Posts Tagged ‘Tractor Brewing’

Tractor finds its next head brewer just up the road at Turtle Mountain

Posted: August 14, 2019 by cjax33 in Interviews, News
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Outgoing Turtle Mountain head brewer Mick Hahn, left, passes the “torch” to new head brewer David Pacheco. Blessed be the beers!

It has been a few years since a head brewer has moved from one Albuquerque area brewery to another. That relatively static era is over as Tractor Brewing looked locally to fill its vacant head brewer position, finding the right man for the job at Turtle Mountain Brewing.

Mick Hahn is jumping from one brewery celebrating its 20th anniversary this year to another, leaving the cozy brewpub confines in Rio Rancho for the bustling production facility in Wells Park. To catch up on how this all went down, I met up with Mick, Tractor co-owner/brewmaster David Hargis, TMBC owner Nico Ortiz, and his new head brewer, David Pacheco.

“It was pretty quick,” Mick said. “David Hargis called me two weeks ago Monday, when Nico was (on vacation) in Costa Rica, which is always good. I had seen the posting for the position on the (New Mexico Brewers) Guild newsletter. I definitely thought about what it would be like to be their head brewer. I didn’t think much of pursuing it until he called to tell me we had been looking for someone, and hadn’t gotten a whole lot of interest and are you interested, because we’re interested in getting you.

“I met with him the next day to just to talk it over a little bit more. I met with him towards the end of the week when Nico was coming back from Costa Rica. They got in Thursday at 5 o’clock and I told him Friday at lunch that this was all happening. I had less than a week to figure out if this was going to go forward.”

Nico said he knew Mick’s departure was almost an inevitability.

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Tractor and Turtle Mountain team up for official beer of Pork & Brew

Posted: July 5, 2019 by cjax33 in Pork & Brew 2019
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The time has come to feast once again at Pork & Brew! (Photo courtesy of Alex Archuleta)

The annual feast festival that is Pork & Brew returns to the Rio Rancho Star Center this weekend, with three local breweries joining in on the fun.

Tractor and Turtle Mountain went so far as to do their first collaboration beer (that we know of) in the form of the Chicharrón Red Lager. Per an email from TMBC head brewer Mick Hahn, the lager checks in at 5.3-percent ABV and 34 IBU, hopped with Chinook and Sorachi Ace.

“It is juicy up front and finishes with a spiciness that should complement BBQ really nicely,“ Mick wrote.

Star Center director of marketing Alex Archuleta got to visit TMBC on the day of brewing back in May.

“It was cool for those guys to do a collaboration,” Alex asaid. “I got to go over there and check it out. You guys know about brewing, but I’ve only seen it a few times. It’s awesome. It’s such a science and it’s cool.”

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The Week Ahead in Beer: Helping out some (Desert) Darling performers

Posted: June 19, 2019 by cjax33 in The Week Ahead in Beer
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Greetings, New Mexico craft beer lovers. Stoutmeister here with The Week Ahead in Beer. This column covers all the breweries in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties, with Santa Fe’s seven breweries, one in Los Alamos, one in Moriarty, one in Red River, one in Silver City, and one in Truth or Consequences also joining the party.

Stoutmeister puts on his serious face to handle The Week Ahead in Beer.

Stoutmeister puts on his serious face to handle The Week Ahead in Beer.

Thanks to Crew co-founder E-Rock, we have all gotten to know the talented women who make up the Desert Darlings bellydance troupe (he used to provide the music for many of their live shows). The Darlings have become a regular fixture at Kaktus Brewing, and with their monthly Hops & Dreams shows at Tractor Wells Park, connecting them to the brewing community. This Friday they are back at TWP, but with a special performance. The Magic Lamp Edition will feature a special fundraiser for their upcoming super-sized stage production of The Wizard of Oz at the South Broadway Cultural Center on July 12 (go here for tickets). Friday’s show will feature a silent auction and special vendors that starts at 6 p.m., guest performers will take the stage at 7 p.m., and the Darlings will then perform at 8:30 p.m. You can enjoy Tractor’s beers, ciders, and cocktails throughout the performance. Head on down to support some amazing local performers!

Another big event this weekend is the World Food and Music Festival at Marble 111 on Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. My Sweet Basil, Street Food Blvd., and The Witching Flour Bakery will be serving up a wide variety of dishes inspired by recipes from all over the world. The eclectic music lineup will feature Sol De La Noche (2-3 p.m.), Wagogo (3:15-4:45), Jade Masque (5-6:30), and Nosotros (6:45-8). As always, it is free to attend.

On the new beer front this week, there are a few options to check out. Ale Republic rolls out some new brews for summer in Cream Pie, Angry Wheat, Best Coast IPA, and Wheat St. Wheatwine. Bosque bucks the trend with Clearly Impossible Hazy IPA. Boxing Bear rounds up more Murkules Hazy DIPA and Ameri-Kolsch. Canteen did not run out of beer with its anniversary, even adding Strawberry Basil Gose and Maze of Haze Pale Ale. Ex Novo goes dark with Oat of Touch Stout, but finds the light with Coffee Cream Ale. La Cumbre tells us to Lager Softly Kellerbier while also adding a Green Cap Belgian Abbey Single. Marble keeps it varied with Idaho Pale Lager and Mountain Fog (Hazy IPA). Nexus has discovered A Haze Has No Name IPA. Ponderosa brings back its popular New Mexico Lime Lager. Rio Bravo continues its lineup makeover with Goodwill IPA, Thin Mint Stout, Made Wit Love, and Session IPA, plus Summer Day Pale Ale on Friday. Sidetrack rolls out more of its Güera American Blonde Ale. Steel Bender has New Peculiar English-Style Ale available Thursday. Tractor keeps it a little off-beat with Summer Spice Field Beer. Turtle Mountain added Preamble Pils, and brought back SCH Scotch Lager, with $1 from every pint sold of the latter going to help brewmaster Mick Hahn’s brother, who is battling cancer.

Up in Santa Fe, Blue Corn is feeling downright peachy with a Peach Gose. HoneyMoon has locked in three more kombuchas, Lupolo Seca, Piedra, and La Moneda. Rowley Farmhouse ales has tapped more of the barrel-aged Steindock’d Barleywine, while also tapping the Covhefe Collab, created in partnership with Blue Corn. Second Street brings back XX ESB and Railrunner Pale Ale, plus cans of Supernova IPA are available for a limited time. Tumbleroot also aims for summer patio beers with a German Pilsner and Hefeweizen.

Out in Moriarty, Sierra Blanca introduces Tularosa Burro Flats Cider, plus Alien IPA has landed. Down in Truth or Consequences, T or C Brewing brings back Big River India Brown Ale.

Continue reading for all the news that is fit to blog for the week of June 17.

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Beer Notes: Taproom boom, more awards and one big party

Posted: June 7, 2019 by cjax33 in Beer Notes
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The new Hops Taproom in Los Ranchos is ready for its grand opening this weekend.

Now that I am back at work (yay, money), the beer news is starting to pile up, so let us get to a few pertinent items.

First, though, in a moment of self-promotion, I will be giving a free talk about the history of brewing in Albuquerque this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Special Collections Library, which is located on the northwest corner of Central and Edith, directly across from the Artichoke Cafe. I will have copies of Albuquerque Beer: Duke City History on Tap for sale ($20, cash only), and this talk will include the story of how an Old West shootout impacted the first Southwest Brewery in 1884.

Moving along …

Here a taproom opening, there a taproom opening

We already chronicled how the third Blue Grasshopper location at Summer and Second Street opened its doors during ABQ Beer Week. It was far from alone among new offsite taprooms holding soft openings.

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Summerfest returns to Pajarito Ski Area with 13 breweries on hand

Posted: June 6, 2019 by reidrivenburgh in Beer in Los Alamos, Events
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2019-SummerFest-Poster-rev5

Summer, and beer, return to the mountain.

Pajarito Ski Area outside of Los Alamos has a handful of big events throughout the year, and it’s time for another as Summerfest will be held this Saturday.

If you haven’t been up to visit yet, this would be a great time to do so. If summer finally kicks in, you can rest assured that temperatures will be much cooler on the mountain. (I always warn people to be prepared for anything when it comes to the weather, though.) Throw in the natural beauty of the mountain and forest, and it’s a stunning setting for a beer festival.

There will be plenty of things to do throughout the day. There will be a mountain bike race, a disc golf tournament, hiking and biking (made easier by running chairlifts), the band Iron Chiwawa playing classic rock, good food, and yes, plenty of beer. More than a dozen New Mexico breweries will be in attendance, including:

  • Bathtub Row: CojonHaze IPA, Cali Common, Little Bird Blonde, American Wheat
  • Blue Corn: Oatmeal Stout, Gatekeeper IPA, Road Runner IPA, Peach Gose, Lager than Life
  • Lost Hiker: Blonde, Mosaic SMASH, Belgian Rye Pale Ale, Amber
  • Red Door: Unhinged Cider, West Coast IPA, Vanilla Cream Ale, Hopical Storm (Pineapple Milkshake IPA)
  • Red River: Lazy Bear Blonde, Peach Campfire Cream Ale, Desperado Mexican Lager, Catskinner IPA
  • Second Alarm: Porter, Kolsch, IPA (one keg)
  • Second Street: TBA
  • Sierra Blanca: Alien IPA, Green Chile Cerveza, Bone Chiller Brown Ale, and either Desert Pilsner, Vanilla Milk Stout or Cherry Wheat
  • Steel Bender: Skull Bucket IPA, Raspberry Dynamite, Rosy Nosy, Lloyd’s 3 O’Clock Kolsch
  • Taos Mesa: TBA
  • Tractor: Berry Cider, Mustachio Milk Stout, Acreage IPA, plus cocktails Kentucky Mule, StraJarito Tonic, The Vodka Blues
  • Tumbleroot: TBR (Light American Lager), Old School Pale Ale, Hefeweizen, New School IPA, plus a cocktail or two
  • Turtle Mountain: Wooden Teeth, Darker than Darkness Schwarzbier, Maibock, Doppel Equis Steinundator, Table Manners Session Brut IPA, Yum Yum Breeze

We will update this list with specific beers from the breweries as we receive them. The beer portion of the event runs from 1 to 6 p.m. Iron Chiwawa will be playing from 2 to 5, and food will be served at the lodge cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $20, which we believe entitles you to a souvenir glass and unlimited sampling. Be sure to bring a valid ID, or you won’t get in.

As always, if you’re going to be enjoying the beer, take the free shuttle that runs every half hour from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from the high school parking lot in town. It’s a several-mile drive up the mountain, so save yourself some gas and possible grief.

For more information, visit: https://www.pajarito.ski/events/summerfest/

Cheers!

— Reid

The Week Ahead in Beer: A Prideful weekend awaits after a brisk ArtWalk

Posted: June 5, 2019 by cjax33 in The Week Ahead in Beer
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Greetings, New Mexico craft beer lovers. Stoutmeister here with The Week Ahead in Beer. This column covers all the breweries in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties, with Santa Fe’s seven breweries, one in Los Alamos, one in Moriarty, one in Red River, and one in Truth or Consequences also joining the party.

Stoutmeister puts on his serious face to handle The Week Ahead in Beer.

Stoutmeister puts on his serious face to handle The Week Ahead in Beer.

The weekend kicks off with the First Friday ArtWalk downtown on Friday night, with both downtown breweries participating. Boese Brothers hosts the Cruel Arts Summer Pop-up, with music from DJ Alxxs Garza, from 6 to 11 p.m. Sidetrack has Adobe Disco with DJ Eldon from 6 to 10. Grab a beer, enjoy some art, and listen to some music to kick off your weekend. Saturday is the annual Pride Parade in Nob Hill, and the Tractor taproom will be ready for the festivities. Rise & Pride kicks off at 9 a.m. with a Cider-mimosa and Michelada bar. DJ Bea will start spinning at 11 a.m., followed by DJ Nicolatron at 2 p.m. Up the street at Hops Brewery, the doors will open at 11, with all pints $1 off for anyone wearing anything Pride related. Nob Hill Bar & Grill will have one keg of Bell’s Sparkleberry on tap, too. Over at nearby High and Dry, they will be releasing the Love Bless America Citrus IPA at 6 p.m. Then on Sunday, Cantero is offering Pride Boards, a rainbow flight of special beers, for just $6.50, with all proceeds going to the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico. If there are any other events or specials at breweries in relation to Pride, please drop us a line and we will update this intro.

On the new beer front this week, there are a few options to check out. Bombs Away is on target with version six of Hazy Chain DIPA, plus it also has a Common on tap. Bow & Arrow continues its Rad Vista Pilsner series with a batch made with Styrian Dragon hops. Boxing Bear goes big with Double Dry-Hopped Simcoe Albu-Murky Hazy IPA. Canteen has fresh batches of Irish Red and Laid Back Lager. Cantero is experiencing a Sour Grapes Ale. Ex Novo brings its popular Perle Haggard Pilsner to tap here, while also feeling a bit British with Where the Mild Things Are. La Cumbre tapped a tasty Maibock. Marble goes big with Alpha Acid Trip, a triple IPA, and Basic Brunch, a Mimosa-style beer, plus it has cans of Double White Triple Berry available. Toltec rolls in with Cascade Pomelo. Tractor adds a Gose and Stonewall Brut IPA with grapefruit.

Up in Santa Fe, Rowley Farmhouse Ales teams with Perennial Artisan Ales to release American Hero, a new pilsner.

Continue reading for all the news that is fit to blog for the week of June 3.

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Senator Heinrich takes time to discuss the big issues with NM Brewers Guild

Posted: June 3, 2019 by cjax33 in Beer and Government, Interviews, News
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It was an informative gathering inside Tractor’s brewery area, with (from left) Bosque’s Jess Griego, Tractor’s David Hargis, La Cumbre’s Jeff Erway, Tractor’s Skye Devore, Senator Martin Heinrich, Taos Mesa’s Jayson Wylie, Canteen’s Jamie Schwebach, and higher up, Hollow Spirits’ Frank Holloway and NM Brewers Guild executive director Leah Black. Oh, and some beer writer on the far right.

Senator Martin Heinrich was in Albuquerque last week, and representatives of the New Mexico Brewers Guild were able to set up a meeting with him to talk all things craft beer in regards to the federal government.

Tractor Brewing co-owner/president Skye Devore spearheaded the event, which was held inside the brewery at Wells Park. The Senator certainly seemed to appreciate the informal nature of the event, which featured a sizable charcuterie tray and free drinks for all, not to mention being free of the usual political debate.

Over the course of a half-hour, numerous topics were discussed between the Senator and a group that included Skye, Tractor co-owner/brewmaster David Hargis, La Cumbre owner Jeff Erway, Hollow Spirits owner Frank Holloway, New Mexico Brewers Guild executive director Leah Black, Guild board members Jayson Wylie (Taos Mesa), Jamie Schwebach (Canteen), and Jess Griego (Bosque), and one beer writer who was there to chronicle it all.

The meeting featured both the Guild members asking questions of the Senator, and the Senator in turn asking questions of them.

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Our Metal Mayor shows his support for the local craft beer scene

Posted: May 31, 2019 by cjax33 in Interviews, News
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No, we did not ask Mayor Tim Keller to wear that shirt, he did it on his own, and we approve.

Sometimes, to get what you want, it really is all about who you know. In our case, we just needed long-time friend-of-the-Crew Carlos Contreras’ help to land an interview with Mayor Tim Keller. After a careful negotiation of our schedules (mainly his), we were able to sit down with our Metal Mayor over a pint of Munich Dunkel at Dialogue Brewing to discuss all things craft beer in Albuquerque.

“Well, I think at a very surface level, it’s something we’re very good at,” Keller said of our craft brewing industry. “This is a pride thing for us. I forget the exact publication or ranking, but we’re top 10 or top 25 in all of them. I think in one we’re top five. That’s just a great thing for our city in general.

“I think there’s a lot of things that people take for granted, like our open space, our outdoors, and our culture. And, in some ways now, it’s our brewing scene. I think we’ve come to expect it (to always be there) and we don’t realize it’s actually something special.”

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ABQ Beer Week: Day Nine finds Ex Novo making its way to Nob Hill

Posted: May 31, 2019 by cjax33 in ABQ Beer Week 2019
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Beer is on the move, beer and foods continue to be paired up, and it all ends with bingo.

The final weekend begins with a selection of eight events spread across town.

Ex Novo fans who haven’t made the trek to Corrales can try the beers at Nob Hill Bar & Grill. M’tucci’s fans who don’t want to cross the river can try some pairings at Dialogue. There are additional beer-and-food pairings with Marble at Jubilation, and at Canteen, plus a special tapping at Two Fools, comedy at Kilt Check, and fun and games at Tractor Wells Park.

Featured Event

Every day we will pick what we consider the biggest, most interesting, most unique event. This does not mean you should go to only this event and ignore the rest. All of them deserve your attention, but realistically, you can probably only attend a few. So we will make our daily pick, and you can either jump on it, or declare the Crew is foolish (we kinda are) and pick your own.

What: Ex Novo Brewing Taste the Rainbow. Where: Nob Hill Bar & Grill. When: 5-11 p.m. Cost: No cover charge.

Details: Taste any of six Ex Novo beers — Mass Ascension IPA, Cadillac Dreams Hazy IPA, Perle Haggard Pilsner, Cactus Wins the Lottery, Hello My Name is Indigo Montoya, The Most Interesting Lager in the World — in the friendly confines of NHBG.

Why you should go: Well, if you have not been to the brewery in Corrales yet, let this be your final preview of what’s to be found out there.

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ABQ Beer Week: Day Eight is great when breweries collaborate

Posted: May 30, 2019 by cjax33 in ABQ Beer Week 2019
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Enjoy a collaboration, a couple beer dinners, and a whole lot more on Day Eight.

First, we are terribly sorry for that rhyming headline, but, we could not resist. Moving on …

As we inch closer to the second and final weekend of Beer Week, the number of events takes a jump today.

There are two beer dinners on opposite sides of town, a special collaboration beer release from two local breweries, a trip back in time at Tractor, and a whole lot of other unique events.

Featured Event

Every day we will pick what we consider the biggest, most interesting, most unique event. This does not mean you should go to only this event and ignore the rest. All of them deserve your attention, but realistically, you can probably only attend a few. So we will make our daily pick, and you can either jump on it, or declare the Crew is foolish (we kinda are) and pick your own.

What: Saison de Luxe Bottle Release. Where: Steel Bender Brewyard. When: 11 a.m. Cost: No cover charge.

Details: The brewers from Steel Bender and Ex Novo teamed up a few months back to brew up a brett saison that was then refermented with both house strains of brett and dry-hopped with Southern Passion hops from South Africa. There will be bottles for sale, plus a special food pairing available of grilled lengua served on a grilled polenta cake topped with salsa verde and served with calabacitas.

Why you should go: If you like the funk, we got a feeling this is your kind of beer. Plus, that food pairing looks delightful.

All the other great events

What: Upslope Brewing Sampling. Where: Jubilation. When: 4 p.m. Cost: No cover charge. Details: Taste a number of Upslope’s outstanding regular beers and maybe some seasonal/specialty beers as well. Why you should go: Free beer, plus you can buy your favorites and take them home.

What: The Great Gatsby Edition of Gin & Jazz. Where: Tractor Wells Park. When: 5 p.m. Cost: No cover charge. Details: Tractor celebrates the roaring 20’s with special Prohibition era beers and cocktails, with live music from Le Chat Lunatique and Eddie Brewer and the Manic Episodes. Why you should go: Go old-school and enjoy some classic drinks and jazz tunes.

What: Bell’s Brewery Tappening. Where: O’Niell’s Heights. When: 5-7 p.m. Cost: No cover charge. Details: It’s a summery beer takeover with Official Hazy IPA, Hopsolution Ale, and Pooltime Ale on tap. Why you should go: Enjoy some Bell’s on the patio and avoid all that rush hour traffic.

What: Special Charity Event. Where: The County Line. When: 5-9 p.m. Cost: No cover charge. Details: Free live music as part of the summer music series benefitting Meals on Wheels, with food and beer specials. Why you should go: Chow down on some BBQ while helping a charity.

What: Odell Brewing Pint Night. Where: Billy’s Long Bar. When: 5-7 p.m. Cost: No cover charge. Details: Hammer Chain Fresh Grind DIPA will be among the featured Odell beers on tap. Why you should go: If you are an Odell fan, this event is for you.

What: Pints & Paintbrushes Night. Where: Canteen Taproom. When: 6 p.m. Cost: $30. Details: Host Carisa Otero will lead you in this fun paint night, with one pint included along with all of your materials. Email canteentaproom@gmail.com for reservations, as this one is limited to 20 patrons. Why you should go: Show off your artistic side while enjoying some delicious beer.

What: La Cumbre Beer Dinner. Where: Nob Hill Bar & Grill. When: 6-9 p.m. Cost: $40. Details: La Cumbre is teaming up with NHBG for a four-course beer dinner featuring Helles Lager, Boysenberry Brut, Strawberry Gose, and Brut IPA. Call NHBG at (505) 266-4455 to make a reservation. Why you should go: That’s a tempting price for a beer dinner, and those are some excellent beers to enjoy.

What: Mysteries and History Tour. Where: Casa Vieja Brewery. When: 6-9 p.m. Cost: No cover charge. Details: Come visit Casa Vieja and ask for a free tour of the 250-year-old building to learn more of its history. Then grab a pint and head to the patio for live music. Why you should go: Chill out in Corrales, because why not?

What: Toltec Brewing Dinner and Beer Pairing. Where: Toltec Brewing. When: 6:30 p.m. Cost: $40. Details: Toltec will have four special courses paired up with four beers. Email brewingteam@toltecbrewing.com to make your reservation. Why you should go: Another affordable beer dinner (it’s about time!) beckons if you are out on the westside.

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Got any questions, comments, complaints? Send them to nmdarksidebrewcrew@gmail.com, or leave them here on our site, on Facebook, on Twitter (@nmdarksidebc), or on Instagram.

Enjoy yourselves out there, but please, do it responsibly.

Cheers!

— Stoutmeister

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