Above: Try new brews and breweries during ABQ Beer Week. Photograph Courtesy ABQ Beer Week / Feel Good Festivals.
It almost feels as though every week is beer week here in New Mexico—which we consider a good thing. Our enthusiasm has nurtured the growth of more than 65 breweries, from Farmington to Carlsbad. But all pint glasses point to Albuquerque, May 24–June 3, for the official ABQ Beer Week, a sudsy appreciation of local lagers, ales, stouts, saisons, and more. Wisenheimers might note that Beer Week extends beyond seven days, but that’s the only way to fit in all the events, including special tastings, beer pairings, pop-up dinners, and an intimate brunch with the brewmasters at Marble Brewery (abqbeerweek.com).
On May 27, the action moves to Sandia Resort and Casino for the ABQ Blues & Brews fest. Grab a souvenir tasting glass and make some wise choices from the 200 craft brews served up by more than 70 local and regional breweries. The tastes are small, but they are unlimited. Blues bands play all afternoon (abqbluesandbrews.com).
No matter the week, you can explore more than 45 breweries in the Albuquerque area. Pay special attention to the IPAs. New Mexico was an early adopter of hop-forward beers, and local brewers La Cumbre and Bosque have won the National IPA Challenge. Personalize your tasting route by perusing the New Mexico True Ale Trail (nmmag.us/beertrail).