Santa Fe Craft Beers Triumph at Great American Beer Festival: Previewing WinterBrew 2014
Santa Fe's craft beer scene rivals the sophistication of fine wines, especially during the annual Wine and Chile Fiesta. Yet, nothing beats a crisp pint on a cool autumn night amid spicy chiles. New Mexico brewers shone at the 2013 Great American Beer Festival (GABF), securing 8 medals. To highlight these achievements, we toured local spots, showcasing why WinterBrew 2014 is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.
Your Invitation to WinterBrew 2014
WinterBrew returns for its third year at the Santa Fe Railyard Farmers' Market Pavilion, organized by the New Mexico Brewers' Guild. This premier event features craft breweries from across the state, paired with comforting foods like brats, carnitas, mac & cheese, and portobello tacos. Participating kitchens include Blue Corn Brewery, Second Street Brewery, Duel Brewing, Rio Chama, and the Bambini Philly Cheese Steak food truck.
Expect pours from Second Street Brewery, Chama River, Santa Fe Brewing Company (the city's oldest), Duel Brewery (the newest), La Cumbre, Taos Mesa, Marble, Blue Heron, Little Toad Creek, Blue Corn Brewery, and Monk's Ale from the Monastery of Christ in the Desert. Four more breweries are still to be announced. Advance tickets for the five-hour event are available, limited to 650 attendees. Each includes a $5 food/beer credit and a commemorative glass.
WinterBrew fans eagerly await the brews!
Blue Corn Brewery: Award-Winning Excellence
Blue Corn Brewery, with locations on Rodeo Road and downtown Santa Fe, earned two GABF silver medals for End of the Trail Brown Ale and Gold Medal Stout. Standouts include the crisp Atomic Blonde Lager, perfect with their oversized onion rings, and the popular Road Runner IPA from a dedicated 15-barrel fermenter.
Atomic Blonde Lager at Blue Corn Brewery.
The copper fermenters produce a range of house beers and rotating specialties to complement the menu.
Fermenters at work long after hours at Blue Corn Brewery.
Il Vicino: Wood-Fired Pizza Meets Medal-Winning Beer
Il Vicino, brewing in Albuquerque, serves Santa Fe fans in a historic 1700s building. Pair wood-oven pizzas like margherita with their GABF gold-winning Panama Joe Coffee Stout or the refreshing Pigtail Pilsner.
Caesar salad at Il Vicino pairs perfectly with craft beer.
Santa Fe Brewing Company: The Legacy Leader
As Santa Fe's oldest brewery, it offers nearly 20 varieties, including Santa Fe Pale Ale and seasonal Oktoberfest. Tasting rooms on the Turquoise Trail and in Eldorado welcome snacks (BYO food allowed).
Fresh brews from Santa Fe Brewing Company at WinterBrew 2014.
Second Street Brewery: Double the Locations, Double the Awards
With GABF gold for Rod's Steam Bitter, Second Street's originals and seasonals like Festivus pair well with pub favorites like green chile cheese fries and nachos. Locations on Second Street and in the Railyard draw loyal crowds.
Beer flights at Second Street Brewery.
Ample seating for beer lovers at Second Street Railyard.
Duel Brewery: Belgian Styles for Every Palate
Santa Fe's first new craft brewery in 15 years specializes in Belgian-inspired beers like Fiction IPA, Non-Fiction, and Sour Witbier. Menu highlights include warm marbled rye and the German plate with bratwurst and sauerkraut.
Brew lineup at Duel Brewery.
Celebrate Santa Fe's Beer Renaissance
As winter chills set in, warm up with Santa Fe's award-winning craft beers. Whether at WinterBrew 2014 or local tasting rooms, these brews embody local innovation. Cheers to the City Different's brewing heritage!
