Las Cruces, NM Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Expert Tour of the Best Brews
Las Cruces, New Mexico, has a burgeoning craft beer scene that reflects the rich culture and distinct flavors of the Southwest. Nestled in the Mesilla Valley, where the Rio Grande flows and the Organ Mountains rise, this city has become a hub for locally-produced, innovative brews. From robust ales to intricately flavored lagers, the craft breweries of Las Cruces offer something unique for every palate.
Breweries such as Icebox, High Desert, and Spotted Dog have become cornerstones of the local craft beer community, each presenting their signature beers that proudly showcase regional ingredients and brewing expertise. These establishments, along with the newer additions like Picacho Peak and the Pecan Brewery, are not only brewing up quality beverages but also serving as social gathering spaces where locals and visitors can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere synonymous with Las Cruces.
Moreover, establishments like Bosque, Little Toad Creek, and Truth or Consequences Brewery have extended their reach into Las Cruces, bringing a taste of wider New Mexico’s craft beer craftsmanship. These taprooms contribute to a growing tapestry of flavors and styles, enriching the local beer culture and creating a vibrant map of breweries that invites enthusiasts to explore and savor.
History of Craft Beer in Las Cruces
Las Cruces has witnessed a significant growth in its craft beer scene with the emergence of local breweries that have contributed to the area's cultural and social landscape. Each brewery tells a part of the city's beer history through its unique identity and selection of crafted beers.
High Desert Brewing Company
High Desert Brewing Co. is one of the pioneering establishments in the Las Cruces craft beer movement, dating back to its founding in 1997. Known for their wide variety of beer options, High Desert Brewing has become a staple in the local community, offering a constant rotation of both classic and innovative styles that cater to the varying tastes of residents and visitors alike.
Spotted Dog Brewery
Spotted Dog Brewery burst onto the Las Cruces craft beer scene later, yet quickly became a favorite among locals. As a family-owned and operated brewery, Spotted Dog prides itself on its hand-crafted beers. The brewery underscores the importance of small-scale, quality production, highlighting the essence of what local craft beer is about.
Picacho Peak Brewing Company
Founded in 2015, Picacho Peak Brewing Company represents the more recent growth of the Las Cruces craft beer industry. Its arrival marked another chapter in the city's brewing history, offering a range of beers crafted on-site. Picacho Peak has carved out its niche, combining traditional brewing methods with a modern twist, reinforcing the city's reputation as a burgeoning hub for craft beer enthusiasts.
Popular Breweries and Bars
Las Cruces, New Mexico, hosts an assortment of breweries and taprooms that have become local favorites for craft beer enthusiasts. Each business offers a unique atmosphere and an assortment of brews that reflect the brewing artistry of the region.
Bosque Brewing Co
Bosque Brewing Co has made a name for itself with a selection of beers that appeals to various palates. Their presence in Las Cruces comes via their taprooms, which serve their well-crafted Albuquerque-origin beers.
Icebox Brewing Company
Icebox Brewing Company stands out as one of the best breweries in Las Cruces, known for its innovative brewing techniques and community-oriented atmosphere. With locations such as their North Main Taproom, they offer a broad variety of beers that cater to both the seasonal drinker and the craft beer aficionado.
Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery
As both a brewery and distillery, Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery brings a diverse range of handcrafted beers and spirits to the table. Their Las Cruces taproom is a testimony to their commitment to quality and creativity in the local brewpub scene.
The Boneyard Cantina
With a connection to Icebox Brewing, The Boneyard Cantina provides a vibrant bar atmosphere. It's a destination where guests can enjoy Icebox brews in a unique setting that adds a distinctive edge to the local bar scene.
North Main Taproom
North Main Taproom, another extension of Icebox Brewing Company, delivers the Icebox brand's signature beers in a convenient setting. This location boasts a welcoming environment where regulars and visitors alike can share a pint of locally-produced craft beer.
Each of these establishments contributes to the rich tapestry of Las Cruces' craft beer industry, offering a variety of ambiances and flavors that reflect the spirit of this Southern New Mexico city.
Beer Varieties and Signature Brews
The craft beer scene in Las Cruces is rich with a variety of distinctive brews that cater to a wide range of palates. From the nutty notes of local pecan beer to the refreshing zing of peach wheat, each craft brewery offers its unique signature beer that captures the essence of the region.
Ales and Porters
Las Cruces breweries showcase a range of ales and porters, each with its own character. Ales are well-represented, offering everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth and malty Scottish ales. Similarly, porters provide a heavier, sometimes chocolatey drinking experience.
Pecan Beer
Utilizing regional produce, pecan beer stands out as a local favorite. This unique brew integrates the nutty flavors derived from New Mexico’s abundant pecan orchards, rendering a taste that's both rich and reminiscent of the area's agricultural roots.
Peach Wheat
For those seeking a fruitier option, peach wheat beer presents a refreshing choice. Its light body and subtle sweetness, infused with juicy peach flavors, are perfect for sipping on a warm Las Cruces day.
Dirty Blonde Ale
The dirty blonde ale is a fusion of pale malt flavors with a slightly hoppy twist. Its balance and accessibility make it a go-to option for both newcomers and seasoned craft beer enthusiasts.
Signature Beer
Every brewery has its flagship, the signature beer that defines its brand. In Las Cruces, these range from experimental infusions to perfected classics, each serving as a proud representation of the brewmaster's craft and the local culture.
Whether one prefers the boldness of an IPA or the subtle complexity of pecan-infused ales, Las Cruces' craft beer variety promises a satisfying encounter with New Mexico's brewing artistry.
Brewery Experiences
Las Cruces is a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, offering an array of experiences that go beyond the glass. Local breweries pair their unique brews with regional cuisine, host engaging events, and provide beer lovers with the opportunity to learn about the brewing process through tours and tastings.
Food Pairings
Breweries in Las Cruces take the food pairings to an entirely new level, understanding that a craft beer's flavor is further enhanced by the right culinary counterpart. High Desert Brewing Company complements its beer selection with a menu featuring mouthwatering nachos and the local favorite green chile cheeseburger. Meanwhile, Spotted Dog Brewery offers a variety of dishes meticulously created to accompany their house-made ales and lagers.
Regular Live Events
Regarding community involvement and ambiance, Las Cruces breweries frequently host regular live events. Icebox Brewing is renowned for their lively weekends where both regulars and first-timers can enjoy the strums of local bands. Truth or Consequences Brewing, despite its roots in a neighboring town, integrates seamlessly into the Las Cruces scene with its vibrant taproom events that strike a chord with beer drinkers and social butterflies alike.
Tours and Tastings
For those interested in the intricate art of brewing, tours and tastings are a staple at many Las Cruces breweries. Both enthusiasts and novices can be seen conversing with servers like Dani, who's known for her extensive knowledge of the beers on tap. Picacho Peak Brewing Company offers a behind-the-scenes look on the weekends where visitors can indulge in a tasting session post-tour, which is a perfect way to wrap up the immersive craft beer experience.
Beyond the Breweries
Exploring Las Cruces' craft beer scene extends beyond the brewery walls, reaching into local restaurants and retail stores. Enthusiasts can savor local beers paired with regional cuisine or pick up a bottle from a diverse range at nearby shops to enjoy at their leisure.
Craft Beer at Local Restaurants
Local restaurants in Las Cruces often boast a selection of craft beers on their menus, providing patrons with a taste of the regional brewing talent. Dishes featuring green chile or peanut butter flavors can be expertly paired with local beers to enhance the dining experience. For example:
La Posta de Mesilla - Here one might find a crisp lager that complements a green chile enchilada perfectly.
Double Eagle - An establishment where patrons could pair a robust peanut butter stout with dessert.
Additionally, certain restaurants double as a beer bar, offering a wider range of craft beers from the local breweries. These eateries provide a convivial atmosphere where both food and beer are celebrated.
Retail Availability
For those passing through Las Cruces or locals looking to retire with their favorite brew at home, retail options abound.
Bottle Shops: Specialty stores like The Craft Beer Shop offer an extensive collection of local craft beers.
Grocery Stores: Larger outlets such as Albertson's and Toucan Market stock Las Cruces craft beer, allowing for convenient access to a range of styles.
To assist in the selection, here's a snapshot of what might be found:
Retailer Popular Craft Beers Available Additional Notes
The Craft Beer Shop High Desert IPA, Pecan Ale A staff knowledgeable on pairing advice.
Toucan Market Spotted Dog Porter, Icebox Lager Wide array featuring local favorites.
The inclusion of craft beers in these retail spaces is both a nod to the popularity of the craft beer movement and a boon for those seeking to take a piece of Las Cruces' brewing culture home with them. Whether sought out in the city's restaurants or in the aisles of local shops, craft beer enthusiasts will find the local scene well represented.
