The 10th annual New Mexico Brew Fest is in the books. This year’s festival brought it back to where it all began at Villa Hispana in the state fairgrounds. I have attended this festival a few times and I considered myself very lucky that I was able to attend this year. Often a trip, or…
Author: amyotravel
Broken Trail shakes things up with new brewer
My running joke with Matt Simonds, owner of Broken Trail Spirits & Brew, is that at least once a year he has to totally change up some part of the operation. Recently, Matt needed more space at the original location on Stanford for his increased production — especially for contract production of a nationally distributed, canned Moscow…
Science is more fun with the brews and ciders at Beer Lab 101
On July 4, I stopped in to try the beer at Beer Lab 101 at 3301 Southern Blvd. SE in Rio Rancho. Immediately upon walking in, patrons will notice the science theme and the polished tap room. Overall, this is a great addition to the Rio Rancho beer scene, having softly opened in early June…
Adding more enchantment to Enchanted Circle’s Albuquerque taproom
During my brief first visit for one pint during their opening week, I was unable to try any of Enchanted Circle’s food, due to the City of Albuquerque neglecting to supply the green sticker (even though the staff said that the City said they would have it in time for the opening) to the first…
There will soon be more Hops in the Village
Savvy searchers may know that Hops Brewery in Nob Hill is actually incorporated as Los Ranchos Brewing, LLC. There is a good reason for that, as Hops Brewery is finally opening a long-awaited taproom in the Village of Los Ranchos. This is a plan that has been about five years in the making. I tracked…
Going south in a good way on a Southern New Mexico brewery tour
Last September, my other half and I thought a quick overnight road trip was in order. We ventured up north to visit some northern New Mexico breweries we had not been to. At that time, we were trying to decide whether to do a northern or a southern route. The time of year pulled us…
Lava Rock’s own beer begins to flow at long last
I very rarely get to the west side of town, so after an overnight stay at Route 66 Casino Hotel for my birthday, I made a point to quickly swing by Lava Rock Brewing Company at 2200 Unser Blvd. The Crew had heard that they are now brewing their own beer on a full-size brewhouse…
Palmer Brewery continues to grow with an eye on a patio and maybe a taproom
I actually could not believe a year had passed since I last talked to brewer/owner Rob Palmer of Palmer Brewery about the year that was in the annual Look Back/Look Ahead Series. I mean, where the hell did that year go, anyway? But, yes, it was time again, so I corralled the ever-busy Rob and…
Casa Vieja Brewery taps into historic heart of Corrales
Casa Vieja, located on Corrales Road in the heart of Corrales, is just what the name says — a very old house. Established in 1770, it has been many different things over the centuries, including a church and a small hospital. It is best known for its long tradition as a popular fine dining restaurant….
Measured progress is the key at Ale Republic
Driving north on Highway 14 in the east mountains, I immediately noticed a change in front of Ale Republic, my destination for this entry in our annual Look Back/Look Ahead Series. Instead of turning right by the post office into a nondescript entrance, there is now a bright turquoise grain hopper with a brewery sign,…
