Long known for the Southwest style of Mexican food and art galleries with a distinctive Native American and Western vibe, the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area has become a destination. Craft beers have also earned an exceptional reputation in the Land of Enchantment. During a recent visit, I visited three of the breweries that are making a mark on craft beer in New Mexico. These breweries have made sure craft beer rises to new heights in the Land of Enchantment.
Santa Fe Brewing Company
Santa Fe Brewing Company – santafebrewing.com – is billed as New Mexico’s Original Craft Brewery since 1988 and has become a landmark. They have multiple locations throughout Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and many types Santa Fe beer are available not only at stores and restaurants in New Mexico, but also throughout the Southern United States wherever craft beer is sold.
When visiting Santa Fe, we ventured to new Santa Fe Brewing taproom, officially known as the Beer Hall at HQ (35 Fire Place in Santa Fe), which was opened in December 2019. The multi-level taproom is roomy and comfortable. You can choose long tables with a large group, high tables with a few friends or relax in a comfortable leather chair by yourself.
Other official Santa Fe Brewing locations include ABQ at Green Jeans Farmery (3600 Cutler Avenue in Albuquerque), The El Dorado Taphouse (7 Caliente Road in Santa Fe), The Bridge Event Venue (37 Fire Place in Santa Fe next door to the Beer Hall at HQ), The Brakeroom (510 Galisteo in a cabin in downtown Santa Fe former house for railroad brakemen), and ABQ in Tin Can Alley (under development in a food hall destination in Northeast Albuquerque).
The bar and taps at Santa Fe Brewing. 
Sign on Santa Fe Brewing Company’s new building.
Beer on tap every day includes 7K IPA (West Cost IPA), Happy Camper (India Pale Ale), Social Hour (wheat beer), Pepe Loco (Mexican style lager), Freestyle (Pilsner), Java Stout (Imperial Java Stout), Santa Fe Nut Brown Ale (English Brown Ale), Santa Fe Pale Ale (American Pale Ale) and Chicken Killer Barley Wine (British Style Barley Wine).
Seasonal beers also are available in the taproom. However, I like to focus on the regular beers to get the essence of the brewery. Because Santa Fe Brewing has wide distribution throughout the country, I am already familiar with Java Stout and Chicken Killer, and both are two of my favorites.
I especially like stouts, and the Santa Fe Java Stout is one of the best coffee-based stouts available. If you like lighter beer, you cannot go wrong with Social Hour or Freestyle. The Santa Fe Nut Brown Ale also had a great taste, and Chicken Killer is a good option for something different.
Boxing Bear Brewing Company
Boxing Bear touts “Beer with a Punch” as its slogan. I saw Chocolate Milk Stout advertised on the brewery’s website – boxingbearbrewing.com – and had to try it. The mission of Boxing Bear is to “help establish Albuquerque as a national destination for outstanding craft beer,” according to the website. The taproom also serves local wines, but that is another story.
The main Brewery/Beerpub where we visited (10200 Corrales Road NW in Albuquerque) is located near a shopping center along the sandy banks of the Rio Grande River. Other locations are the West Downtown Taproom (1710 Central Avenue SW in Albuquerque) and the Bridges on Tramway Taproom (12501 Candelaria Road NE in Albuqerque).
The Chocolate Milk Stout was delicious with a creamy chocolate flavor. It definitely packed a punch with me, and I liked it so much that I took some cans home. However, I did not overlook the other Boxing Bear offerings. The Upper Cut IPA with big citrus aromas, Black and Blue Tart with blackberries and blueberries, and Ambear Ale with light hops are also very tasty beers.
Boxing Bear beers have won numerous awards, and have a loyal following. In addition to sampling beers in the taproom, cans are available to go in multiple flavors.
La Cumbre Brewing Company
La Cumbre is Spanish for “pinnacle, peak summit”, and the goal of La Cumbre Brewing Company – lacumbrebrewing.com – is to “produce beers that represent the absolute peak of the art of brewing,” according to the website. The brewery is best known for Elevated IPA, which has won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival.
In addition, the Malpais Stout is very tasty and is described “as onslaught of creamy stout intensity.” The Ryeot IPA – “a malted magic hop bomb” – is another great choice. I tried all three of the beers at the main La Cumbre Brewery Taproom (3313 Girard NE in Albuquerque), which is located in an industrial area. The brewery also has a Westside Taproom (5600 Coors Blvd. NW in Albuquerque).
When trying beers at La Cumbre taprooms, prepare to savor the taste. The beers are tasty, and the main taproom has a cozy atmosphere. Take your time.
Craft Beer in Land of Enchantment
Trips to the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area aren’t complete without a sampling of local beer from a store, restaurant or taproom. Be ready for many great beer flavors. The hardest part is making a choice. After tasting beers from the Land of Enchantment breweries it will be clear why craft beer is on the rise! Below is a map of tasting room locations for these breweries in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas. Enjoy!
Let us know what your favorite New Mexico craft beer is by leaving a comment! Contact us if you have questions! For Land of Enchantment travel ideas, see our blog: Visit New Mexico: Land of Enchantment
