Las Cruces is the second largest city in New Mexico, but for years, its craft beer scene was far behind Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and even some smaller towns. There was High Desert Brewing, which had followed in the footsteps of O’Ryan’s Tavern (closed in 2000), and the Pecan Grill was contract brewing with Sierra Blanca,…
Author: Stoutmeister
Former sports writer in Tucson, LA, and Burque. Now I write about craft beer, which is a totally reasonable way to support my hobby of spending afternoons and evenings indulging in the finest stouts, lagers, and more.
Senator Heinrich takes time to discuss the big issues with NM Brewers Guild
Senator Martin Heinrich was in Albuquerque last week, and representatives of the New Mexico Brewers Guild were able to set up a meeting with him to talk all things craft beer in regards to the federal government. Tractor Brewing co-owner/president Skye Devore spearheaded the event, which was held inside the brewery at Wells Park. The…
ABQ Beer Week: Day Eleven puts a wrap on the whole darned thing
Well, this is it. Eleven days of fun have come down to one final day’s worth of events. The final slate includes a sold-out golf tournament, a breakfast special, a brunch, an anniversary party, a celebration of casks, a unique charity drive, and one final sensory experience to close it all out. Thanks for being…
ABQ Beer Week: Day Ten kicks into high gear all around town
Ah, it’s the big day. No, not about beer, though there’s plenty of that, but it’s the Champions League final today at 1 p.m. We’re all rooting for Tottenham to upset Liverpool, but no matter the outcome, it should be a fun finale for the European soccer season. For all the non-soccer fans out there,…
Our Metal Mayor shows his support for the local craft beer scene
Sometimes, to get what you want, it really is all about who you know. In our case, we just needed long-time friend-of-the-Crew Carlos Contreras’ help to land an interview with Mayor Tim Keller. After a careful negotiation of our schedules (mainly his), we were able to sit down with our Metal Mayor over a pint…
ABQ Beer Week: Day Nine finds Ex Novo making its way to Nob Hill
The final weekend begins with a selection of eight events spread across town. Ex Novo fans who haven’t made the trek to Corrales can try the beers at Nob Hill Bar & Grill. M’tucci’s fans who don’t want to cross the river can try some pairings at Dialogue. There are additional beer-and-food pairings with Marble…
ABQ Beer Week: Day Eight is great when breweries collaborate
First, we are terribly sorry for that rhyming headline, but, we could not resist. Moving on … As we inch closer to the second and final weekend of Beer Week, the number of events takes a jump today. There are two beer dinners on opposite sides of town, a special collaboration beer release from two…
The Week Ahead in Beer: Dialogue holds a grand re-opening
Greetings, New Mexico craft beer lovers. Stoutmeister here with The Week Ahead in Beer. This column covers all the breweries in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties, with Santa Fe’s seven breweries, one in Los Alamos, one in Moriarty, one in Red River, and one in Truth or Consequences also joining the party. Dialogue Brewing won’t turn…
ABQ Beer Week: Day Seven unleashes a Rebel (Donut) yell
As we move into the second half of Beer Week, variety is the spice of life. Today’s events include the original beer-and-donut pairing, a special sampling/tasting, a tap takeover, a beer dinner, some beer trivia, and a special educational lecture. Add it all up and there should be something for everyone. Featured Event Every day…
Blue Grasshopper quietly opens new taproom in Wells Park
Over the weekend, the Crew was made aware that Blue Grasshopper had opened its third location down in the Wells Park neighborhood. This will eventually be home to their brewing operation, replacing the small space at the original taproom in Rio Rancho. Located at Summer and Second Street (specifically 1401 Second NW), we took a…
