Beer Notes: Round 2 of NMIPAC goes way south and Boxing Bear turns 9

Just a couple items this Friday, and then we promise some more in-depth (re: we got off the couch) stories are coming next week. First up, the second round of the 2023 New Mexico IPA Challenge is set for Saturday at the southernmost brewery in the state, Public House 28. Located on its namesake Highway…

Bear Fest roars again at Boxing Bear’s Firestone location

While one big beer festival did not return for this Memorial Day weekend, another is back in full force as Bear Fest will once again take over the back parking lot at Boxing Bear’s Firestone taproom and brewery. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. this Saturday, featuring five guest breweries and one distillery,…

ABQ Beer Week returns with an even more local vibe than in years past

It is almost the end of May, believe it or not, and that means we have reached the annual stretch where ABQ Beer Week returns to celebrate all things craft in Albuquerque. This year’s version is scaled back from the pre-pandemic era Beer Weeks, and rather uniquely features a local brewery at every event. No…

The Week Ahead in Beer: SWOP Hop on over to Boxing Bear Firestone

One of those random questions that we could not answer when it first came up was a variation of how will the craft beer and cannabis industries get along in New Mexico following legalization of the latter. Well, the answer is pretty darn well, and if you needed any further proof, head out to Boxing…

Balloon Fiesta celebrations land at multiple local breweries and taprooms

As any Albuquerque resident knows, the first week of October belongs to the Balloon Fiesta. The morning skyline is dotted with those familiar (and some not-so-familiar) floating shapes, balloon-themed merchandise dominates the shelves of every corner store and coffee shop in town, and the tourists, well, they are everywhere. Whether you choose to take part…