In the first two months of 2016, five breweries opened across the Albuquerque metro area. It was perhaps the pinnacle moment of the growth of the local scene. Not all five made it to their 10th anniversary, but four did and two of those breweries are celebrating this weekend. Sidetrack will celebrate Saturday from noon…
Quarter Celtic keeps the good times and the medal count rolling along
When we started the Look Back/Look Ahead Series this time around with a three-question format, we figured the answer to the first of those questions would be just about the same for everyone. But, as we also know, breweries come in all shapes and sizes, so “the economy, duh” has not always been the answer…
Ex Novo Brewing keeps ascending even amid industry turmoil
Sometimes being busy is a good thing. December and January are generally two of the slowest months of the year for breweries, but Ex Novo founder Joel Gregory still let us know that his brewery is not slowing down. He requested the opportunity to answer our three Look Back/Look Ahead Series questions via email, and…
Tractor Brewing learns that pressure is a privilege amid a year of growth
The Tractor Brewing duo of head brewer TJ Frederich and operations manager Jeremy Kinter came prepared this year for their Look Back/Look Ahead Series interview, which is hardly uncommon for them, but this time around they went the extra mile. They knew the three primary questions — biggest challenge of 2025, biggest accomplishment, big goal/idea/plan…
The Week Ahead in Beer: Hop bombs arrive early since winter never showed
Yeah, we know, this is dark beer season and all, but someone forgot to tell Mother Nature. Instead, it’s been unnaturally warm this winter. How warm? The juniper is starting to pollinate. In January. The elder gods have clearly abandoned us. Now, while it is certainly not going to be recommended by any doctors out…
Sidetrack stays on track even after big change behind the scenes
We feel old. Sidetrack, the little brewery that could, is turning 10 years old this month. It feels like just yesterday that we were making our first visit to the quaint taproom on Second Street between Lead and Coal. But no, it really has been a decade of good times, chill vibes, and tasty brews….
WinterBrew creeps ever closer with some fun new additions
The Crew loves WinterBrew, but you probably figured that out by now. We have made no secret of our genuine affection for this annual event put on by the New Mexico Brewers Guild at the Santa Fe Farmers Market. It brings together local breweries only, all during the best beer time of the year, to…
New Mexico Brewers Guild stays in the fight against the industry downturn
When the phone rings these days, New Mexico Brewers Guild executive director Ebbie Edmonston braces herself for another round of media questions relating to all the doom and gloom around the craft beer industry. Trust me, on that point I can sympathize, especially of late. Edmonston, though, handles it all with aplomb, keeping the focus…
The Week Ahead in Beer: Fighting the January doldrums
The slow season is upon us. Again. Yeah, January is generally the slowest month of the year for breweries (and regular restaurants). All we can do is to encourage people to show some extra, or at the very least their regular support in January. There are still some fun events below, and a few new…
The Year in Beer: Back half of 2025 was dominated by one big story
Well, hello there, 2026. We hope that you are a year of growth and positivity, but after a year like 2025, any marginal improvement would be considered a win. This past year was a rough one, culminating in the closure of one of the biggest breweries in the state, both in terms of barrels produced…
DARK SIDE BREW CREW 