for 4.5 miles. The brewery will be on your left.

Option 3: For those coming north from El Paso, you can either follow the directions there in Option 2, or get off I-10 at Exit 162 and turn west on NM-404/Ohara Rd. Just stay on that all the way until it ends at Highway 28 west of the river. Then turn right and head north to the brewery. You could also take the long way up from Canutillo if you would prefer to avoid the freeway at all costs.

As for the round itself, it will be the same format as always. Running from 2 to 4 p.m., you will get a tray of 16 IPAs that are randomly numbered (they will not be the same numbers as the first round). Try ’em all, pick your favorite, and wait for the votes to be counted. Tickets are available online and we always suggest getting those in advance.

Bosque Brewing jumped out to the early lead in Santa Fe last Saturday with 19 votes, followed by Hidden Mountain with 13 and Flix Brewhouse with 12. What will happen in this round? Chaos, probably, since hopheads in Southern NM often have wildly different palates than those in the northern and central parts of the state. In our experience, they tend to prefer sweeter hazy IPAs over anything West Coast or bitter. We could see some very different voting patterns.

Then again, Bosque has two successful taprooms in Las Cruces, so they seem pretty dialed into what folks want in that part of the state. It would not surprise us if they keep their lead, or even increase it, prior to the final round at Flix on July 29.

Boxing Bear celebrates its anniversary at OG location

It’s been a heck of a nine-year run for Boxing Bear, and this Saturday there will be some celebrating at the original location at Corrales and Alameda.

The 9th Anniversary IPA (7.6% ABV, 60 IBU) is already on tap at all four locations, so you can enjoy that a day early, if you have not already. As for the shindig, Antojitos Dona Feliz food truck will be serving from 2 to 9 p.m., while Lani Nash will provide the music from 6 to 9 p.m.

There will also be an appearance by Cross My Paws animal rescue from 2 to 5, hosting an adoption event with dogs and puppies available.

So get on out there and have a grand time, and maybe even find a new best friend to take home.

As always, if you have any New Mexico craft beer news to share, DM us on any of our social media sites, or email us at nmdarksidebrewcrew@gmail.com.

Keep supporting local!

— Stoutmeister