Oisin Foster
New Mexico is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries dotted across the state, from Albuquerque to Las Cruces. The state's brewery products generated over $69 million in tax revenue, and in 2012, New Mexico ranked 12th in the number of craft breweries per capita. With a wide range of beer styles and breweries to choose from, visitors to New Mexico can enjoy a crisp and refreshing beer while taking in the unique atmosphere and history of the state. From well-known breweries like La Cumbre and Marble to hidden gems like Tractor and Little Toad Creek Brewery, there's something for every beer lover in New Mexico.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | New Mexico |
| Availability | Breweries, taprooms, bars, restaurants |
| Notable Breweries | Illinois Brewing Company, Southwestern Brewery and Ice Company, New Mexico Brewing Company, Rio Grande Brewing Company |
| Popular Beers | Marble Brewery, Boxing Bear Brewing Co., La Cumbre Brewing Co., Santa Fe Brewing Company |
| Beer Types | American Amber / Red Ale, Witbier, Imperial IPA, Berliner Weisse, American Imperial Stout, American IPA, New England IPA, American Porter, Scotch Ale, Sweet / Milk Stout |
| Beer Prices | Varies, but generally affordable with good value |
| Additional Notes | Wide range of beer selections, friendly staff, good atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating available |
What You'll Learn
Breweries in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is home to a variety of breweries, from small brewing companies to award-winning craft breweries. Here is an overview of some of the top breweries in the city:
Canteen Brewhouse
After more than two decades in the business, the Canteen Brewhouse has established itself as a local favourite. It boasts a strong local following and has won national and international awards for its craft beer. With two taprooms, you can enjoy a drink while admiring the view of the heart of Old Town.
La Cumbre Brewing Company
La Cumbre has been producing award-winning beers for almost 15 years. With a taproom in midtown and Westside, it is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold craft beer.
Marble Brewery
Marble Brewery is another award-winning local brewery with three locations in Albuquerque. They serve a variety of beers, including a hoppy IPA, a red ale, and the Wildflower Wheat.
Rio Bravo
Located in a historic warehouse, Rio Bravo serves world-class beers and great food. The pub-style bar is a perfect meeting place, and with over 40 years of combined brewing experience, the brewers at Rio Bravo are experts in craft beer.
Steel Bender Brewyard
Family-owned Steel Bender Brewyard offers a casual and comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a variety of craft beers. They have won awards for both their beer and their food, and the friendly staff will ensure you have a great experience.
Tractor Brewing Company
With a downtown location and a cool vibe, Tractor Brewing Company is a great spot to enjoy a beer and food. They offer a wide selection of beers, including a dark engine stout, a pale, a rye, a coffee stout, and an IPA.
Other Notable Breweries
Albuquerque is also home to other excellent breweries, such as Bow & Arrow Brewing Co., Bombs Away Beer Co., Sidetrack Brewing Co., and Southwest Grape & Grain. Each offers its unique selection of beers and a fun atmosphere.
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Beer in Las Cruces
Beer lovers will be pleased to know that there are several options for drinking and purchasing beer in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The city is home to a variety of breweries, taprooms, and beer gardens, each offering its own unique selection of craft beers and cider.
One popular spot is the Icebox Brewing Company, located near the NMSU campus. Icebox Brewing offers a range of craft beers, from crisp lagers to bold stouts, and also serves up a tasty selection of food, including street tacos, nachos, and pizza. Visitors can even take a tour of the brewery to see how the beer is made. For those looking to purchase kegs for a larger gathering, Icebox Brewing offers half-barrel and smaller kegs that can be ordered in advance.
In addition to breweries, Las Cruces also boasts several taprooms and beer gardens. These establishments offer a wide variety of beers on tap, as well as cider options for those who prefer something different. Many of these locations have both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their drinks in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Some taprooms, such as Tractor, are known for their friendly staff, unique decor, and delicious food, making them a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
For those looking to explore the beer scene beyond Las Cruces, New Mexico offers a diverse range of breweries and craft beers throughout the state. From Albuquerque to the historic towns further down south, beer enthusiasts can discover new flavours and unique brews, such as the pecan ale that New Mexico is known for. Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual drinker, the beer culture in New Mexico has something for everyone.
So, whether you're looking to sample a flight of beers at a local brewery, enjoy a cold craft beer on a patio, or take home a keg for a get-together, Las Cruces and the surrounding areas of New Mexico have plenty of options for beer enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
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Santa Fe Brewing Company
The Beer Hall at HQ, for example, is a spacious and lively venue that often hosts events and live music. It offers a wide selection of beers, including seasonal and limited-edition brews. ABQ at Green Jeans, on the other hand, has a more intimate and cozy atmosphere. It is known for its unique and experimental beers, often featuring local ingredients.
The Brakeroom is located in a historic building and has a charming and rustic feel to it. They offer a variety of classic and new beers, and their patio is a great spot to enjoy a drink outdoors. The Eldorado Taphouse is an elegant and modern taphouse that showcases a carefully curated selection of beers, with a focus on small-batch and limited-release brews.
The Bridge is Santa Fe Brewing Company's newest location, offering stunning views and a unique beer garden experience. It features an innovative and rotating tap list, showcasing the best of Santa Fe Brewing's creations. All locations offer excellent customer service, and the staff are knowledgeable and passionate about beer, ensuring a great experience for beer enthusiasts and novices alike.
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Beer ratings in New Mexico
New Mexico is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries scattered across the state, from Albuquerque to Las Cruces. The state's beer culture has been shaped by the craft beer explosion of the late 2010s, which saw the emergence of two distinct camps: IPA warriors and lager loyalists.
According to BeerAdvocate, several breweries in New Mexico stand out for their exceptional beers. Here are some of the highest-rated beers and breweries in the state:
Marble Brewery:
- Imperial IPA with a rating of 4.06 (170 ratings) and an ABV of 8.00%.
- New England IPA with a rating of 4.1 (52 ratings), an ABV of 6.80%, and a distinctive flavour.
La Cumbre Brewing Co:
- American IPA with a rating of 4.24 (51 ratings) and an ABV of 6.20%.
- Imperial IPA with a rating of 4.33 (182 ratings) and a strong ABV of 10.60%.
- American IPA with a rating of 4.34 (1,638 ratings) and an ABV of 7.20%. This beer has the highest number of ratings among the listed beers.
Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery:
American Porter, rated at 3.98 (11 ratings), with an ABV of 8.20%.
Bow & Arrow Brewing:
- Vienna Lager, rated 3.97 (12 ratings), with an ABV of 5.00%.
- New England IPA, rated 3.98 (11 ratings), with an ABV of 6.50%.
Steel Bender Brewyard:
Kölsch, rated 3.94 (13 ratings), with a moderate ABV of 5.00%.
Second Street Brewery:
German Pilsner, rated 3.96 (10 ratings), with an ABV of 5.30%.
In addition to these highly-rated breweries, TripAdvisor users have also praised various New Mexico breweries for their atmosphere, service, and food offerings. For example, Tractor Brewery in a historic town is known for its beer garden and delicious beer-battered fries, and Three Rivers has a large, garden-landscaped patio and a welcoming atmosphere.
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New Mexico's craft beer scene
Santa Fe Brewing, one of the state's prominent breweries, distributes to nine different states and is known for its diverse beer offerings, including the full-bodied, spicy German-style wheat beer Hefeweizen, and the Happy Camper IPA for hop enthusiasts. Marble Brewery, another popular establishment, offers the single-hop Comet Pale Ale, while Bosque Brewing Company's dry-hopped Acequia is also a local favourite. Tractor Brewing, a consecutive winner of the New Mexico Brewers Guild Stout Invitational, showcases the vibrant community within the craft beer scene.
The state's capital, Santa Fe, boasts a diverse range of breweries, from the historic Santa Fe Brewing Company, a 19th-century landmark, to smaller establishments like Bow & Arrow Brewing, which celebrated its ninth anniversary in 2025 with four new canned beer releases. The city's Draft Station, with its patio overlooking the historic plaza, is the perfect spot to sample local brews, with 100% of their taps dedicated to New Mexico craft beers.
Albuquerque, the state's largest city, is also a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, with over 40 breweries in the Albuquerque-Santa Fe corridor. Icebox Brewery in Las Cruces offers the Shivering Scotsman, a malty and lightly smoked Scottish ale, while Three Rivers in Farmington and Drylands in Lovington showcase the diversity of New Mexico's beer scene. Little Toad Creek in Silver City and Colfax Ale Cellar in Ratón are additional popular destinations for craft beer aficionados.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy beer in New Mexico at breweries, taprooms, and bars. Some notable breweries in New Mexico include La Cumbre Brewing Co., Santa Fe Brewing Company, and Bow & Arrow Brewing.
Some popular beers in New Mexico include the Marble Brewery's American Amber/Red Ale, the Boxing Bear Brewing Co.'s Imperial IPA, and the Rowley Farmhouse Ales' Berliner Weisse.
Yes, there are beer gardens in New Mexico. For example, Tractor, a small-town brewery located in the middle of a historic town, has a beer garden in the back.
Yes, you can typically buy beer at breweries in New Mexico. Many breweries in New Mexico have taprooms or beer halls where you can purchase and enjoy their beers on-site.
