We had a feeling that the second round of the New Mexico IPA Challenge would have some surprises, and boy, were we proven right.

Held at Public House 28 Brewery between Las Cruces and Anthony, this round was dominated by a nearby brewery, as Icebox racked up a round-best 20 votes after getting just one vote last weekend in Santa Fe.

Bosque Brewing, however, added another 11 to its total, giving it 30 to still remain out in front of the field of 16 competitors. Icebox now moves into second place, while Bow & Arrow (19 total) sits in third.

Some of the breweries that did well at Bosque’s The Drinkery in the first round did not fare as well with the palates of the folks in Southern New Mexico. Hidden Mountain went from 13 votes to one, Flix Brewhouse went from 12 to three, and Steel Bender went from 11 to three.

Of course, there were fewer votes cast, with 86 in the second round, down from 134. Still, all things considered, it was a solid showing by hopheads down south, so hats off to everyone down there who braved the scorching heat and trekked out to Public House 28.

The final round of the IPA Challenge will take place at Flix Brewhouse next Saturday, July 29, with three sessions at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. We highly recommend buying your tickets in advance as it almost always sells out long before the day of the event.

Keep supporting local!

— Stoutmeister