Brews on the Pecos returns to Carlsbad after two-year COVID-19 hiatus

A popular Carlsbad outdoor event highlighting locally, and regionally crafted beer returned Saturday after a two-year hiatus related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brews on the Pecos featured cold beer on a hot day along with food trucks, axe throwing and corn hole games and a concert from Las Cruces born country music singer Josh Grider.

Event goers sampled beer from brewers across Carlsbad and the State of New Mexico on the grounds of the Pecos River Village Conference Center.

Jeff Stanley, sales manager of Bosque Brewing from Albuquerque, was a first-time visitor to Carlsbad.

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“People have embraced our brand,” he said. “This part of the state is one most of the impressive things I’ve seen.”

Bosque Brewing has locations in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe.

He said attendance at Brews on the Pecos created a greater awareness for Bosque Brewing products outside of New Mexico’s population centers.

Stanley said beer brewed by Bosque Brewing was available at major supermarket retailers in Carlsbad.

Not to be outdone by out-of-town guests, Carlsbad brewers were part of Saturday’s event, including Milton’s Brewing.

Located in downtown Carlsbad at 213 West Mermod, Milton’s Brewing opened in 2016.

Trevor Fray, brewer from Milton’s, said Carlsbad residents supported the downtown establishment during COVID-19.

He said being out in public at Brews on the Pecos was nice as the pandemic limited outdoor events during a two-year period.

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“It’s good to be on the other end of it,” Fray said of loosened COVID-19 health orders. “Everything we make in the brewery is made with love.”

Brad Carlsen of Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company admitted during Saturday’s festival he does not deal with people at his establishment on National Parks Highway. He is generally preparing the beers and ciders during business hours.

“It’s good get back out here,” Carlsen said. “I’m excited about the food trucks.”

Carlsen started home brewing in 2012 and established Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company nearly three years ago.

Andres Arreola and Daniel Torres with Drylands Brewing Company in Lovington made the 90-minute drive to Carlsbad to help promote the southeast New Mexico beer scene.

The Lovington brewery opened in 2018 and has a beer garden and taproom in Hobbs.

“I think we have really good beer. It’s sold in a few restaurants and in our place,” Arreola said.

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He said the brewing business was starting to pickup in southeastern New Mexico and COVID-19 prevented them from traveling to Carlsbad for the past two years.

“We’re glad to be back in Carlsbad,” he said.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter. 

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