Santa Fe Breweries: A Beer Lover's Guide
Santa Fe is not only renowned for its rich history and vibrant arts scene but also for its burgeoning craft beer culture. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to enjoy some local flavors, the breweries in Santa Fe offer an impressive array of options. In this guide, we'll take you through some of the top Santa Fe breweries, highlighting their unique offerings and why Santa Fe Vacation Rentals is the perfect base for your brewery adventures.
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Santa Fe Brewing Company: The Pioneer of Craft Beer in New Mexico
Founded over 30 years ago, Santa Fe Brewing Company is a cornerstone of New Mexico's craft beer scene. As the state's largest craft beer producer, Santa Fe Brewing Company has built a reputation for quality and innovation. Their flagship beers, such as Happy Camper IPA and 7K IPA, are beloved by locals and visitors alike. The Happy Camper IPA, with its robust hoppy flavor and 6.6% ABV, is a perfect example of their commitment to crafting bold, flavorful beers.
In addition to their year-round favorites, Santa Fe Brewing Company continually experiments with new seasonal brews and limited editions. Their Social Hour beer, inspired by the tropical Zombie cocktail, features zippy notes of pineapple, pink guava, coriander, and mint, offering a refreshing twist for adventurous palates.
Santa Fe Brewing Company operates four taprooms, each with its unique ambiance. The Beer Hall at HQ and The Bridge, both located at the company's headquarters on the Turquoise Trail, provide diverse environments to enjoy their creations. The Beer Hall features a spacious outdoor beer garden, while The Bridge hosts live music events, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. For those exploring downtown Santa Fe, The Brakeroom offers a cozy, intimate setting, and the Eldorado Taproom in Eldorado provides another convenient location to sample their brews.
Rowley Farmhouse Ales: Award-Winning Craftsmanship
Despite being a relative newcomer, Rowley Farmhouse Ales has quickly made a name for itself in the craft beer world. At the 33rd Annual Great American Beer Fest, Rowley was named the Most Medaled Brewery, a remarkable achievement for a brewery that opened its doors in 2016.
Their Meier beer took home the gold in the German-style sour ale category, while Agent Orange, an apple brandy ale, won silver in the barrel-aged sour category. Their Côte d’Or earned bronze in the mixed-culture category, showcasing their expertise in crafting complex, flavorful beers.
Rowley's taproom and gastropub offer a laid-back, dog-friendly atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors. Their diverse menu includes small plates, sandwiches, salads, and comfort foods that pair perfectly with their beers. Signature dishes like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and their acclaimed New England clam chowder are made to order, ensuring a fresh and satisfying dining experience.
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Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery: Innovation and Variety
Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery is known for both its exceptional craft beers and artisanal spirits. Established in 2018, Tumbleroot has quickly garnered attention for its innovative approach to brewing and distilling. Their Honey Hibiscus Wheat, made with hibiscus flowers, is a prime example of their creative use of ingredients. Another standout is their Farmhouse Ale, brewed with locally sourced barley, wheat, and rye, and organic hops, which lends floral notes to the beer.
Tumbleroot operates two distinct venues: the brewing and distilling facility on Bisbee Court and the expansive taproom on Agua Fria Street. The Bisbee Court location features an intimate tasting room bar and bottle shop, where visitors can watch the production process through glass windows while enjoying a pint. The Agua Fria taproom, known for its lively atmosphere and live music shows, is a popular hangout spot that serves a variety of craft beers and spirits, along with a menu of crab cake sliders, dumplings, and pretzels.
Second Street Brewery: A Santa Fe Staple
With a history dating back to 1996, Second Street Brewery has become a staple of the Santa Fe brewing scene. Their handcrafted beers, such as 6 Fruit Under and Boneshaker Special Bitter, are well-loved by the community. 6 Fruit Under, a light ale with notes of blackberry, cranberry, tart cherry, raspberry, peach, and blood orange, offers a unique and refreshing flavor profile. Boneshaker Special Bitter, on the other hand, is an English malt style beer with light citrus tones, perfect for those who prefer a more traditional brew.
Second Street Brewery operates three locations, each offering a distinct experience. The original location on Second Street has a cozy, neighborhood pub feel, while the Railyard location is situated in a bustling area with art galleries and shops. The newest location, Rufina Taproom, is in the Meow Wolf zone, known for its eclectic art installations and vibrant atmosphere. Each location features live music, making it a great place to enjoy local talent while sipping on a cold beer.
Beer Creek Brewing Co.: A Community Favorite
Located south of Santa Fe on Highway 14, Beer Creek Brewing Co. is celebrated for its community events and delicious pizzas. What started as a backyard home-brewing operation has grown into a beloved local brewery. Beer Creek's sprawling patio is perfect for enjoying a pint of Coming Soon Pale Ale or Red Creek Imperial Ale while taking in live music and the beautiful New Mexico landscape.
Beer Creek Brewing Co. also hosts the annual Hoptoberfest, a day-long event in mid-October that pairs New Mexico's craft brewers with hop farmers for beer sampling. Their commitment to the farm-to-table approach is evident in their use of homegrown hops, adding a unique local flavor to their beers. The combination of great beer, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere makes Beer Creek Brewing Co. a must-visit destination.
Santa Fe's breweries offer something for everyone, from traditional ales to innovative craft brews. Each brewery has its unique charm and specialty, making the city a fantastic destination for beer lovers. After a day of brewery hopping, there's no better place to unwind than at one of the luxurious vacation rentals offered by Santa Fe Vacation Rentals. Our properties provide the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, whether you're looking for a cozy downtown apartment or a spacious home with mountain views.
Book your stay with Santa Fe Vacation Rentals today and immerse yourself in the best that Santa Fe's brewery scene has to offer. Explore our variety of vacation rentals today and find the perfect place to stay while you explore the local breweries..