There has always been a sense of fun when it comes to Quarter Celtic. Long ago, in the before (COVID) times, the brewpub would post funny videos, come up with clever beer names, and just keep everything light and cheerful. Then came the pandemic, which got so rough that at one point, the Quarter Celtic…
Category: Look Back/Look Ahead Series 2021-22
Lizard Tail tries to stay optimistic while facing ‘brutal’ reality of growing pains
The last time we checked in with Lizard Tail Brewing, things were looking up after the brewery purchased and revamped the former Cantero Brewing, had plans to open multiple taprooms from Nob Hill to Four Hills to Mesa Del Sol, and was even ready to start canning and distributing beers. When I caught up with…
Brew Lab 101 survives and thrives as it expands its footprint inside and out
There is growth afoot over at Brew Lab 101 in Rio Rancho, even if most folks cannot see it yet. The brewery has expanded one suite over to help alleviate storage concerns, there are plans to expand the back patio, and a possible increase in distribution is on deck for the rest of 2022. I…
Bathtub Row Brewing survives and thrives during the pandemic
Well, 2021 is gone, and many would say good riddance. The COVID vaccines arrived and brought us a bit of a return to normality, but even still, COVID continued to affect businesses and consumers. But, for Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op, 2021 wasn’t that bad, and 2022 is shaping up to be even bigger and better….
Flix Brewhouse hits accelerator as it finally gets the opportunity to reopen
Will Moorman is a patient man. At least, that is what we figured after the head brewer at Flix Brewhouse had to wait a very, very long time to resume doing what he loves compared to others whose breweries were shut down for only a few months or weeks during the pandemic. Flix, in contrast,…
Beer Creek Brewing ready to expand into the heart of Santa Fe
While 2021 has been a rough one for many breweries around New Mexico, Beer Creek has managed to come off of one of their best years yet. And, while they’d like nothing more than to take a breather, 2022 will absolutely not be the year they slow down. With the Pandemic all but halting their…
High and Dry celebrates 4 years of beer as it prepares to open a 2nd location
When High and Dry opened in February 2018, no one would have expected that four years later, a global pandemic would make up half of its existence. “The last two years is a blur, that’s for sure,” said co-owner/head brewer Andrew Kalemba. “It’s weird to reflect back on.” As their four-year anniversary approaches, what better…
Gravity Bound Brewing deepens their roots in the Albuquerque community
Even though they are still a few months shy of their second anniversary, Gravity Bound Brewing has already made a noticeable impact on the New Mexico beer scene, as well as the community around us. We checked in with co-owner/head brewer Cameron Frigon over email to see what they’ve been up to, and have planned…
Rio Bravo readies a rebrand as part of an ongoing return to normalcy in 2022
The good folks at Rio Bravo Brewing had already given me a list of possible interview times for our Look Back/Look Ahead Series when I learned that their newest limited beer release, Putin’s Mistress (Rum-Barrel-Aged Coffee Imperial Stout), was due out right in between those possible dates. Luckily, director of brewing operations Austin Giorgetta also…
Kaktus Brewing overcomes numerous obstacles to post its best year to date
There has always been a general sense of optimism that permeates just about every aspect of Kaktus Brewing in Bernalillo. Even amidst all the challenges of 2021, the staff there was still happy to report it was a positive year, as we learned in our latest Look Back/Look Ahead Series entry. I sat down with…
DARK SIDE BREW CREW 