What to do What to do...

Albuquerque Beer Week is upon us, and the events are amazing, delicious, exciting – but yet a little daunting.  There are more than 80 events, and only 11 days – some days have over 10 events taking place.  As much as we would all like to attend each and every lovely event, we will have to make our choices.  We are here like student advisors to help you find your Beer Week path.  Here are some tips-

Find Events Based on Your Personality: We have sorted events into categories (Art, Food, Festival, Release, Tasting, Educational,  Games, Music, Special Tappings & Tap Takeovers). Use these to pick the events that suit you.

Find Events Based on Your Hood: We have sorted events into areas  Use these if you want to stay within your area of town – or perhaps pick a different area of town for each day! 

Choose Your Favorite Venue (or Find a New Favorite): We have sorted events by venue.  See what your favorite pub is doing, or take this chance to try something new!

Search Out Favorite & New Breweries: We have sorted events by brewery. Yep, you can sort your way through all the breweries taking part in this year's Beer Week.  I suggest you have a beer while you do - it will make you thirsty.

Get Some Professional Advice: We all need some professional help from time to time – so here’s some free advice  from our drinking professionals when it comes to where to enjoy ABQ Beer Week!

ABQ Beer Geek - http://www.abqbeergeek.com

Babes in Brewland - an Albuquerque based group for women who appreciate great craft beer. We host events that take us to different breweries, tastings, and even try our hand at brewing a few beers ourselves! https://www.facebook.com/babesinbrewland/

New Mexico Dark Side Brew Crew- We're six dudes that like beer. Everything from IPA's to Blondes, Stouts to Barley Wines, Sours to Brewmaster Blends. nmdarksidebrewcrew.com 

ABQ Beer Week Begins- Part 1 via ABQBeerGeek.com

ABQ Beer Week is in its 8th year, and the craft beer scene has seen a lot of changes. Eight years ago, there were a few breweries that could be counted on to make stuff that was growler worthy. People were talking about how they had traveled to exotic places and tries beers like Lagunitas, Dogfish Head, and Founders (ok, Grand Rapids probably doesn't qualify as exotic), and why oh why can't we get those great breweries here?? Well, you got em. Want any more CBS? It's waiting there for you! So many local breweries now are making great beers

Steel Bender is one of those "tweener" breweries that is just far enough away that I rarely get there. I hear good things, though. This Homegrown Pils may have me driving up scenic 2nd St: Wilderness Malt from Colorado Malting is featured for the very first time in the US in this Amarillo-hopped Pilsner. I'm a sucker for a good Pilsner!

Nexus will feature The Notorious BUN (Big Ugly Nasty) IPA at both locations. This beer is part of their 7th Anniversary celebration, which goes from the 24th to the 27th.

Come out and help support Behind the Badge, a group that raises funds for first responders who have faced on the job injuries. Have a first responder help you after overdoing it at the Beer Walk, Run, or Crawl event beginning at 4 at Dialogue. The crawl will then hit Tractor, Bow and Arrow, and finally Rio Bravo for more beer and a concert. The first 35 people to enter get a free t-shirt to go with their ridiculous costumes.

Rowley Farmhouse Ales will be featured at Tractor Wells Park from 5-8. Watch the fun as runners from the Walk, Run, or Crawl event down a couple of sours and run on to the next brewery. That'll sit well in the belly.

The granddaddy of Beer week events, Beer, Cheese, and More, returns to Marble's 111 location from 5-8. $25 for five Marble beers alongside five Whole Foods-selected cheeses. I remember the days when this was just called Beer and Cheese.

The answer: Pink guava, kaffir lime leaves, and Citra hops. The question: what are two things that don't belong in a beer, and one that does? I kid! Canteen's Social Capital is a Kettle Sour that has been released with a variety of ingredients, and guava is a perfect complement to this beer. I'll be interested to see how the lime and Citra play into it.

FRIDAY MAY 25 

Nexus continues their Anniversary celebration with the release of Beam Me Up Scotty Scotch Ale. Glad Beer Week coincides with the Nexus Anniversary!

KBS will be flowing at Nob Hill Bar and Grill beginning at 5. Two years worth- 2017 and 2018, to be exact. Another Beer Week, another Friday Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout tapping by NHBG. I can never do Friday nights. How they love to torture me.

Sister will be serving up a great variety of rare to NM kegs at the Over 21 event, where all the breweries are over 21 years old. That's a great idea, and hard to believe some have been around that long! The draft list: Bell’s Brewery: 30th Anniversary Cherry Stout Reserve, Firestone Walker: ’17 Helldorado Blonde Barleywine, Four Peaks: Green Tea Lager, Left Hand: Chai Milk Stout Nitro, New Belgium: Clutch Sour Stout, Odell: ‘16 Meddler, Rogue: Combat Wombat sour NE IPA, Sierra Nevada: Kolsch German-Style Ale. Event starts at 6.

Here's something in the never heard tried and never should have been allowed to be tried category: folk artists covering Radiohead songs. Tractor hosts this mashup at 8. I know, there are a lot of folk music fans out there. I've heard The Doors "Light My Fire" and Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" covered by folk/bluegrass bands here in ABQ. May as well listen to a folk rendition of Jigsaw Falling Into Place.

SATURDAY MAY 26

Marble's successful Brewer's Brunch event heads to their Westside Taproom on Saturday from 11-1. A small setting (only 24 spots) allows you to enjoy brunch and beers while talking shop with Marble brewers. $30 gets you the VIP seating. Don't get on the tour bus with them.

Just when you thought all the beer puns had been taken (maybe that only applies to gose): Canteen releases Oompa Lupulin DIPA. About time Zach and the Canteen crew puts out a DIPA. Canteen has released some under the radar IPAs that have been great. Go over there and give them their due at the Pedals and Pints event happening all day. Show up on your bike and get discounted beer. Show up in your car and get egged.

M'Tucci's Italian Market and Pizzeria will be hosting a beer dinner featuring beers from both Bosque and Upslope. A Colorado brewery and a NM brewery whose packaged beers are brewed in Colorado. Call M'Tucci's for more details. Their website calendar doesn't have the event listed and I'm not playing Hardy Boys.

SUNDAY MAY 27

Sister hosts the La Cumbre gang for a tap takeover brunch at 11. Tacos and tater tots and La Cumbre beers. Simple yet elegant.

Dueling brunches! Nob Hill Bar and Grill ALSO is hosting brunch at 11, this one featuring Goose Island's Madame Rose as well as Sofie beermosas. The ABQ Beer Week site says for more information visit upscalejoint.com, but they haven't done any work on their events page since 2015. And I thought I was bad.

Gecko's will be hosting an all day tap takeover from Odell Brewing. Did you know Odell just launched in the Utah market? That's how backwards Utah laws are: a brewery that's well over 20 years old took this long to distribute to the state right next to them. Coincidentally, it also took Gecko's a long time to get on the Beer Week bandwagon. I remember trying to get them to participate the very first year and you would have thought we were trying to sell them a vacuum cleaner.

Of course, the highlight event on Sunday is ABQ Blues and Brews. One of the longest-running fests in the city, Blues and Brews takes place at Sandia Resort and Casino. 200 beers from 70+ breweries, four bands, Dukes of Ale homebrews, Imbibe Cocktail Challenge, and, most importantly, unlimited beer sampling for 4 hours! This is a marathon event. 

MONDAY MAY 28

It's still going. Memorial Day has Steel Bender hosting a cookout at 11 with pulled pork, spare ribs, and brisket along with all the favorite sides that go with BBQ. Plus lots of beer, if you can stomach any after Blues and Brews.

Marble downtown hosts their annual Memorial Day Festival at 3 with lots of bands and lots of Goses. Customers who bike to the event get brew club pricing.

Tractor has a Four Hills location? Wow, I should stay up on local beer stuff. Well, if you're up that way (and what is up that way? When I think of that area, I can only picture the Waffle House and motels and shady shady people around there), stop into Tractor for Paint Your Own Stein Night. $35 gets you a night with Kiln It!, who will provide you with ceramic stein and paint. Creativity and skill, well, you're on your own. Don't worry, the $35 gets you a beer you can cry into about your lack of talent. It's not your fault they didn't have left-handed scissors in that art class when you were a kid. It's not your fault.

Brain Gang Trivia brings a special beer edition to Canteen from 7-9 pm. Show off your beer knowledge and win big. Quick: convert 8.7 degrees Plato to ABV! Yeah, me neither. Hopefully, the questions will be along the lines of, "What was the name of the dog in the Bud Light ad campaign in the 80s?" Extra credit if you can name the Stroh's dog.

TUESDAY MAY 29

Barrel-aged Obey the Darkside on cask at Canteen today. The NM Dark Side Brew Crew did this beer awhile back in collaboration with Canteen and now you get to try it after some time in whiskey barrels. 

High and Dry hosts a special tapping of...another brewery's beer! Ok! Just like Tractor Nob Hill carrying cans of La Cumbre Elevated IPA, business is business! High and Dry will be tapping Boxing Bear's Sucker Punch DIPA. This way you don't have to cross the river.

The Ultimate Taco Tuesday? We'll see about that! Ponderosa Brewing hosts tacos and beer pairings starting at 3. Take that, Bob's Burgers.

More food. How about grilled cheese? How about 4 different grilled cheese sandwiches paired with a flight of beer for $13*? How about you get to Tractor Nob Hill at 5? *price does not include Elevated IPA.

This could get messy: Two Fools is hosting a whiskey and beer event in which you pay $25 and get 3 whiskies, 3 beers, and 3 food pairings. Remember: it's not technically a shot if you order it "neat". Goes from 6-8 pm.

TFK Smokehouse hosts a $55 beer dinner with Steel Bender and Bell's from 6:30-8:30. Lager of the Lakes, 30th Anniversary Cherry Stout, and more! Call 639-5669 to reserve your spot.

More Tuesday, more beer, more tacos! This time at Canteen on Tramway. I'm gong to need bigger slacks. No wonder the call it Fat Tuesday.

You buy local food? Why not local hops? Red Hat Hops' Tom Brewer and Red Door Brewer Matt Meier hosts a discussion on hops and beer from 7-9. Bring your own tacos.

WEDNESDAY MAY 30

Rebel Donut and Tractor Four Hills are pairing up for a pairing. Beer and donuts. Four donuts paired with four Tractor beers from 3-7. Insert Homer Simpson joke here.

4 cask beer samples for $5? That's Beer Week 1 pricing! Join Quarter Celtic for their Mini Cask Fest from 4-9, where they'll be pouring award-winning Pedro O' Flannigan on oak chips, Pedro with Mosaic hops, Crimson Lass with Chai, and Mor Buck with Azacca distilled hop cloves. Whatever that is. 

Remember Beer and Cheese? How about Beer and Meat? Doesn't sound as classy. No wonder they didn't name it that. Marble's Heights location hosts M'Tucci's for a pairing of 4 Marble beers with 4 M'Tucci's cured meats. $30 gets you stuffed. 5-8 pm.

A Star Wars themed beer crawl comes your way beginning at 7 pm at Bosque and hitting Kelly's, Hops Brewery, and ending at Tractor Nob Hill. Dress as your favorite Star Wars character. There will be trivia along the way, beer discounts, and prizes. I'm going to be Sarlacc in the Great Pit of Carkoon. Look both ways before crossing the street, Darth. 

Back with more Beer Week events tomorrow-ish.

New Beers & Old Favorites with the NM Dark Side Brew Crew

Once again, the Dark Side Brew Crew was asked to write a little something for this here ABQ Beer Week blog. In the past, we have usually just done a top picks list, noting the one event per day that we feel people have to attend. 

Man, that is hard this year. 

Our theme? Try new beers and indulge in old favorite events. 

Thursday: Tractor Wells Park is hosting the Sour Hour with Rowley Farmhouse Ales again this year, starting at 5 p.m. There will be not one but three new beers in the Ab Initio series of sours made with blueberry and pomegranate, merlot grapes, and methley plums. 

On the old favorite front, happening at the same time (because of course) will be Marble’s Beer, Cheese & More. It’s back at the downtown taproom, featuring a lovely selection of tasty cheeses from Whole Foods Market paired with BBBerry Gose, Tickle Factory, Chillsner, Red Ale, and Cholo Stout. 

Friday: Get thee to Sister for the 21 and Over event at 6 p.m. Eight breweries that have been around for 21 or more years will be serving up some truly unique stuff. We do love some Helldorado from Firestone Walker, and the Chai Milk Stout Nitro from Left Hand looks great, but the 30th Anniversary Cherry Stout Reserve from Bell’s and Clutch Sour Stout from New Belgium really caught our eyes. Or, go crazy with some of Rogue’s Combat Wombat, a hazy IPA with blood orange and grapefruit. 

It’s not an event, per se, but we gotta get to Nexus to indulge in the latest release of one of the best seasonals, Beam Me Up Scotty. That will be tapped all day in advance of the seventh anniversary party, which rolls out Saturday and Sunday at the brewpub. 

Saturday: For a little something new, head to one of the newest breweries. High and Dry will be releasing two new beers paired up with special food offerings from Malaguena’s food truck. We like mysteries. We like solving them even better. 

As we already mentioned, it’s the Nexus anniversary party all weekend. Head over for some of Ken’s Red Chile Ribs, live music, and more Beam Me Up Scotty. 

Sunday: There aren’t a lot of events besides the big one on this day, but we’re intrigued by the La Cumbre Tap Takeover and Beer Brunch at Sister from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All we know is that Sister’s Sunday brunches are becoming hugely popular, and there will be five-plus LC beers on tap. 

For your nostalgia trip, head over to Sandia Casino for ABQ Blues and Brews. Spend a little extra for the tickets that get you in at 2 instead of 3, because that extra hour is crucial to trying all the great beers before the lines get too long. New Mexico breweries we don’t get in ABQ too often will include Bathtub Row, Enchanted Circle, Eske’s, and the new kids from Tumbleroot. 

Monday: It’s Memorial Day, so take advantage of the off-day and feast upon a bevy of smoked meats on the patio at Steel Bender. They’ll start serving as early as 11 a.m., and the supply is not unlimited, so get over there early. 

Then, once you have stuffed yourself, head back to Marble for the annual tradition of an afternoon featuring four of Albuquerque’s best bands from 3 to 8:30 p.m. As a bonus, if you leave the car at home and ride your bicycle, you will get Mug Club prices on the beer. 

Tuesday: We know that Obey the Darkside is not a new beer, but we can guarantee you’ve never had it after being aged in a Two Fools whiskey barrel. We’ve never had it that way, so get to Canteen for the tapping at noon. Basically, get there before we drink it all up. 

Another old favorite event is switching locations. Cheesy Street and Tractor are doing their annual pairing of grilled cheeses and beer, but now at the Nob Hill taproom instead of Wells Park. Servings will start at 5 p.m. 

Wednesday: The Crew is headed to Denver to see Insomnium, but the rest of you should go to Tractor Four Hills for a special pairing of beer and Rebel Donuts starting at 4 p.m. Mmm, donuts … 

An event we are sad to miss is the return of the Quarter Celtic Mini-cask Fest from 4 to 9 p.m. It’s just $4 for four cask samples, including two variations of the World Beer Cup medal-winning Pedro O’Flannigan. 

Thursday: While we race back down from Denver, everyone else should aim to get to Flix Brewhouse by 7 p.m. They will have a special screening of the cinematic classic, Beerfest, and there will also be a special beer release of a collaboration, Schnitz and Giggles, made with Steel Bender. Expect games, prizes, a special menu, and a whole lot more. 

You should all know the drill for Battle of the Beer Geeks by now. It runs from 5 to 8, costs $10 for a tray of five beers brewed at Tractor Wells Park by different groups of beer enthusiasts (including the Crew), and you vote for your favorite and get a pint of that beer. It will be a 50-50 voting split this year between the public and a judging panel. 

Friday: There are only four events this day, so none are a repeat from years past. Instead, just embrace the new, or in this case the aged, as Firestone Walker Barrelworks will have a tap takeover at Nob Hill Bar & Grill from 5 to 7 p.m. We await the beer list for this one. 

Saturday: The good dudes at Ponderosa are hosting a Mini Lager Fest starting at noon. A number of local breweries will be showcasing their finest lagers. It’s $20, with further details TBA. 

For all you foodies, the annual Food Truck Battle is back at Red Door on Candelaria. It runs from noon to 4 p.m., and Red Door will have beer pairing suggestions for the various food dishes being offered. Vote for the best participating truck with your palate. 

Sunday: Steel Bender hosts “Le Cask Lunatique,” a special cask festival featuring local jazz legends Le Chat Lunatique. The six casks will be tapped at noon, the band plays from 1 to 3, and you close out Beer Week on a high note. 

Before that, get up in time for a 7 a.m. tee time. It’s time for the 10th Annual NM Brewers Guild Golf Tournament at Santa Ana Golf Course. Support the Guild, enjoy the sport (as much as one can if not terribly good at it), and get some beers in for breakfast. 

Those are our daily picks, but there are so, so many other great events, and many great new beers and returning favorites to try. Just remember to pace yourselves, be responsible (Lyft/Uber are your friends!), and we will see you all on the other side. 

Cheers!

— Stoutmeister

Babes in Brewland Beer Week Picks

It’s our favorite time of year and this year the beer is bringing all the Babes to the yard. 

Here are our picks for our must-go-to events for 2018: 

May 24: Beer & Cheese at Marble downtown. It’s back and there is NO WAY we would miss this. Personally, it’s always been my favorite event of Beer Week and I’m happy it’s back downtown. 

May 25: Founders Brewing KBS vertical at Nob Hill Bar & Grill. I mean, come on. Also a good excuse to see what fun seasonal brews are on tap at NHBG - always a good time. 

May 26: M’tucci Pizzeria Beer Dinner with Bosque Brewing and Upslope. So if y’all haven’t been to M’Tucci’s, you’re missing out on a foodie haven in general. A pizzeria dinner with two awesome breweries? Count us in. 

May 26 part 2: so the pizzeria dinner is at 630pm. If you finish early and/or want a later night option, this one is asombroso. All I REALLY want to do is listen to Selena covers and drink beer-ritas at Tractor (Well’s Park.) I cannot think of a better summer evening than this. 

May 27: We know everyone will be going to the ever-popular Blues and Brews this day. But the Sisters have always spoken to me in a way that most beers never could. My heart really wants to go to the Goose Island brunch with Sophia Beermosas at Nob Hill Bar & Grill. (And maybe Blues and Brews later on.) 

May 28: It’s a toss up on this one. We always know Marble does a great Memorial Day event and there are some great bands and a bicycle workshop that day. But a smoke out BBQ at Steelbender sounds amazing and our carnivores may lean that direction. We may divide and conquer this day. 

May 29: Two Fools and Canteen (at Two Fools) whiskey and beer pairing. Need we say more? 

May 30: The way to a girl’s heart is through donuts and beer and the Rebel Donut and Beer pairing at Tractor (Four Hills.) Swoon. 

May 31: So it’s that time again. 5th Annual Battle of the Beer Geeks. We are going to TRY to hold fast to our our title this year, but every year there is some stiff competition. Honestly, we love that there are so many home brewers that all make some kick-ass beer. May the odds be ever in your favor. 

June 1: Sour Funk beer tasting at Jubilation. Honestly, I think my palette may be jacked from my crazy love for sour and funky beer, but I don’t care! I love them! Be there or be square. 

June 2: Beer Prom at Tractor (Wells Park.) I don’t know what this event actually entails, but don’t be surprised if some of us show up in lace, ruffles, and blue eye shadow. 

June 3: Le Cask Lunatique. Uhm, Le Chat Lunatique and cask beer at Steelbender. What a way to end Beer Week. 

For a listing of all events, go the ABQ Beer Week page: http://www.abqbeerweek.com/ 

Be safe out there, friends. And if anyone needs an Uber Code, message me on the Babes page. 

New Mexico Dark Side Brew Crew Beer Week Plan of Attack

The Dark Side Brew Crew takes ABQ Beer Week quite seriously. 
Every year we do our best to plot out our “plan of attack” for each day, highlighting the events we can’t miss as well as how to get from Point A to Point B to Point C and so on. 
Without further ado, our 2017 battle plan!

Thursday, May 25
3 p.m.: Bow & Arrow is releasing a sour dry-hopped farmhouse ale, so their spot on Sixth Street is a good place to start. 
4 p.m.: Head up Lomas to Jubilation Beer Wine and Spirits for a double dose of fun. First, La Cumbre will be there for a beer and cheese pairing. Then, a certain beer writer named Chris Jackson (a.k.a. Stoutmeister) will be signing advance copies of his new book Albuquerque Beer: Duke City History on Tap! There will only be a limited number of copies available, so get there early. 
6 p.m.: Need even more beer and cheese? Trek up to Marble Heights and enjoy even more pairings featuring their beers. This one costs $25 per person and they will sell out, so stop by soon and get your tickets in advance. 

Friday, May 26
Noon: Stop by either Red Door location for the release of their Blackberry Hefeweizen. You can go at noon or wait until later, it will be there all day. 
4 p.m.: Our friends from Mother Road Brewing in Flagstaff are doing a special tasting at Jubilation. They will also have a special keg available for growler fills until 10 p.m. 
5 p.m.: We love when breweries join forces, and that’s what will happen here when Rowley Farmhouse Ales comes down from Santa Fe to have a “Sour Hour” at Tractor Wells Park. Special sour and funky beers will be available from both breweries. Then, stick around as the Desert Darlings will be performing Hops & Dreams at 8 p.m. 

Saturday, May 27
11 a.m.: Get up early (for beer drinkers) and head to the Santa Fe Brewing ABQ Taproom at Green Jeans for an all-day bash. Live music, special food dishes from Bocadillo’s, unique beer tappings, a more. 
Noon: Pick your favorite participating local brewery and head over for the release of the 505 Collaboration Beer! It’s a Golden Strong Ale this year, brewed at Steel Bender Brewyard with help from more than a dozen ABQ-area breweries. 
2 p.m.: Grab three friends and head to O’Niell’s Juan Tabo for the Beer Olympics. There will be four special challenges to test all aspects of your beer-related skills, from trivia to an obstacle course. It’s $5 per team member. 
7 p.m.: Head back to Tractor Wells Park for the release of two special beers brewed in collaboration with Mother Road, a malty altbier and a hoppy double IPA. Le Chat Lunatique will provide the music. 

Sunday, May 28
Noon: Start your day off right as Quarter Celtic and Dialogue are releasing their collaboration beer, Common Irish Conversation. You can pop into either location. 
2 p.m.: Get your Uber/Lyft/designated driver to drop you off at Sandia Casino for the seventh annual ABQ Blues & Brews. Make sure to get that Extra Access Hour ticket to enter at 2, otherwise you’ll be packed in with the main crowd at 3. VIP Admission also available. 

Monday, May 29
Noon: Kick those hangovers to the curb and go enjoy the Memorial Day Music Fest at Marble. Pack some extra sunscreen, keep hydrated, and groove along to the tunes. 
7 p.m.: Join the Dark Side Brew Crew for the ultimate beer geeks trivia night at Tractor Nob Hill. The first round will be fairly easy, the second will focus on national craft beer brands, the third will be a tasting round, the fourth will be local beer history (hint: buy the book at Jubilation on the 25th, it will help you win), and the fifth will be made up of the toughest questions all our breweries can conceive. 

Tuesday, May 30
Noon: Canteen is releasing the next edition of their kettle sour, Social Capital. This batch was made with basil, lemongrass, and coconut. 
4 p.m.: Ready for CANARCHY? Upslope is taking over Taco Tuesday at Sister with cans of Citra Pale Lager. 
5 p.m.: Cheesy Street and Tractor Wells Park are teaming up again to pair a series of six special mini-grilled cheeses with different beers. It’s $13 for the tray of cheesy, beery goodness. 
6 p.m.: OK, now it’s Marble’s turn to throw down the beer trivia gauntlet. Head out to the Westside taproom. Word is Jeff Erway of La Cumbre will be there, and may be going head-to-head with the Crew for supremacy. 

Wednesday, May 31
Noon: Close out the month in style by getting a pint or a bomber of Marble’s Brett IPA, which is back at all three locations. 
4 p.m.: Firestone Walker is bringing some of their finest to Jubilation for a special tasting. 
5 p.m.: Quarter Celtic will host a Mini Cask Fest out on the patio. Fill up a tray of four cask beers, feast upon all the delicious foods, and say farewell to May. 
7 p.m.: Tractor, Gruet Winery, and Cheese & Coffee are teaming up for a combined beer/wine/food pairing at Wells Park. There will be five courses/pairings, and you can purchase each of them individually rather than committing to all five, or just go all out. 

Thursday, June 1
11 a.m.: Grab a bite to eat at the Sandia Saloon, where they will also be tapping a special Marble keg (style TBA). 
3 p.m.: This seems like a good day to finally try the beer-and-tapas pairing at Ponderosa. Hey, it’s good to be over around Old Town, because then it’s a quick drive/ride share to your next stop. 
5 p.m.: It’s time for Battle of the Beer Geeks, Round IV! The Crew, and everyone else, had to adhere to a certain style, in this case a wheat beer. Fear not, though, we still figured out how to make a monster. Join us for the blind taste test ($10 per tray), pick your favorite, and help the Crew take back the title from the Babes in Brewland!

Friday, June 2
2 p.m.: Pucker up for the annual Tower of Sour. They are renovating Back Alley Draft House, so this will be out in the main JC’s New York Pizza Department dining area. Fear not, it will still have all the same great sour beers you love, plus some new ones. 
4 p.m.: Head to the Northeast Heights and reset your palate with a La Cumbre special tasting at Whole Foods on Academy. 
5 p.m.: Upslope is hosting a Rochambeau tournament at Rock & Brews on Montgomery. The entry is free, the top five finishers get prizes, and there will be special Upslope beers on tap. 

Saturday, June 3
11 a.m.: Head out to Rio Rancho for brunch and Yappy Hour at Cazuela’s, as Watermelon Mountain Ranch will be on hand with animals to adopt. Get a pint, get a pup. 
Noon: Marble Westside will host the Ladies Loving Beer Luncheon, which we think all the ladies should attend. For the men, head over to Red Door for the annual Food Truck Battle. Or go to both if you can pull it off. 
4 p.m.: O’Niell’s Juan Tabo is hosting a special pairing of Sierra Nevada beers and Girl Scout cookies. Indulge, you fools, indulge!
5 p.m.: Friend to all, Thomas DeCaro, is bring two amazing Great Divide beers to New Mexico for the first time. Get to Nob Hill Bar & Grill for Barrel-Aged Chocolate Yeti and She Said, I Brew (Barrel-Aged Russian Imperial Stout). BRING ON THE DARKNESS!!!
7 p.m.: Definitely make sure to use a ride share/taxi/designated driver after that last one and then head down to Tractor Wells Park for the Jodie Herrera Art Opening and Glass Release. She made her glass specifically for the Triple Berry Cider being released at the same time. The Blank Tapes will provide the music. 

Sunday, June 4
7:30 a.m.: Get up early and hit the links for the ninth annual New Mexico Brewers Guild Golf Tournament. It’s out at Santa Ana Golf Club, so dust off your gear and get on out there to support the Guild. 
Noon: For the non-golfers out there, head over to Rio Bravo for the NM True Fest. Join a group of NM True-certified vendors selling their wares on the patio, along with live music and food trucks. 
2 p.m.: Raise a glass to the returning golfers and chow down with the annual Joe S. Sausage Super Sunday Sampler at Marble’s downtown taproom. Meat and beer and call it a Beer Week!
Cheers to local craft beer!
— NMDSBC

ResortsAndLodges.com

By: Thomas Schultz  posted Mon, May 15, 2017 in SPECIALINTEREST

Dripping with cultural attractions and historical landmarks, Albuquerque is a must-visit destination during any trip to New Mexico. The city features some of the best weather in America with an annual average temperature of 70℉ and more than 310 days of sunshine annually. All visitors should make their way to the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway which offers bird's eye views of the city and Rio Grande Valley.  

The ABQ Beer Week brings hundreds of beer-themed activities and events to Albuquerque each year. This year, the event will take place May 25 - June 4 at various venues throughout the city. The Beer Week contains more than 100 separate events from pairing demonstrations at top tier restaurants to concerts at the city's top nightspots. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a variety of locally-produced and national beers, ciders, meads, and more. Patrons can also eat some of the city's best cuisine from participating restaurants, vendors, and food trucks. Proceeds from the event go to charitable organizations including the American Lung Association, Make A Wish, UNM Children's Hospital, and more. We got the chance to interview Marne Gaston, a representative of the event, to learn more about this great beer celebration.

RAL: How long has the event been running?

MG: ABQ Beer Week is kicking off its 7th year. Our Inaugural ABQ Beer Week took place in 2011, and we’ve been celebrating ever since.  

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

MG: We estimate about 12,000 attendees to all of the events. Some are small, more intimate events with 15 people, while the ABQ Blues & Brews is a big festival with an average of 3,000 people in attendance.

RAL: What demographic does your event attract? 

MG: We attract people over the age of 21 since the majority of our events are at breweries, bars, and restaurants. We get a lot of couples for the food pairing events, and the festival-type events attract more of a variety.

RAL: What makes this event unique?

MG: This is the only event in Albuquerque that highlights all of our great beer, and the places where people enjoy them.

RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.

MG: There are multiple events each day and over 100 events in 11 days. You could do some free sampling, then stop in for a fun food and beer pairing, finishing the day with a great musical experience.

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

MG: There are multiple course meals paired with beer, food truck events, grilled cheese/beer pairings, tapas/beer pairings, chocolate/beer pairings, beer/cheese pairings (my favorites), and more.

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

MG: We have some special rates on our site, but some fun boutique-type hotels are Hotel Andaluz, Los Poblanos Historic Inn, and more.

RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?

MG: There are always favorite events. ABQ Blues & Brews sells out every year as well as the Beer & Cheese, Beer & Grilled Cheese, and Beer & Sausage events. Other favorites include the Battle of the Beer Geeks and the Tower of Sour.

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

MG: The event helps out the economy by creating large new revenue streams. Beer Week attendees stay in hotels, eat at local restaurants, visit attractions, and more.

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

MG: Multiple charities benefit from ABQ Beer Week including El Ranchito de Los Ninos, American Lung Association, Make A Wish, UNM Children's Hospital, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Shelter, and more.

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

MG: ABQ Beer Week is a way to cram in all kinds of experiences into just a few days. You can try new beers, new foods, check out art, music, and different areas of the city.

For more information about the ABQ Beer Week, please visit the event website.

Babes in Brewland ABQ Beer Week Picks

Babes In Brewland

Our picks for ABQ Beer Week!

*NOTE- some events do not yet appear on the website as they cannot be published without start times.  We will update links as they are published.

ABQ Beer Week is coming and we are getting ready for 11 days of craft beer heaven!
While brewing a beer together at Tractor last weekend (which will be released during Beer Week), the BIBs took a hard look at the schedule and came up with our initial plan. There are so many great events all over the city, decisions were tough.
*Our picks will have a Downtown/Nob Hill bias since that is where most of us live.

May 25th: Marble’s Beer & Cheese has historically been a favorite of ours, but since it is only at the Heights location this year, we decided to try the La Cumbre & cheese tasting at Jubilation then make our way to Sierra Nevada’s Beer and Girl Scout Cookies at O’Niells Nob Hill.

May 26th: We love sours! Therefore, we chose Sour Hour with Rowley Farmhouse Ales & Hops and Dreams at Tractor Wells Park. But we also love Bourbon County… so maybe there will be a Nob Hill Bar and Grill stop as well. Wait, rare beer alert for New Belgium Brewing at Geckos Nob Hill? We may have to divide and conquer this jam packed Friday.

May 27th: Feeling the need for some balance, and shenanigans, we will be getting some exercise in as we go brewery to brewery with the ABQ Hash House Harriers on Saturday. We should be in the right spots to catch a sample of the ABQ Brewers Collaborative Beer (benefitting the NM Brewers Guild) while we are at it. Other option: SFBC Bash at Green Jeans.

May 28th: It’s BLUES & BREWS Beer Fest Day!!! Can’t handle more than that…

May 29th: Recover? No, think we will hit up Memorial Day Music Fest at Marble downtown then head up to support our friends NM Dark Side Brew Crew and test our knowledge at Beer Geeks Trivia , Tractor Nob Hill

May 30th: We will be sampling Canteen’s beer release and then head to Tractor for Cheese and Beer pairings which was one of our favorite events last year—grilled cheese!

May 31st: Quarter Celtic Mini Cask Fest—yes please!

June 1st: BATTLE OF THE BEER GEEKS! We will be defending our championship status against a number of other local beer and brewing groups. Come sample the beers, pick your favorite, get a pint, and meet and mingle with all the local beer groups.

June 2nd: Did I mention we love sours? Tower of Sour at Back Alley is one we have never missed! If you do not like sours, check out the Art Fight at Tractor Wells Park.

June 3rd: We hear there is a special Yeti (Great Divide Brewing) tapping at Nob Hill Bar and Grill this day! And maybe a Food Truck Battle at Red Door is on the docket.

June 4th: No better way to end it all than the Joe Sausage Super Sunday Sampler at Marble Downtown!

Hope to see you around town—come say hi! Cheers!

4 Reasons Why You Should Drink Local — And How to Do it

by Henry Moore

When you think of shopping local, your mind probably goes to stopping by the local hardware store rather than Home Depot, or picking up produce from the co-op. But what about drinking local? Supporting local drinking establishments can be a great way to boost your local economy and bring life to your neighborhood. Here’s why you should drink local this St. Patrick’s Day — and any other time — and how you can do it.

Drinking Local: The Why

Support Local Economies

Local bars and breweries create jobs and generate tax revenue for a vibrant local economy. When you patronize your local drinking establishments, you’re helping to sustain half a dozen or more jobs — and when those employees are off the clock, they’ll be spending their hard-earned cash in your town.

Contribute to Neighborhood Revitalization

Urban neighborhoods around the country have been enjoying a boon of revitalization, and bars and breweries have been a major driver. By providing a third place, somewhere people can meet to socialize outside of the spheres of work and home, drinking establishments serve as people magnets. They draw in crowds that hang around to grab dinner or stop into a store or two, helping to turn languishing neighborhoods into pockets of prosperity.

Help the Environment

Drinking local is much better for the environment than drinking mass-produced alcohol that must be transported across the country before it gets to you. Since local breweries operate in a more intimate sphere, sourcing ingredients and distributing locally, they have a much smaller carbon footprint.

Support Local Musicians

Local bars and breweries often provide a stage to up-and-coming musicians, letting them grow their fan base and build experience before embarking on a national tour. Bars are also a popular venue for independent touring musicians, so you can see your favorite band without having to pay big bucks for a stadium show.

Drinking Local: The How

You may not head to your local drinking establishment with such lofty goals as supporting your economy and protecting the environment, but if you’re heading out anyway, there are a few things you can do to maximize the benefits of drinking local.

Order Local Brews

When you’re heading to your favorite bar, make a point to try a local draft or two. Bars are increasingly offering local beers on tap, and even local spirits in places lucky enough to have a distillery. And, for the most part, they’re not any more expensive than your favorite import.

Check Out a GastroPub

Craving a dinner out? Skip the chain establishments and seek out a gastropub to enjoy inventive takes on typical bar fare. If you’re in the mood for a different type of cuisine, head to the restaurant of your choice and order a locally-sourced craft beer, wine, or cocktail while you dine.

Stop in to Local Shows

Keep an eye on your city’s events calendars, and stop by the bar to catch a local musician playing a set. Even if you’ve never heard of the artist, the cover fees are usually small, it’s a great excuse to grab a drink, and you may even discover a new favorite band.

Tour a Brewery

For a unique date, schedule a brewery tour at a local craft brewhouse. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the brewing process, meet the brewers, and even get to try some tasty samples. Most breweries offer group and private tours for a reasonable price.

Supporting your local drinking establishments doesn’t have to mean major habit changes. By paying just a little more attention to patronizing local bars and ordering local brews, you can be part of a movement that’s bringing new life to towns and cities across the country — and have fun while doing it.

Image via Pixabay by Pexels

You Have Two Hands – One to Help Drink Beer & One to Help Others

If ABQ Beer Week has you feeling a bit gluttonous and you need a little uplift in your life – fear not! You can continue your drinking spree with one of the many ABW events that benefit some great local non-profits.

It couldn’t be easier to help some great local businesses than this!  Bonus – they are your lovely local breweries. Enjoy the ABQ Brewers Collaboration Beer and $1 of each pint benefits the NM Brewers Guild.  The NM Brewers Guild is an organization dedicated to promoting local craft brewing and the enjoyment of excellent beer. You can purchase pints at Marble, 2nd Street, Santa Fe, Tractor, Turtle, Boxing Bear Bosque, Red Door & La Cumbre. 

Kickoff ABQ Beer Week with beer sampling and blues music at the ABQ Blues & Brews Craft Beer Festival. Multiple charities will receive donations from the festival.  Charities in the past have included Muscular Dystrophy, UNM Children’s Hospital, American Lung Association, Make-A-Wish NM, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,  St. Jude’s, American Cancer Society, Tricklock Theater Company & NM Brewers Guild.

We can’t think of a better way to round out your Memorial Day Weekend than helping military families. Help raise money to provide educational support to spouses and children of America's fallen and wounded soldiers at Red Door Brewing's Folds of Honor Foundation Fundraiser.

Marble Brewery is hosting a fundraiser at both locations, so there is bound to be one close to you!  Downtown they are hosting The Harwood's Annual Fundraiser.  The Harwood Art Center works to build a sustainable and more vibrant local, statewide and regional community by using the arts as a catalyst for personal empowerment, cultural enrichment and social change. Head over to the Westside Tap Room to help raise funds for Watermelon Ranch – NM’s largest no-kill animal shelter.  

Show your support for local and organic farmers at the annual Bees & Seeds ANTI-GMO festival at Tractor Brewing Co. Wells Park. The following weekend you can help raise funds for sex education in NM at the Planned Parenthood Beer & Bands Annual Fundraiser at Tractor Brewing Wells Park.

End your ABQ Beer Week the same way you began it – supporting the NM Brewers Guild at one of two (or both) fun events.  First join 16 breweries releasing new beers at the New Mexico's Brewers Guild Beer Premiere at National Hispanic Cultural Center.  Finally, get in some fresh air and lots of great beer at the 8th Annual Brewers Guild Golf Tournament at Santa Ana Golf Course. 

Thank you to all the breweries that participate in these events – helping us to spend a little time during Beer Week to give back to our community without even having to put down our beer.  

Dark Side Brew Crew's Plan of Attack

Last year, around this time, Marne asked the Dark Side Brew Crew to come up with a comprehensive plan of attack for ABQ Beer Week. We got a bit chatty, in print form, as we are wont to do when it comes to craft beer. This year, Beer Week is 11 days long, with even more events, so do not expect us to be any less long-winded. This is a serious approach to squeezing in as many beer-related events as possible. 
Once again, we highly, HIGHLY encourage people attending multiple events in a day to please use Uber, public transportation, designated drivers who owe you a favor, or even your own two feet, if possible. We want everyone to get home safely from all the madness, after all. 

Thursday, May 26
4 p.m.: Anodyne has always been a funky, off-the-wall kind of bar. It seems fitting, then, that they would have a funky, off-the-wall kind of beer tapping. Abita Brewing is bring their Horchata Turbodog, in a firkin no less. 
5 p.m.: It’s time to start the pairings with an old favorite! Beer and Cheese is back at Marble 111. Get your tickets ($25) in advance, because this one often sells out. It will also help prepare you for the next event … 
6 p.m.: Oh, it’s on again, as the third annual Sierra Nevada Sausage and Cheese Tasting is back, this time at O’Niell’s on Juan Tabo. Get a full platter of unique sausages and cheeses, all paired up with the lineup from the 2016 edition of Beer Camp Across America. Awesome, unique collaboration beers, folks, not just the same beers you have had a thousand times in the past. 

Friday, May 27
Noon: Sneak over to Marble, either location, on your lunch break and see what unique, awesome beer(s) they have in their firkins. 
1 p.m.: Consider it an extended lunch and head to any participating brewery — Bosque, Boxing Bear, La Cumbre, Marble, Red Door, just to name a few — and try the 505 Collaboration beer. This year it’s a Rye Kellerbier that was jointly brewed at La Cumbre. Take note, $1 from every pint sold benefits the NM Brewers Guild. 
4 p.m.: Not all of us are big sour fans, but we know a heck a lot of the rest of you sure are. For the fourth straight year, sour fans are in luck as the Tower of Sour returns to Back Alley Draft House. For $15, you get four samples and a 10-ounce glass of your favorite. There will be eight to choose from, including sours from Ballast Point, Back Alley, Odell, Santa Fe, and a special Cazuela’s/Bathtub Row collaboration. 
5 p.m.: Head up to Nob Hill Bar & Grill for a double dose of Avery Brewing’s finest. In this case, The Beast Grand Cru and a Raspberry Sour will be available, depending on your preference. You should probably eat while you’re there if you did not snag a pizza at Back Alley. 
6 p.m.: Now it’s time to work off some of those calories with The Hopper, a hop-on, hop-off brew cruise with ABQ Trolley Co. It costs $20 for the three-hour tour of five downtown breweries. 

Saturday, May 28
Noon: Your legs got a workout yesterday, so today go flex those arms. Albuquerque Brewing is hosting a cornhole tournament. It only costs $5 to participate, plus of course there will be beer and pizza on hand. Replenish yourselves!
1 p.m.: The Bees & Seeds Anti-GMO Festival is back this year, with a beer-centric twist. Tractor Wells Park is the host for this event. Go get educated about what’s going on in the world of agriculture, all while playing games, shopping with local vendors and artists, listening to live music, and of course enjoy a few pints. 
6 p.m.: We all love Founders Brewing, and if there is one beer that stands above all else, it is the one known simply by its epic acronym — KBS. Nob Hill Bar & Grill will have a vertical epic with two or more editions of this annual imperial stout of amazing quality. 
7 p.m.: It’s calorie burning time again. Put on your wackiest 70s attire and head to Tractor Nob Hill for Cider Day Night Fever. Try some cider cocktails, or enjoy them straight, all while dancing to some groovy tunes. 

Sunday, May 29
2 p.m.: It’s Blues & Brews time at Sandia Casino. Seventy-plus breweries, cideries, and distilleries will be on hand, with unlimited sampling. As we do every year, we highly recommend getting VIP tickets for that extra hour of tasting. 

Monday, May 30
Noon: It’s Memorial Day, so normally we would just tell you all to stay home and barbecue in the backyard with friends and family. Before all that, head to Red Door for the Folds of Honor Foundation Fundraiser. What is Folds of Honor? It’s a non-profit that helps the spouses and children of America’s fallen military men and women. Their goal is to make sure all surviving family has the chance to go to college. Red Door is donating 20% of all sales. Beer for a cause is always worth the trip. 
3 p.m.: If hanging with family isn’t your thing, head over to Marble 111 for the Memorial Day Fest. Live music, food trucks, and of course a lot of great beer will be available all day. Just be super extra careful getting home afterwards, it is a holiday. 

Tuesday, May 31
3 p.m.: The popular beer & cheese pairing between Tractor and Cheesy Street food truck is back at Wells Park. Get gooey with a sampler tray and some beers.  
4 p.m.: New Belgium’s Lips of Faith Series is still one of craft brewing’s best. One of those entries, the Nitro Oscar Worthy Coffee Barrel, will be served at Two Fools Tavern. With all that heavy cheese in your belly, you need a beer that will wake you up! 
5 p.m.: Hop across the street to Nob Hill Bar & Grill for a special tapping of Lagunitas’ One-Hitter Series. GravensTime Apple-esque Beer is the evening’s selection. Check out what the heck this beer is all about. We have no idea.
6 p.m.: There will be some sort of Ballast Point special beer tapping and pairing at Canvas Artistry. We have no idea what Thomas DeCaro is bringing, but odds are, it will be delicious. 

Wednesday, June 1
5 p.m.: Start the evening with another special double tapping at Nob Hill Bar & Grill. Ska Brewing is down from Durango with Barrel-Aged Dementia and Bump & Grind Coffee Stout. Use this as a way to convince your best friend or significant other that you need to make a Durango trek this summer. 
6 p.m.: If you have ever considered become a Certified Cicerone, head over to Tractor Wells Park for a special study session to prepare you to take the exams. Stick around for a “bad beer tasting,” where you get to learn exactly what makes an off flavor more off than it should be. 

Thursday, June 2
2 p.m.: The food trucks are battling it out again at Red Door. Well, it’s a battle in name only, but there will be multiple trucks parked outside, all offering up scaled-down menus, with many items specifically paired with Red Door beers. This is your chance to try multiple trucks at one location and figure out which one is your favorite. 
4 p.m.: We have been remiss in sending you to Jubilation. Stock up for the weekend, and while you are there, Mother Road Brewing will have some of their beers available for tasting. Enjoy some of Flagstaff’s finest brews while getting your important shopping done. 
5 p.m.: OK, now it’s time for war. The third annual Battle of the Beer Geeks is back at Tractor Wells Park. Head on over for a blind taste test, of sorts. The beers will be identified, but not which beer appreciation group made which beer. Let’s see if the Brew Crew can retake the trophy from the Babes in Brewland, or if the Dukes of Ale or another participating group can earn their first victory. 

Friday, June 3
Noon: Not to repeat ourselves, but it’s Firkin Friday again at both Marble locations. After this, take it easy. You need to rest that palate for the next event. 
6 p.m.: The NM Brewers Guild Beer Premiere is back, returning to the National Hispanic Cultural Center. For $35 per person, you get to try special one-off, never-before-released beers from 15 different breweries. There will also be a Matanza-style pig roast by M’Tucci’s. Roasted pork. Brand new beers. Stoutmeister has to be kicking himself for missing this one. (He’s at a family wedding in California. Oh, wait, his hotel is within walking distance of the Firestone Walker Barrelworks. Bastard.)

Saturday, June 4
Noon: Return to Tractor Wells for a flight of unique, barrel-aged beers that have never been released before. It only costs $12 and it remains to be seen when these unique creations will be back on tap. 
2 p.m.: Trek over to Marble Westside for a good cause. The Summer Kick-Off Yappy Hour, a fundraiser benefiting Watermelon Mountain Ranch, will be running until 6. 
5 p.m.: At this point, you might apply for residency at Wells Park. The annual Planned Parenthood fundraiser kicks off with multiple performers, including two of our favorites, the Desert Darlings and Le Chat Lunatique. The cost is $15 per person, with all proceeds going to Planned Parenthood. 

Sunday, June 5
11 a.m.: Get out to the Santa Ana Golf Course for the eighth annual NM Brewers Guild golf tournament. Contact the Guild for more information. 
2 p.m.: Once you are done at the course, head back to Marble 111 for the grand finale. Joe S. Sausage is on hand for Sausage Fest. It’s $25 for lots of plates and pairings. Lots of food, lots of beer, live music, it’s the best way to wind down and call it a Beer Week. 

That’s all from us for now! Check our website every day for a full listing of all Beer Week events, with previews of the big stuff and reviews of the many, many beers we will be trying.

Albuquerque + Craft Beer = Love

All craft beer enthusiasts near and far will delight in the Albuquerque Beer Week 2016 (ABW16) event schedule.

Albuquerque, NM: Craft beer enthusiasts will be flooding our local breweries, bars, restaurants and streets celebrating the great beers that New Mexico has to offer.      

ABW16 kicks off May 26 and pours through June 5 with over a 130 events, including a return favorite the 6th Annual ABQ Blues & Brews festival at Sandia Resort & Casino which features unlimited sampling from more than 70 breweries, cideries and distilleries.

ABW16 was conceived by the Patrick Cavanaugh of www.abqbeergeek.com and Marne Gaston of Feel Good Festivals with the purpose of joining the community in celebration of great beers, local music and amazing venues.  

If you want to try out multiple breweries during ABW16, check out the Hopper: Hop-on, Hop-off Brew Cruise with ABQ Trolley during ABW16. Hop-off and enjoy discounts at 5 breweries over 3 hours on May 27.

Lagunitas Brewing Co. is bringing some new flavors to ABW16 mashing beer & apples in their GravensTimeApple-esque Beer at Nob Hill Bar & Grill on May 31. 

Always looking for new flavors, breweries are showcasing multiple barrel-aged beers for ABW16.  Gaston says, “Beers can be aged in tequila, bourbon, whiskey and even wine barrels. Many of the beers are wonderful to begin with, but this aging process makes them even more complex.” Some of the breweries showcasing barrel-aged beers are Ballast Point, Tractor Brewing Co., Boulder Beer, Ska Brewing, and Rio Bravo Brewing Co.

Food is also big on the menu this year. “Look for beer paired with almost anything this year.  Cheese, sausage, brats, pizza, chocolate and more,” says Cavanaugh. “We have over 25 food-related events this year including pairings, brunch and dinners.”

Albuquerque Beer Week’s objective is to bring a greater awareness of craft beer in the Albuquerque area. They aim to accomplish this by providing a website that beer drinkers can peruse and locate beer related events taking place during the week, getting more people excited and involved with the craft beer scene. Abqbeerweek.com will also provide a forum for businesses to promote their beer week efforts.

Contact Marne Gaston at marne@feelgoodfestivals.com or visit www.abqbeerweek.com for more information. 

Albuquerque Beer Geek's Plan of Attack Part 2

Whoever said, "God shines down on Beer Week" wasn't saying a word on Thursday, though the nasty weather didn't keep from me from visiting a few events. Marble's Beer, Cheese, and More seemed to be a success, save for the guy who got mad after eating his cheese and then going on the brewery tour, wisely deciding to leave his backpack on the barstool, and then getting mad when a customer turned it into the bartender, thinking the guy had left it by mistake. "You just wanted to take my seat!" And it used to be such a peaceful event. So why didn't I mention the event in my highlights from the other day? Well, I knew by the time you got there, it would be sold out. And that's what happened to many a sad person, so you're welcome.

I stopped by Canteen to try the Hopspitality IPA, brewed with Azacca, Amarillo, and El Dorado hops. Was mad that I didn't bring a growler, then later was mad when I realized I could have gotten a crowler. Idiot.

Rock and Brews had some special brews that I felt compelled to stop and try. I can't comment too much on the beer, because I'm not sure what I was served. The very friendly server wasn't quite sure, either. I don't know if it is the Oskar Blues rep not communicating the descriptions well enough or someone at Rock and Brews not informing the staff but it seems like part of the job is being able to talk "Rock", as in "Oingo Boingo cassettes were sitting in the bargain bin back in 1989, yet 94.5 The 80's Station thinks people want to hear "Dead Man's Party" played at least once a day. Discuss." The other part of the job is being able to talk "Brews". So at least have a little flier printed for these special events where people can learn about what the special taps are. Thanks, OB.

And now, Saturday's highlights:

Beer and Boards at Tractor Wells Park. Skateboard art is the theme of the day at Tractor. Only instead of people holding their wine in one hand and their chin in the other while inspecting the art, they'll be holding a beer. Event goes all day, with live music at 6.

Nexus celebrates their 4th Anniversary with a special releease: Prosperity Works Belgian Scottish Ale, with a dollar from each pint sold going to Prosperity Works, helping New Mexicans..do stuff. Red Chile ribs are back on the menu! But where's my damn McRib??

Many tasting events going on at various stores, but the highlight for me is Jubilation's April Showers Bring May Sours event. From 2-4 the knowledgeable staff will lead you on a tour of a variety of sours and which antacids pair best with them.

Nob Hill Bar and Grill welcomes a firkin of sour love from newcomer Mother Road Brewing out of Flagstaff. Deschutes Mirror Mirror Barleywine will also be tapped. This latest incarnation of Mirror Mirror isn't even unintentionally sour, unlike the previous version that we were able to get.  Quite a fine Barleywine and a good find on tap.   

Tommyknocker Event at Twin Peaks. I just had to include this, knowing what Twin Peaks is known for/ the fact that Jack Whacker Wheat is being served. There's a joke in there somewhere.

-- 

-Patrick

http://www.abqbeergeek.com