Albuquerque, New Mexico is known for many things, including its vibrant culture, live music, and great food. But one aspect of Albuquerque that often goes overlooked is its thriving craft beer scene. The city is home to many award-winning craft breweries. Each with its own unique vibe, selection of brews, and food options. In this article, we’ll take a look at five Albuquerque breweries that are worth the visit.
Marble Brewery: A Downtown Icon
Marble Brewery is a craft brewery located in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 2008, it has become an icon of the city’s craft beer scene. Marble Brewery is known for its award-winning craft beers, including the popular Double White and seasonal brews.
The brewery features a spacious taproom with ample seating, perfect for enjoying a cold beer with friends. The outdoor beer garden is a great spot for soaking up some New Mexico sun. Inside, visitors can enjoy a game of pool or catch live music on select nights.
Marble Brewery has a production facility in the Albuquerque area. Allowing for the distribution of its beer throughout the state. The brewery has also won numerous international awards for its beer, including recognition at the Great American Beer Festival.
Marble Brewery is not only a great place for beer, but also for food. Its menu features classic pub fare with a New Mexican twist. Including green chile cheeseburgers and red chile beer cheese soup. The brewery also offers a variety of local wines and craft cocktails for those who prefer something other than beer.
For those looking to learn more about its beer-making process, Marble Brewery offers tours of its production facility. Visitors can see firsthand the hard work that goes into making their favorite brews.
La Cumbre Brewing Co.: A Local Favorite
La Cumbre Brewing Co. is a local favorite in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The brewery was founded in 2010 by Jeff Erway, a former nuclear engineer turned brewer. Since then, it has become one of the most popular craft breweries in the city.
La Cumbre Brewing Co. is known for its award-winning beer, including the popular Elevated IPA and Malpais Stout. The brewery has won numerous international awards for its beer, including medals at the Great American Beer Festival.
La Cumbre Brewing Co. is also known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The spacious taproom features ample seating and a pool table, perfect for enjoying a cold beer with friends. Visitors can also catch live music on select nights.
For those looking for a bite to eat, La Cumbre Brewing Co. has partnered with some of Albuquerque’s best restaurants. The brewery also hosts various food trucks on a rotating basis, providing even more options for hungry visitors.
La Cumbre Brewing Co. is also committed to sustainability. Using solar panels to power its operations and implementing other eco-friendly practices. The brewery also supports local organizations and charities through various fundraising events.
Nexus Brewery: Great Food and Beer
Nexus Brewery is a beloved Albuquerque brewery and restaurant known for its great food and beer. The brewery was founded in 2011 by Ken Carson, a former Navy veteran, and Duke Rodriguez, a former healthcare executive. Since then, it has become a staple of the Albuquerque craft beer scene.
Nexus Brewery is famous for its fried chicken and waffles. Which has won numerous awards, including “Best Fried Chicken in New Mexico” from the Food Network. The brewery also offers a variety of other soul food dishes with a New Mexican twist. Including red chile ribs and green chile mac and cheese.
In addition to its great food, Nexus Brewery is also known for its award-winning beer. Its popular Red Ale has won multiple medals at the Great American Beer Festival. And its Scottish Ale and Imperial Cream Ale have also received recognition. The spacious taproom features ample seating, including outdoor seating. Nexus Brewery also hosts live music and other special events throughout the year.
Nexus Brewery also has a strong commitment to the community, supporting local organizations and charities through various fundraising events. The brewery also uses eco-friendly practices, including using recycled materials in its brewing process.
Red Door Brewing Company: New on the Scene
Red Door Brewing Company is a relatively new addition to the Albuquerque craft beer scene. Having opened its doors in 2014. The brewery was founded by two friends, Matt Biggs and Wayne Martinez, who shared a passion for beer and brewing.
Despite being a newer brewery, Red Door Brewing Company has already made a name for itself. Winning awards for its beer and gaining a loyal following among locals. The brewery is particularly known for its Vanilla Cream Ale and its year-round brews. Including the Paint it Black Milk Stout and the Unhinged Cider.
Red Door Brewing Company also offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in its taproom. A mix of indoor and outdoor seating. Visitors can also enjoy a game of cornhole or darts while they sample the various beers on offer.
The brewery also hosts a variety of events, including live music, trivia nights, and special beer releases. Red Door Brewing Company also offers various food options. With a rotating selection of food trucks and a partnership with a local pizzeria.
Red Door Brewing Company also supports the community through various partnerships with local organizations and charities. The brewery has also implemented eco-friendly practices too. Including using recycled materials in its brewing process and using solar panels to power its operations.
Bosque Brewing: Sustainable and Delicious
Bosque Brewing is a popular craft brewery located in Albuquerque that prides itself on creating high-quality, sustainable beer. The brewery was founded in 2012 by three friends who shared a passion for brewing and a commitment to sustainability.
One of the ways in which Bosque Brewing promotes sustainability is through its use of solar panels. The brewery partners with local farmers to source many of its ingredients.
Bosque Brewing is also known for its delicious beer, with a wide variety of options to suit every taste. The brewery’s flagship beer is the Bosque IPA, which has won multiple awards at the Great American Beer Festival. Other popular options include the Scotia Scotch Ale, the Open Space Haze IPA, and Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale.
The brewery has also received recognition for its commitment to sustainability, having been named the “Green Business of the Year” by the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce in 2017.
Bosque Brewing offers a variety of spaces for visitors to enjoy their beer, including a spacious taproom. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a beer garden and rooftop patio. Visitors can also enjoy a game of cornhole or darts while they sample the brewery’s offerings.
The brewery also hosts a variety of events, including live music, trivia nights, and special beer releases. Food options are available as well, with a rotating selection of food trucks and a partnership with a local restaurant.
Local Flavor: Beers with Green Chile
In New Mexico, green chile is a beloved ingredient that can be found in a wide variety of dishes. From enchiladas to burgers. But did you know that local breweries have also started incorporating green chile into their beers?
One brewery that offers a green chile beer is La Cumbre Brewing Co. The brewery’s Elevated IPA is infused with green chile. Giving it a spicy kick that pairs well with the hoppy bitterness of the IPA. La Cumbre also offers a seasonal green chile beer called the “Raisin’ Helles,” which is a light, crisp lager infused with roasted green chile.
Another brewery that offers green chile beer is Bosque Brewing. The brewery’s “Chile Line” beer is a blonde ale infused with green chile and coriander. Giving it a unique flavor that is both spicy and refreshing. Bosque Brewing also offers a green chile beer called the “Desert Fog,” which is a hazy IPA infused with Hatch green chile.
Nexus Brewery is another local brewery that offers a green chile beer called the “Scorpion Lager.” This beer is brewed with roasted green chile and scorpion peppers, giving it a spicy kick that is not for the faint of heart.
If you’re looking for a mild green chile beer, check out Turtle Mountain Brewing Company’s “Rio Grande Hefeweizen.” This beer is brewed with green chile and coriander, giving it a subtle spicy flavor that complements the fruity notes of the hefeweizen.
Albuquerque Breweries Have It All
In conclusion, Albuquerque is home to many great breweries, each with its own unique atmosphere and selection of brews. Whether you’re looking for a perfect meeting place, a great place to grab a drink after work, or a beer destination to visit on your next trip to the area, these five Albuquerque breweries are sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide a good time. Make sure to check out their latest news, terms of service, and privacy policy before visiting, and don’t forget to try the local brews, including those with green chile, for a taste of the local flavor.
