When we wrote our story about Boxing Bear closing their Corrales taproom, we made the request for people to share their thoughts and favorite memories. If we got enough responses, we wrote, we would put them together in a story and share them with everyone.

Well, you all came through, and here are your views on the end of an era on the Westside. All but one were taken from Facebook.

Friend of the Crew (and emeritus member) Kristin Elliott: “Boxing Bear was the first place I met the resplendent Adam Auden. We went on to dominate their trivia nights on more than one occasion.”

Luke Donaldson: “Living in Rio Rancho at the time I was very excited to get another brewery us westsiders could call our own. I was there opening day and every anniversary party (with numerous visits in between) until I moved away. Fantastic spot and fantastic beer!”

Lisa Garcia: “So sad! I knew it was a matter of time they left to the east side. Will always enjoy an uppercut, however east side is to far. Question the places that close original locations, nothing is better than the original.”

Susan Shellenberger: “This was one of the first places I took my partner when he first moved here in 2018. I have fond memories of us enjoying the great beer and food! (He loves the chocolate stout). It was a great location, but I understand needing a space that is more convenient for conducting business. Keep up the good work and we will see you soon! XO”

Lindsey Wityak: “Our favorite Sunday funday spot.”

Vicente Quevedo (via email): “What up NM Darkside Brew Crew,
“Always appreciate the hard work you put in keeping all of us informed of what the latest and greatest is on the NM / Burque brew scene. Very saddened to hear that the Boxing Bear Corrales Tap Room will be closing. 
“My fondest memories of that spot were when a few of my co-workers and I started getting into road biking. We would put in some serious high mileage rides during the week and then on Saturdays or Sundays we would do a bike and brew bike tour here and there to have some fun. 
“Most of us lived near the Central and Tingley area, so we would start at the trailhead and work our way north and then east to the diversion channel. Boxing Bear was always our first stop on the tour and we loved cooling off for a bit with a pint and enjoying all of the new brews that Boxing Bear was releasing. Food wasn’t half bad either (I still miss the sandwich press, LOL). 
“All in all, it was the perfect place to fuel up and keep the good times on the trail going. Cheers to a good run, I will have to check out the other two locations on the east side of town soon.”

Steel Bender co-owner/marketing director Shelby Chant: “So many memories, milestones, and friendships made here.
“So much of SBB was designed there (and at Chama), we aspired to have the same wonderful staff (many of whom have become dear friends), our first interview with for SBB with Chris/NM Dark Side Brew Crew happened right there, exactly where I wanted to be with my colleagues as I said good-bye to 17 years at Rio to move (and) join the family to open SBB, exactly where I wanted to be when I tore my achilles, the first brewery and festival our pups ever went to….
“The list goes on…the OG BB will always be special to us.”

Thanks, everyone. If you have thoughts you would like to share, we will keep adding to this post. Leave your comments on social media, DM us, or send us an email at nmdarksidebrewcrew@gmail.com.

And, of course, we will see many of you this weekend to send the taproom out with a bang.

Keep supporting local!

— Stoutmeister

UPDATE: Bonus photo below from Keith Vinson! Everyone, meet Titan.