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…
The Week Ahead in Beer: From a Super Sunday to loving brews on a Monday
The downside, or upside, depending on one’s perspective, of the NFL going to an 18th week/17th game was that the Super Bowl got pushed back a week. The big game is this Sunday, followed by Valentine’s Day on Monday. In other words, pace yourselves carefully this weekend, at least those of you in committed relationships….
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…
Small brewer license renewals come with a surprise for some this year
Back in 2019, Senate Bill 413 was passed, which had a potentially profound effect on breweries throughout New Mexico. One of its key provisions was a new requirement for every brewery to produce a minimum of 50 barrels per year, or at least have its own beers account for 50 percent of total alcohol sales….
The Week Ahead In Beer: Rejoice, for Stout Month is upon us!
It’s Stout Month at last! Huzzah! Blessed was the darkest of beers, for it was good, and we love it, all of it. I mean, we pretty much enjoy the entire spectrum of beer, but stouts are special to us. In any event, not too much going on this week as we have a slight…
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…
Sidetrack Brewing finds being small can be big in advance of its 6th anniversary
The general belief that the smaller breweries were taking the brunt of the pandemic has not quite proven to be the case, as we have learned for this go-around of the Look Back/Look Ahead Series. Take Sidetrack Brewing, for example, where things seem to be thriving rather than struggling as they prepare for their sixth…
The Week Ahead in Beer: New canned releases surge in grand January finale
There are quite a few canned releases to close out this month, which is just fine since our beer fridges haven’t been overflowing at all lately. (Insert sarcastic and/or maniacal laughter here.) The hop-forward beers are surprisingly the dominant style being released in package this week, but in New Mexico, it’s always hoppy season. There…
Tractor Brewing plows through a blur of a year with higher hopes for 2022
The global pandemic has left no business unscathed, but for breweries with a big focus on hosting events, it was particularly rough over the past year-plus. Perhaps no brewery in New Mexico endured the ups and downs quite as much as Tractor Brewing. I sat down with marketing director Jeremy Kinter and co-owner/brewmaster David Hargis…
DARK SIDE BREW CREW 