T he good news is that Santa Fe plays host to more breweries than most other towns its size. The less good news is that you’re just one person and there are only so many drinking hours in the day. Still, our local beer creators are churning out the good stuff and are luckily different enough from one another that a palate which requires variety is not much of an issue. But who are they, where are they and what should you try if and when you visit? Fear not, beer aficionados—we’re here to help.
Santa Fe Brewing Co.
35 Fire Place, 424-3333
11 am-10 pm Monday-Friday;
11 am-9 pm Saturday; 2-8 pm Sunday
Though you're surely no stranger to SFBC, the expansive redesign of everything from can art to the actual physical space on the outskirts of town means it's a great time to reacquaint yourself.
Must-try: Quaff that new 7K IPA, a concoction that takes advantage of our high elevation.
Rowley Farmhouse Ales
1405 Maclovia St., 428-0719
11:30 am-10 pm daily
One of the newer breweries in our fair city, proprietor John Rowley went from home-brewed sour enthusiast to proprietor of a popular taproom. The menu from chef Jeffrey Kaplan includes a gourmet tuna sandwich and fried chicken magic.
Must-try: Saison du Sarlacc, a brew that isn't officially based on the Star Wars pit monster, but, like, c'mon.
Blue Corn Café & Brewery
4056 Cerrillos Road, 438-1800
11 am-10 pm daily
You know 'em, you love 'em, but were you aware the head brewer Paul Mallory loves to collaborate? Spices and chocolates from local establishments have found their way into the vats, and you can pretty much count on at least one Blue Corn beer picking up an award every year.
Must-try: The Roadrunner IPA is great for fans of bitter beer who think they've seen it all already.
Duel Brewing
1228 Parkway Drive, 474-5301
Noon-10 pm Monday-Thursday; Noon-midnight Friday and Saturday; 1-8 pm Sunday
Duel was one of the first businesses to truly embrace the Siler Road area way of life, and between limited-run sours and Belgian beers, they've thrived to the tune of an extra location in Albuquerque and offerings served during shows at Meow Wolf.
Must-try: The Cezanne Vérité hits a 10-plus ABV and is a damn fine way to while away the hours.
Second Street Brewery (Rufina)
2920 Rufina St. 954-1068
11 am-10 pm daily
Setting aside the long-standing and beloved original and Railyard locations that serve up the goods, Second Street's newest taproom and brewery is now open and offers live music (less Americana, more rawk) in addition to location-specific menu and beer items.
Must-try: The Kolsch is a refreshing summertime experience, but founder and owner Rod Tweet leans toward the Boneshaker Bitter.
