To properly tackle Hopfest everyone needs a battle plan

Hopfest is big. There are 62 breweries serving up samples for thousands of beer lovers. In other words, it is not the place to just walk into and wander about. Nope, you need a plan, a battle plan. Luckily, the Dark Side Brew Crew is here to provide one. It’s what we do. In terms…

The Balloon Fiesta tourist’s guide to beer in Albuquerque

It’s that time of year again, when lots of folks from outside Albuquerque and New Mexico descend upon the Duke City for the Balloon Fiesta. While a lot of us locals grumble about the increase in traffic, even we’re big softies for the Fiesta (assuming we wake up in time). Well, we are, our dogs…

Meet me at the Fair for another beer competition

Before the actual NM State Fair kicks off — and come on, you know it’s coming soon since friend of the Crew Lauren Poole is playing Lynette in the commercials again — they hold a Pro-Am competition where a bunch of judges figure out some of the best beers in the land. Our friends at…

ABQ Beer Week: Meet and Greet tops Day 8 events

Oh, my, Day 8 of Beer Week is a busy one. In addition to the ongoing Lips of Faith series at Geckos, there are nine other events. Yup, nine. Pick and choose carefully. In a bit of shameless self-promotion, we in the Crew would definitely recommend a visit to Marble at 6 p.m. That’s where…

Beer Week: The reality of real ales

E-Rock reports on his ABQ Beer Week experience from Wednesday: After spending most of Tuesday at several different establishments doing beer tastings, I decided to take it easy and enjoy Marble’s Real Ale night. Marble had three cask beers to choose from, including their Maibock (7.0% ABV), Doppel Bock (7.0%), and the collaboration beer 505…