By Beth Hahn
Mountain View Telegraph
Six beverage companies that moved to Moriarty from different locations around the state are almost ready to open for business.
Sierra Blanca Brewing Company, Isotopes Brewing Company, Red Foil Root Beer, Monks' Ale, Rio Grande Brewing Company and Santa Fe Cider Company combined bottling operations in Moriarty because of its proximity to Interstate 40 and wide open spaces.
Mark DeVesty, owner of Isotopes Brewing, said the beer makers were hoping to begin bottling and brewing their frothy drinks in the Moriarty location very soon.
The six companies made their relocation announcement in March after meeting and deciding to consolidate operations to save money on rent, shipping and bottling.
Moriarty provides room to grow for the microbreweries, easy access to I-40 and little, if any, of the headache of traffic in Albuquerque.
The companies are leasing a building from the city of Moriarty in the Industrial Park area, just east of The Connection Call Center.
Tentatively, the brewery operation plans a retail space for their products and tasting tours.
Original plans for the relocation included selling the beers in local bars and restaurants as well as drawing traffic off Interstate 40 for the tasting tours.
Sierra Blanca Brewing Company produces one of New Mexico's best-selling micro brews, Roswell Alien Amber Ale, and until March was based in Carrizozo. The Isotopes and Rio Grande companies were both based in Albuquerque, and Santa Fe Cider was based in Santa Fe.
Monks' Ale will not be brewed in Moriarty, because it is made by monks in a monastery near Pecos. The beer will only be bottled in Moriarty, according to the brand's marketing representatives.
In March, each company's representatives said the move to Moriarty was necessary for each brand to expand and begin regional marketing campaigns.
Representatives from some of the six companies are talking with local produce growers about using local grain and fruit products in future beers.
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