Downshift does Oktoberfest just right for Ruidoso and everyone else

After having gone to the original Oktoberfest in Munich last year, one might think any festival of that type in New Mexico could not possibly live up to that experience for the Crew. Well, yeah, nothing comes close to that event in sheer size, but that does not mean the Crew cannot be impressed. And,…

Oktoberfest in the mountains called and the Crew answered

After missing out last year, albeit for a very good reason, the Dark Side Brew Crew is descending upon Ruidoso for their epic Oktoberfest celebration at Downshift Brewing Riverside on Saturday. Oh, that reason was because we were at the OG Oktoberfest in Munich last year, but you’ve already heard us gloat about that plenty…

FMV Brewing taps their first in-house ale

Sometimes, the algorithm is still good. True, not that often anymore, but last week social media managed to alert us to the fact that FMV Brewing quietly tapped their first beer. The brewery has been open for a while now at 2500 Yale Blvd SE (pro tip: if you are driving south on Yale, do…

Sidetrack rides to the top at the first New Mexico Craft Beer Awards

This past Friday, after the annual New Mexico Brewers Guild Technical Conference wrapped up at CNM, the attendees trekked over to nearby Flock of Moons for a special ceremony. For the first time, the Guild organized the New Mexico Craft Beer Awards, giving the local professionals and other certified judges a chance to vote and…

Santa Fe Brewing expands south with new Las Cruces taproom

Santa Fe Brewing Company has always had a solid presence in the southern New Mexico market, with their sales extending all the way into neighboring El Paso. But so far, that’s only been in package form. This fall, New Mexico’s oldest brewery will plant their flag in Las Cruces with a new taproom set in…

Carlsbad brewery plans to move into familiar location in Clovis

A little while ago, we noted that while there has been zero moves by any Albuquerque area brewery in terms of adding a taproom, Open Space Brewing in Santa Clara was adding a taproom in nearby Silver City. Well, this week, Carlsbad’s Guadalupe Mountain Brewing decided to join in on the fun, announcing that they…