Craft Beers Popular in Lincoln County
Craft breweries and microbreweries have grown exponentially over the past 30 or 40 years in New Mexico. Both categories are interchangeable. Since the close of the 90’s these smaller independent brew establishments have been referred to as craft breweries and are classified as such because each one produces fewer than 15,000 U.S. beer barrels (460,000 U.S. gallons) annually.
It’s difficult to actually pin down a specific number of craft breweries in New Mexico for two reasons: First, they are grouped together with brewpubs, which produce beer for sale on it’s own premises. Secondly, the craft beer market is growing at a fairly fast rate. For instance, it was announced on Feb. 13, that Truth or Consequences Brewing Co. will join the New Mexico craft beer scene by the summer of 2017.
At last count, there are at least 37 craft breweries and brewpubs in the Land of Enchantment. Eleven of those are listed as craft breweries, which can be considered well-established but that total is more likely to number around 20 when you consider the new, emerging, even smaller independent entrepreneurs springing up around the state.
Not surprisingly, as these smaller breweries that emphasize flavor and quality grow, alcohol sales are dropping exceedingly. New Mexico now ranks 12th for breweries per capita with 27. In June, it was estimated 3 percent of craft beer was sold in cans, 60 percent in bottles and kegs represent the remainder of the market.
At the 2013 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, six New Mexico breweries captured a record eight awards. And don’t be amazed to find out Ruidoso and Lincoln County are a part of the reason for the support and popularity of this contemporary pursuit.
Two eateries in Ruidoso serve only craft beers (and wines) – the Rio Grande Grill and Tap Room on Mechem Drive and the Hidden Tap Room on Sudderth. General Manager and Chef Keith Weber of the Rio Grande Grill has found a market niche for the restaurant he represents. It has access to more than 20 draft beers, 13 bottled beers and usually has 14 drafts on tap. One of its crafts is Sierra Blanca Brewing Co. of Moriarty that is owned and operated by Weber’s brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Suzanne. Both parties also own the Rio Grande Grill.
“Sierra Blanca Brewery has been in business for 20 years,” Keith Weber said. “At the time there was only one micro-brewery in New Mexico. It is now distributed in N.M., Texas, Ariz., Nev., Okla. and LA.
Weber further explains the popularity of craft beers can change with the seasons. “Heavy crafts like stout and such are sold more in the winter,” he said. “In the summer you see a switch to Rodeo Cold and the like. Craft beers have different flavor profiles. Stout (coffee and chocolate), Alien Amber (malt) and Sunchaser Pale Ale (hops and citrus). My brother studied under a brewmaster for two years before starting his brewery. It’s a passion for him.”
The Rio Grande Grill is also known for its wine and beer dinners. A Mardi Gras beer dinner will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. Chef Weber will originate and organize the cuisine to be served. “Stop by and sample a multitude of brews,” he solicited.
The Hidden Tap, which opened in Aug. 2015, is a secluded treasure in Mid-town located behind and below Lucy’s Mexican Restaurant. General Manager Darlene Haley obviously enjoys her position. You can easily tell by her extroverted and cordial attitude. Young, knowledgeable and highly responsible, she has this establishment running smoothly. Her employees – like Amber Word and Jason Larson for instance – obviously enjoy their jobs.
“This is one of the best jobs of my life so far,” Haley exclaimed. “All of our craft beers – with 15 on draught and multiple bottle and can options – are from New Mexico. Our wines are from Noisy Water Winery.
“Craft beer is a fun thing, like for instance, the Pink Elephant. The creativity of these crafts is appealing with the inclusion of ideas and ingredients. And additionally, you meet a lot of interesting people at the Hidden Tap. We try to keep it intriguing. When a keg ‘blows’ we put something different on and announce it on social media. Word of mouth is a great marketing tool, also.”
Open Mic Night happens every Thursday. Stop by for some good entertainment and listening pleasure. Call for hours of operation.
When it comes to New Mexico craft beers, look at it this way. By enjoying these products, you support employment in this state and get to satisfy any small off-work-hour desires you might have.
—Michael Curran
