Why we will not officially report on that big rumor (yet)

The news, if one can call it that, broke on Friday. It spread like wildfire across Reddit and Facebook, consuming all the oxygen in Albuquerque’s little corner of the craft beer world. We got emails, direct messages, texts, you name it. All asking the same thing about the big, maybe biggest rumor to hit craft…

Rounding up all the Balloon Fiesta-themed events at local breweries

As we promised in our tourist guide to local breweries, here is a quick roundup of all the specifically balloon-themed events going on over the next week-plus in the Albuquerque area. First up, Steel Bender is again hosting Balloons & Brews, which will run every day from 7 to 10 a.m. The setup is pretty…

2024 Balloon Fiesta tourist guide to local craft breweries

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is back in town starting this Saturday and running through the following weekend. This is the biggest annual tourism draw in Albuquerque, and while we realize this means the restaurants will be packed and the roads will be clogged, we recognize the massive economic impact it provides to the metro…

Downshift doubles down for Ruidoso with Collective Good and Oktoberfest

Every town, particularly those affected by natural disasters, needs a champion or two. Ruidoso has an entire brewery dedicated to its recovery after wildfires and subsequent flooding hammered the town over the course of this summer. Downshift Brewing is far from done, however, as that process continues for their surrounding community. We caught up with…

Tractor Brewing reflects on 25 years and preps for one big celebration

Tractor Brewing never really needs an excuse to throw a big party. It’s kinda their thing. But, when it comes to celebrating 25 years in business, the party also comes with plenty of reflection of just what a quarter-century worth of Tractor means. We sat down with co-owner/brewmaster David Hargis and events and marketing director…

The Week Ahead in Beer: Honoring the rescuers with 2 separate fests

The mountain rescuers get their moment in the sun, so to speak, at a pair of brewery events this week, split between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. First up, Rescuefest is at Second Street Rufina starting at 2 p.m. This fundraiser supports Atalaya Search and Rescue, which operates in the mountains around Santa Fe. There will…