I must admit I was drawn in to purchasing this six pack because of the unique and rather awesome design on the cans. But it also helped that the beer was brewed by one of New Mexico's finest breweries, Santa Fe Brewing Company.
But like I said, for an aluminum can, the packaging was so gorgeous. In a black and white design that resembles the beautiful Navajo blankets of the Southwest, everything about this beer screams New Mexico. The beer flavor profile even includes red New Mexican chiles and bitter cacao nibs. You wouldn't expect those flavors to work so well together, but the raw cocoa and red chile is expertly used in this dark red beer. The complex, malty taste of this beer is excellent. Their website suggests pairing with New Mexican holiday favorites, like posole and tamales, but this beer stands on its own as the perfect winter beer.
Only available for the winter, I will miss this beer at the end of the season. But Santa Fe Brewing Co. is no stranger to making good beer, and look forward to whatever specialty beers await me in the spring.
And if you find yourself in the Land of Enchantment this season, you can get your hands on this craft brew at almost any establishment that sells beer, or better yet visit one of Santa Fe Brewing Co.'s four taproom locations: one in Albuquerque, and three in Santa Fe.