Albuquerque's IPA masters. Elevated IPA is a New Mexico institution.
La Cumbre Brewing Company began as the realization of a dream for founders Jeff and Laura Erway, opening its doors in December 2010. Jeff Erway, previously a music teacher on the Navajo Nation, discovered his passion for brewing in 2003 after picking up a homebrewing guide. His dedication to mastering the technical science of beer eventually led him to the American Brewers Guild, followed by a stint as the head brewer at Albuquerque's Chama River Brewing. Seeking to create beers at the absolute peak of the craft, the couple established their original brewery and taproom in an industrial pocket of Albuquerque on Girard Boulevard NE. Within less than a year of opening, their flagship Elevated IPA clinched a gold medal in the highly competitive American-Style India Pale Ale category at the 2011 Great American Beer Festival, instantly putting the young brewery on the national craft beer map.
The Girard Boulevard taproom balances its industrial warehouse setting with a warm, communal environment. The two-story space features a cozy loft where patrons can gather over board games, pool, or foosball, while the downstairs area offers views of the busy production floor. Outside, a lively patio lit by string lights hosts a rotating lineup of local food trucks daily, alongside regular live music performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The visual identity of the brewery is heavily influenced by creative director Cory Campbell, whose whimsical, detailed illustrations adorn the seasonal pint cans, establishing a distinct, artistic brand that matches the quirky spirit of the staff. In August 2018, La Cumbre expanded its reach by opening a second location, the Westside Taproom on Coors Boulevard NW, to accommodate its growing community of loyal locals.
The brewing program at La Cumbre is anchored by its technical precision and a deep respect for traditional styles, balanced by a willingness to experiment. While Elevated IPA remains the undisputed star (brewed with a complex blend of hops like Centennial, Chinook, Simcoe, Mosaic, and Nelson Sauvin to achieve a bold, resinous 7.2 percent ABV profile) the portfolio extends far beyond IPAs. Year-round staples include Malpais Stout, a robust and roasty imperial stout, and A Slice of Hefen, a classic German-style wheat beer. The brewery has also earned accolades for its lighter offerings, such as BEER, a clean, crisp light lager that won its own Great American Beer Festival gold medal, and Azulito, a refreshing Mexican-style lager brewed with blue corn. This rigorous commitment to ingredient quality and recipe development ensures that every draft poured from the tanks represents a masterclass in balance and execution.
Order a pint of Elevated IPA, the legendary West Coast-style brew that won gold at the Great American Beer Festival in 2011, and check the chalkboard for rotating single-hop releases.
Coffee & Craft — Roadside fuel stops curated by Basecamp West. The best coffee shops, craft breweries, diners, and eateries worth the detour on your next Western road trip.