Drink Coronado at Coronado

Still feeling like an IDIOT because you bought some Coronado beer without checking that brewed on date that read 3/26/10? It happens to all of us now and then...I bought some Sweetwater IPA last night (yeah, I'm out of town again) and noticed the enjoy by date of 10/10/12 when I got back to my hotel room. I had to console myself with the Founders Harvest and Westbrook Nelson Sauvin that I also purchased.

Well, have no fear about that happening again with Coronado beer (at least I hope!), as they have changed distributors from National to Premier, which promises to give Coronado a push in our market that they hadn't received before. In the picture you can see my new friend Miguel (I call him Miguel because of the M on his hat...must stand for Miguel, either his name or in honor of Miguel Cabrera, right?) unloading the first delivery of Coronado to Premier's warehouse. To celebrate the arrival, Coronado Crossing restaurant is hosting a Coronado Brewing tap takeover on Friday, 10/26 (you know the place- on Montgomery west of San Mateo, used to be Harrigan's way back in the day with the good fried zucchini, then Zea Rotisserie, or as I call it, Boston Market for rich people). I haven't been in there yet, but if they keep pouring drafts like the following, you can bet I will drive right by on my way home to drink soon!
Coronado Brewing's Orange Ave Wit, Islander IPA, Mermaid's Red, Idiot Imperial IPA (never saw this on tap, very excited that it's here), and Blue Bridge Coffee Stout, which is brand new to New Mexico. So come on out to Coronado Crossing for some Coronado beers...and grits. Yes, they have grits on the menu, but I refuse to call them Waffle House for rich people. Absolutely refuse.

Marble Opens Across the Border

Marble Brewery's seemingly constant expansion continues into uncharted territory this afternoon at 3 when their Westside Tap Room opens its doors to Turtle Mountain expatriates (and other people who like beer). Forgive me if I won't be wading my way across the Rio Grande to seek out this location- as nice as it looks, the location makes this place strictly for the Westside/Rio Rancho locals. Housed at 5740 Night Whisper NW, Marble's Tap Room is off of Unser between McMahon and Westside...I don't know where that is either. I know they built a hospital out that way, presumably for the people who get in car accidents with the roaming wildlife.
This location is scaled down a bit from the original, with room for around 55 inside and 30 on the patio- yes, there is a patio at this location, so don't feel like you have to leave your dog at home drinking alone. The taps will be pouring the same great lineup of standard offerings as well as Brewers Specials. Like food like you like beer? Enjoy both at Marble, which will be getting its menu from nearby Ironwood Kitchen, with items like burgers, sandwiches, burritos, and salads. Marble has also doubled the number of TVs for this spot so watching your choice of sporting event shouldn't be a problem. The Westside Tap Room will be open from 3-11, Monday-Friday, noon-11 Saturday, and noon-10:30 Sunday.

New Beer Friday

Deschutes is back in local beer news, as we are finally getting bottles of The Dissident here in Albuquerque. We always seemed to have been passed over for distribution of this Flanders Oud Bruin style in the past. The Dissident is brewed with cherries and partially aged in both Pinot Noir and Cabernet barrels. Brettanomyces yeast gives it that funkiness that all the kids are raving over. Jubilation has this one for $14.99, though a distributor error had many places initially selling it at way less- for instance, today the Whole Foods on Carlisle had it still selling at $6.99 per 22 oz. bottle. HAD, I say, because they are sold out. No surprise there. You may still find $14.99 a reasonable price to pay for this very limited release.

You learn something new everyday, or so I'm told. I've already forgotten yesterday, but I learned what a Narwhal is today. A Narwhal is a whale that lives in the Arctic Ocean and has a big unicorn horn-looking tooth sticking out of its face. It, along with the Beluga whale, is a member of the Monodontidae family, which I believe took over took over the Tropicana from Moe Greene. Narwhal is also the Imperial Stout just released by Sierra Nevada, a 10.2% ABV whale of a beer. The beer comes in $8.99 four-packs (Kelly's on Wyoming), so even you tadpoles out there will be able to finish an entire bottle. Sierra touts the beer as having notes of espresso, light smoke, and baker's cocoa. And blubber.

Prepare for a Week With a Woody

The week of Oct. 22-27 is going to be a hard one. Hard, that is, if you aren't up to a week of events featuring beers from Deschutes Brewery. Deschutes is (finally) recognizing Albuquerque as a viable beer city and is bringing their Base Camp here next week. Base Camp is comprised of beer-related events held at bars and restaurants all over Albuquerque, many featuring Woody (pictured), Deschutes' beer barrel on wheels. These events are not designed to be "all the Deschutes you can drink" events, so don't show up with pretzel necklaces and big, stupid hats. Rather, these events are designed to educate about craft beer (as well as get you to buy more Deschutes beer...let's be real here). Lots of fun stuff will be going on, so I'm just going to reprint the list sent to me by the Deschutes folks. I will keep you updated on any changes or additions to the list.


EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Deschutes Brewery Base Camp & Chainbreaker White IPA Release Party

To kick off Deschutes Brewery’s Base Camp week in Albuquerque, Seasons Rotisserie and Grill is debuting the brewery’s new Chainbreaker White IPA for its launch in New Mexico. Come down to sip on a bit of this thirst-quenching hopped-up wit beer with enough IBUs to warrant the IPA name. Also available? The craft beer fanatic’s cornerstone brew Mirror Pond Pale Ale and the brewery’s flagship ale, Black Butte Porter. A giant traveling beer barrel named Woody, good beer and good company. Not bad for a Monday.



WHEN: Monday, October 22, 8-10pm

WHERE: Seasons Rotisserie & Grill, 2031 Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

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WHAT: Deschutes Brewery’s Hats Off to Homebrewers

Attention homebrewers…come hone your craft with the gang from Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery and local favorites La Cumbre Brewing. The Deschutes crew, including one of its brewers, David Brendgard, is heading to Albuquerque for Base Camp Week and will be giving away complimentary brewing supplies including clone recipe booklets and bags of malt to use in your next homebrew.Deschutes’ Brendgard and La Cumbre’s Jeff Erway will be available for a formal Q & A session, as well as a Brewers’ Happy Hour from 5 – 6 PM. Take advantage of this opportunity to uncover some mysteries! O’Niell’s will be creating a special menu, pairing culinary samples with one beer from each brewery. Try something new in your next home brew. $20 gets you in the room. $15 for all AHA members. Hope to see you here!



WHEN: Tuesday, October 23, 5-8 pm

WHERE: O’Niell’s, 3301 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE,Albuquerque,NM87111

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WHAT: Deschutes Brewery’s Build Your Own Kegerator

You know you’ve been there: jealously inspecting a friend’s home kegerator while at a birthday party or game day gathering. Why not make your own and become the talk of your neighborhood? Beer drinking, beer pouring and beer making experts from Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery will be on hand to provide some finely balanced discussion of these important issues. Have a chat with them (they are here from Oregon for “Base Camp Week”, an event created just for beer fanatics) while sampling some beers like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Jubelale, and more. The brewery will be giving away some swanky swag, so come down and join us.



WHEN: Wednesday, October 24, 5-7 pm

WHERE: Kelly Liquors, 2226 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112

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WHAT: Deschutes Brewery Celebrates Women and Craft Beer

At Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery, they know the time is always right for ladies night. That’s why they’re throwing a party just for women who love beer (and for the men who love women who love beer). Four locally produced Old Windmill Dairy cheese samples will be deliciously paired with four beers: Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA and Obsidian Stout. Sample flights are only $10, plus you’ll get some special house-made ice cream to boot. Can’t go wrong!

WHEN: Wednesday, October 24, 6-9 pm

WHERE: Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro,3009 Central Ave. NE,Albuquerque,NM87106

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WHAT: Deschutes Brewery Jubel-ation!

We’re jubilant about celebrating craft beer like Deschutes Brewery’s most excellent winter seasonal, Jubelale, paired with locally made sausage from Joe S. Sausage. But Jubelale isn’t the only brew we’ll be celebrating with – try other favorites from Deschutes Brewery like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, and Chainbreaker White IPA.



WHEN: Thursday, October 25, 4:30-6:30 pm

WHERE: Jubilation,3512 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

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WHAT: Deschutes Brewery’s Landmarks Beer Dinner

This beer dinner will be so damn good, it’s downright scary! Join Deschutes Brewery for a Halloween-themed evening of delectable dishes paired perfectly with a wide selection of craft beers. Call 505.266.4455 to make your reservations today, and check back for menu items soon.



WHEN: Thursday, October 25, 7 pm

WHERE: Nob Hill Bar & Grill, 3128 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

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WHAT: Deschutes Brewery Beer & Cheese Spectacular

Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery is in town for its craft beer celebration, Base Camp Week. What better way to throw a party than by teaming up with local Old Windmill Dairy for some scrumptious beer and cheese pairings? The brewery will be sampling brews like Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Jubelale, Obsidian Stout and Inversion IPA. Deschutes is coming armed with awesome giveaways and a ginormous giant traveling beer barrel – Woody.



WHEN: Friday, October 26, 4-6pm

WHERE: Sprouts, 5112 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

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WHAT: Deschutes Brewery’s Build Your Own Beer Dinner

Not only do you get to try some tasty food paired up with beers from Deschutes Brewery at this special event, but you’ll learn how to cook several recipes using beer. In addition, discover how to design your own beer dinner to try out on unsuspecting guests at your home during Happy Hour from 5 - 6 PM. A stellar lineup of beers will be available for tasting such as Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Chainbreaker White IPA, Jubelale, Obsidian Stout, Inversion IPA, Hop Trip and Chasin’ Freshies. A minimal fee will be charged for entry.



WHEN: Friday, October 26, 5 - 8 pm

WHERE: Whole Foods, 2103 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

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WHAT: Deschutes Brewery Halloween Bash

Hey all you ghosts, ghouls and goblins, it’s time to don your scariest costumes and join Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery for a frighteningly good Halloween party. Party goers can imbibe some Chainbreaker White IPA on draft and bottles of Mirror Pond Pale Ale and Jubelale, while the Dusty Low Band busts out the jams.



WHEN: Saturday, October 27, 7pm - close

WHERE: Monte Vista Fire Station, 3201 Central Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Do You Believe in Magic?

Not the kind of magic that makes me disappear for a couple of weeks, though no one would ever argue that that is a bad thing. The magic I'm talking about here is Magic Hat,which you'd better believe in or people might take you for a real dumbass. I mean, there's a picture there and everything. Believe your eyes, as that picture is from shelves right here in Albuquerque (Jubilation, to be exact). Does it mean you should run right out and grab it up? Well, I dunno. Magic Hat has been around the craft beer scene for a long time,yet has been accused of caring more about packaging and marketing than the beer inside the bottles. I think they have a decent lineup with some inventive beers, though they not have necessarily have kept of with the evolution of craft beers- which really means bolder, more aggressive flavors- so there should be plenty of Magic Hat fans in Albuquerque. The six-packs offered are the #9, an apricot Pale Ale, and Hi.P.A, an IPA that I consider one of their strongest offerings. Both six-packs retail for $7.99. There is also a mixed 12-pack with the two aforementioned beers, as well as Hex (their version of an Octoberfest), and Hocus Pocus, an American Wheat Ale. The 12-pack retails for $15.49.

Wow. a Ska Brewing one-off that actually makes it to Albuquerque? I can't say how many times I've been up to Colorado and seen a Ska beer that we don't get. I'll stop bitching, as we at least get their new Mole Stout, made with cocoa, chiles, and spices. Hey, if a mole stout worked for one Colorado brewery last year, why not Ska?? This version of Mole Stout is 5.5% ABV and retails for $9.49 a six-pack, also at Jubilation. Expect to see it at ABQ Beer Week selling at $15 for a one ounce pour at an unnamed bar.

And finally today, Whole Foods has at last felt your pain in these rough economic times and has brought you Goldmine, a lager that sells for only $3.99 a six-pack. How can they do this, you ask? Simple- it's made in Rochester, NY, home of the cheap beer conveyor that cranks out a million of the same type beers under different names. And it's doubtful that Whole Foods cares about your money problems, but it's a surety that they care about all the Simpler Times and Red Oval beers that fly off Trader Joe's shelves.

A Beer Worthy of Its Name

First off, I have to say that I love Alpine Brewing's IPAs. There is something distinct about them that when you drink one, you know you are drinking an Alpine beer. And I'm not going to lament the fact that Alpine is yet another brewery that we don't get distribution from here in New Mexico, as we are one of the 49.5 states that don't get their beers (southern to mid-California is as far as it goes). But thanks to the collaboration craze, you are able to get a taste of what you have been missing. Alpine teamed up with New Belgium to create Super IPA (a play on the original name, Lex Lupulin...which, while a cool name, made the people at Odell Brewing nervous that it might confuse people into thinking that it was the same beer as their St. Lupulin. Which is ridiculous, as one is biblical on the other comical. But anyway...). Super IPA is super to me because New Belgium's brewers seem to allow the distinct Alpine flavor to shine through without turning the beer into "Hoppy Fat Tire". Of the Columbus, Simcoe, Amarillo, and Centennial hops used, the Amarillo is most prevalent, with the tropical fruits dominating with nary a hint of the 99 IBUs or the 9% ABV the beer carries. In fact, the beer reminds me of Alpine's excellent Pure Hoppiness DIPA. And I know I said I wasn't going to lament, but lamenting is kind of what I do- while we got the beer just a few days ago, I was drinking it all the way in South Carolina nearly two weeks ago. I-25, distribution people, I-25!
Jubilation has these 22 oz. bottles for $8.99.

You Don't Call, You Don't Write...

It's true; I haven't gotten in touch with you in awhile. But I hate talking on the phone, and I was away on a non beer-related trip that I didn't think you would want to read about.

But I'm back, and have some actual beer news to write about. O'Niell's Nob Hill location will be hosting a Sierra Nevada tap takeover this Saturday, Sept. 15. From the time they open the doors till the time the beer runs out you can enjoy the likes of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (but why would you go to the tap takeover and order a beer that even bowling alleys carry??), Tumbler Brown Ale, Torpedo IPA, Kellerweis, and the speciality Beer Camp series Oatmeal Stout, Imperial Pilsner, and Floral IPA. a Sierra rep will be there from 7-10 with merchandise to hand out and wisdom to pass on. Be the first to ask the story of how Torpedo got its name. Find out which Grossman brother is the least miserable. Or just go up to the rep and say, "I'd like something better than a keychain, please."

It's a Pumpkin Beer...I Think

More Pumpkin beer love today. Good news: You don't have to buy the Samuel Adams Harvest Collection 12-pack and sift through the Boston Lager and Dunkelweizen just to get to the Harvest Pumpkin Ale, as the beer is now available in six-packs. That's right, six Pumpkin-only beers. $8.99 around town. And though people lament the other Sam fall seasonal, Octoberfest, as tasting more watered-down every release, this Pumpkin Ale is approachable but solid.

It has to be a Pumpkin beer, right??? I mean, just look at the name: Witch Hunt. It makes you think of Halloween, and Halloween makes you think of pumpkins, damn it. Even the moon in the artwork kind of looks like a pumpkin. But try to find any mention of pumpkin on the label of Bridgeport's new fall seasonal- it's not there. The beer is brewed with cinnamon and nutmeg, so I think we can see the route they are going down. And you don't necessarily have to use real pumpkin to make a Pumpkin-style tasting beer. Using real pumpkin is a pain in the ass, as it can clog things up (I know of one local award-winning brewer who absolutely hates making them). So try one of these next to a beer that uses pupmkin and see what you think. $7.99 at Kelly's on Wyoming.

Finally, how much are you willing to pay for beer artwork? I say this because even though I have had Shipyard's Pumpkinhead many times, each time it hits the shelves I am tempted to buy it, and that's after I know what it tastes like. I just love the way the label looks. The beer is maybe not that not that bad, but the $12.99 (Whole Foods Carlisle)price tag kills it for me. Especially considering it's a 5% ABV beer. The Shipyard Imperial Pumpkin (also on shelves here) is even more expensive per ounce, at $9.99 for a 22 oz. bottle, but at least it's 9% ABV.

It's Fest Time Again

Still feeling sluggish after all those beers at Hopfest? I bet. I hear it was a great time...Couldn't make it this year, and my Beer Geek card should be revoked, I know, but life happens.
So I'm ready for a fest, and the New Mexico Brew Fest is right around the corner-October 6, 2012 from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Villa Hispana at the Fairgrounds. 23 Breweries will be serving up the goods, and you can get a good deal if you show up at Marble this Thursday, August 30. From 7-9, Brew Fest organizers will be on hand to sell discounted tickets ($15, or $20 with a commemorative Fest t-shirt). You can also purchase tickets by going to the website. A beer fest 4 days before I leave for GABF? Sure, why not?

A Beer as Unique as its Name

Like those English ales? I have to say, after shunning them in favor of the all-powerful IPAs the past many years, I have come back to appreciate the balance and amount of flavor that can be packed into a 4% beer. However, this new-in-town John Smith's Extra Smooth Ale is done an injustice with the damn widget in the can, a device that nitros all the flavor out of a beer. I know the are many that enjoy the mouthfeel that nitro brings, but I can't enjoy it. I tried a North Coast Old Rasputin on nitro once, and even with the beer's 9% ABV the nitro killed all the goodness in the beer. Great job on the Olympics though, London.

I guess people weren't head over heels in love with New Belgium's summer seasonal, Somersault, or maybe Bird of Paradise just went overboard when buying it. Either way, we win with the sale that this Gibson store is having: $14 gets you an entire case of a beer that was selling for $7-8 a six-pack eariler in the season. Of course, keep in mind that these beers have a best before date of 8/25, but it's only 8/23 as I write this...

And finally, with the increasing availability of craft beer in cans, I didn't want you all to forget that there is still plenty of crap out there too! This malt beverage would love to tag along in your golf bag for the remainder of the summer, and while I admit I'm kind of curious enough to try it, I can't imagine Arnie ever endorsing this.

In Case You Haven't Heard...

I haven't written anything about Hopfest because I figure if you don't already know about it, you don't live in New Mexico and have no intention of going. "Hopfest awareness" is all over Facebook and all over town on flyers and those things sticking out of every six-pack in every beer store. Coincidentally, I think I have spotted little elves in tiny Hopfest shirts scuttling in the shadows.
But just in case you somehow aren't familiar with the event, here is a rundown:
The event takes place at the Hard Rock Hotel this Saturday, August 25. General Admission tickets are $25 if you buy online or at Tractor Brewing $30 at the door, and these tickets get you in at 3. If that's not early enough, there is an Extra Hoppy Hour starting at 2, though these tickets are 92% GONE. Get them quick, $35 online or Tractor, $40 at the door.
This will be the biggest NM beer event yet, with 55 breweries pouring 160 beers! This will also mark the first local fest involving new breweries Broken Bottle and Back Alley.
There will also be a drawing where the winner receives Widmer beer for a year. That's a lotta Hefeweizen.
Want to stay around after and party like someone who buys a $250 denim jacket with Hard Rock patches on it? There is a special room rate of $129 if you use the code HOPG2012 on the Hard Rock Hotel website. Come hang out and watch me lose at the blackjack tables like last year. I don't think there are UFC fights going on this year like there were last, so you'll probably see less Tapout and Affliction shirts and more brewery shirts in the Hard Rock crowd.
Finally, eight bands will be at Hopfest to keep the non-problem drinkers entertained. Eight? It's gonna be like Woodstock down there...hopefully without the smellies, though.

End of Summer but Time for Camp

The 2012 version of Sierra Nevada's Beer Camp series has hit area stores. Beer Camp invites industry types (read: usually good Sierra customers like distributors, bar owners, beer store owners, but also 10 winners who entered videos to Sierra Nevada saying why they should be chosen) to come and brew some experimental beers that may end up being chosen to represent in the Beer Camp bottle line. The beer comes in a 12-pack of 4 different styles, three beers of each style. This year's choices seem to be right up my alley:

Imperial Red: 8.1% ABV, this beer is described as a DIPA with a large amount of malt, though malt comes through more than the hops.

Imperial Pilsner: at 5.6% ABV, I'm not sure that the term "Imperial" fits with this one. 5.6 may work for an Imperial Mild Ale, but it seems light in the Pils category. Haven't tried it yet, though looking forward to it. Sierra does a good job with its Summerfest, a Czech Pilsner.

Oatmeal Stout: If any of the beers deserved to be called "Imperial", this 9.0% Stout certainly is worthy of the title. Oats come through in the mouthfeel and there is also some chocolate and light coffee.

Floral IPA- They got the name right on this 5.9% ABV IPA, with ingredients such as rose hips and rose petals. Rose petals? I tried setting the mood by pouring a path into the bedroom, but it didn't work out so well...

Jubilation has this for $17, and Whole Foods at Academy and Wyoming have it for $21.