Happy holidays fellow lovers of beer, this is E-Rock here this fine Monday to bring you another edition of the Week Ahead in Beer. As always, this column is designed to keep you up to date on all of the seasonal beers, music, and events served up in and around the Albuquerque metro area.

Most local breweries and tap rooms will be closed for one or more days this week, but there are a lot of new beers on tap despite the abbreviated drinking schedule. Back Alley Draft House is now carrying a new batch of Goat Head Raspberry Blonde. Il Vicino is now serving their Aphelion Black IPA, Dark-n-Lusty Stout, Milk Chocolate Cherry Stout, Dark American Lager, and Baltic Porter as part of Solstice Blackout. Marble is introducing their 2013 Reserve and Daisy Mae to taps this week. Tractor now has Roasty Nut Brown, Man Der Damm Lager, and their crowd-pleasing Turkey Drool ready for your consumption. Turtle Mountain has a new batch of their very popular Hoptimus Prime on tap this week.

That is just a small sample of what is going on in and around the Duke City. Continue reading for all the news that is fit to blog for the week of Dec. 24.

To break down each “capsule,” I listed the brewery (with Web page linked), its phone number (all are area code 505, for out-of-state readers) and hours of operation. Under “Beers” are the new or seasonal beers on tap for this week. And for those breweries that play host to musicians, I made sure to list who’s on the week’s set list.

ABQ Brew Pub — 884-1116

(Mon–Thurs 11 a.m.–midnight, Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–midnight)

Beers: No new seasonals at this time.

News: It’s been a long wait, but Ben Miller’s newest creation should be making its way to the taps at ABP in the new year.

Back Alley Draft House — 766-6973 (NYPD)

(Hours 5 p.m.-11 p.m. daily)

Beers: Goat Head Raspberry Blonde, JC’s Pumpkin, JC’s Pale Ale, Melia Belgian Strong Ale, Goat Head IPA, The Streets Saison. I had the opportunity to have a pint of JC’s Pumpkin recently. This beer is well spiced and tasty without being overpowering. It’s exactly what I want out of a pumpkin beer. If you don’t believe me, BADH also has La Cumbre and Marble’s Pumpkin beers on tap, so you can do your own taste test.

Events: Yours truly will be playing music this Friday with the Saletta Teixeira Fiasco at 7:30 p.m.

Bad Ass Brewery — 918-2337

(Mon–Thurs 4 p.m.–10:30 p.m., Fri–Sat 3 p.m.–midnight, Sun 4–7 p.m.)

Beers: 66 Pinup Porter, Zombie IPA, Charlie’s Old Red, Midnight Imperial Stout, Torn Kilt, English Brown Smog, Belgian Mistress, Double Headed Zombie, Matts Wine Barrel Sour, Nutty Cafe, Desert Rose, Dragon Blood, Eat Your Oatmeal, Triple Chocolate Stout. The BAB staff is especially excited about the Midnight Imperial Stout. I had a flight of this stout recently. This bad boy clocks in at 10-percent ABV with 25 IBU, and it is smooth with a nice smoked flavor. It could be BAB’s tastiest offering to date. If you have never been to BAB or haven’t been there in a while, this is definitely the time to go and the Midnight Imperial Stout is the beer to have.

News: BAB will be closed on Monday and Tuesday to observe the holiday season.

Bosque Brewing Company — 750-7596

(Mon–Thurs 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Fri–Sat 2 p.m.–midnight)

Beers: Amber Ale, Scotia Scottish Ale, English IPA, Oatmeal Stout, Olde Bosky (Porter), Kindling (Golden), Mellow Brit (Brown), Cumulus IPA. According to BBC’s website, Kindling is “a smooth and crisp Golden Ale. Very drinkable.” Bitter Brit is “an English IPA, with subtle citrus notes.” Mellow Brit is “an English Brown with hints of honey.” And Olde Bolsky is “a robust porter with roasted and coffee undertones.” The Scotia was nearly out last week, so hurry up and try it if you have not already had a sample.

News: BBC will be closed on Monday and Tuesday to observe the holiday season.

Broken Bottle Brewery — 890-8777

(Mon–Fri 4 p.m.–midnight, Sat noon–midnight, Sun noon–10 p.m.)

Beers: John Quincey Adams Ale, Rob Van Winkle Vanilla Stout, Xico Suave, Anamole (Chocolate Red Chile Stout), Debacle Pumpkin Ale. The John Quincey Adams Ale is something of a hard cider and ale hybrid brewed with quinces. The Rob Van Winkle Vanilla Stout is a local favorite, so get it before it sells out. Stoutmeister and Franz Solo alone might wipe out the supply.

News: B3 is now serving a limited menu in the taproom. The food is provided by one of ABQ’s best new restaurants, Paco’s. They have things like roasted duck quesadillas, chips & queso and much more. Also, on Feb. 10, they will host a Beer Pairing Dinner catered by Paco’s, with tickets now available at B3.

B3 has their Cracked Cork BarleyWine coming out next week. If you haven’t tried any of B3’s seasonals recently, then you are missing out on some great craft beers.

B3 will be closed on Monday and Tuesday to observe the holiday season.

Events: On Wednesday, B3 will be hosting their open mic from 8-10 p.m., with signups starting at 7:30 p.m. They will be showing football throughout the day on Sunday.

Music: Fri — Ska (band name TBA) 8-11 p.m.

Chama River Brewing Company — 342-1800

(Sun–Thurs 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–midnight)

Beers: Gingerbread Beer, Centennial PA, Shadow Boxer (Black IPA), Porter for Pyros. According to a post on Chama’s Facebook page, the Gingerbread Beer is a “lightly spiced ale carries flavors and aromas reminiscent to that of baking gingerbread in your home as the snow falls outside. This beer weighs in at a substantial.” (9.0% ABV, 35 IBU) And the Black IPA Shadow Boxer is “very dark in color with a punchy hop flavor and aroma, finishing with a hint of roast malt.” (6.6% ABV, 65 IBU) Stoutmeister tried the Gingerbread, Shadow Boxer, and Porter for Pyros and highly recommends all three, though not all in one sitting as the alcohol content could knock you off your bar stool.

Il Vicino Brewing Canteen — 881-2737

(Sun–Thurs noon–10 p.m., Fri–Sat noon–midnight)

Beers: Aphelion Black IPA, Dark-n-Lusty Stout, Milk Chocolate Cherry Stout, Dark American Lager, Baltic Porter, Oatmeal Stout. Solstice Blackout has returned! You can get a flight of each of the dark and tasty beers listed above for only $6 total. Members of the Brew Crew paid a visit to the Canteen on Friday to try the sampler, and what a tasty tray it was. The staff at IV is predicting that Solstice Blackout will only be on tap for about a week. Head over to the Canteen before New Year’s Eve and try it for yourselves.

News: The Super Exodus IPA (Exodus dry hopped with citra) is on tap for Cask Wednesday and the Hop Scotch will be on cask Saturday. Saint Bob’s Bourbon Barrel aged Imperial Stout is now available in half growlers (32oz bottles). IV brewed an 80-bottle batch and only about a dozen are left, each numbered and autographed by the brewers. $20 per bottle or make it a gift pack with two 6 oz. glasses for $25. The 2012 version of St. Bob’s will be on tap soon. We had a chance to sample it, and oh, boy, is it powerful. Handle it with care, or your liver might move out and not leave a forwarding address.

Il Vicino Canteen will be closed on Tuesday for Christmas.

Music: Sun — Keith Sanchez (Songwriter) 3-6 p.m.

La Cumbre Brewing — 872-0225

(Open every day at noon)

Beers: Noche de Paz, Barrel-Aged Russian Imperial Stout, Potter’s PA (Belgian-style pale ale), Hot Shots Rauch (Rauchbier), Pecos Porter, Trout (English-style) Pale Ale. According to La Cumbre’s website, the Hot Shots Rauch is “named in honor of the heroes that regularly put themselves into harm’s way in the hopes of saving our lives, our property, and our National Forests and Parks, this Bamberg-style Rauchbier is pungent with the smoke, apple, and rich bready maltiness that one should expect from the style. 100% German malts and hops along with our house lager yeast and over 2 months of lagering have left this beer both formidable, and incredibly smooth and drinkable. It finishes lightly malty, with enough hop spice to balance the sweetness contributed by lots of Munich, Vienna and Bamberg Rauch malt.” (5.4% ABV, 30 IBU)

Stoutmeister and Cryptogrind both sampled the Imperial Stout during La Cumbre’s two-year anniversary celebration earlier this month. Both were blown away by this awesome mix of traditional stout flavors with bourbon and wine hints.

News: La Cumbre will close at 5 p.m. on Monday and will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday to observe the holiday season.

Music: Wed — Sat — Alex Maryol 7-10 p.m.

Marble Brewery — 243-2739

(Mon–Sat 1 p.m.–midnight, Sun 1 p.m.–10:30 p.m.)

Beers: Daisy Mae, 2013 Marble Reserve, Brew Cut Volume 1, Brown Porter, Dark Secret (Brown Lager), Pumpkin Porter, Imperial Red (9.0% ABV). Brew Cut Volume 1 is a barrel-aged Imperial Red. According to their website, the 2013 Marble Reserve is their “much-anticipated annual holiday offering. This American strong ale spends months in oak bourbon barrels before it is deemed ready for release. This year’s batch is replete with molasses and vanilla notes.” Daisy Mae is a Brett-forward Farmhouse Ale that “features a delicate tartness tempered with Belgian wit spiciness. ” (7.0% ABV, $7/Goblet) And the Brown Porter is Tim Lambert’s State Fair Best-of-Show winner. (5% ABV, $4/Pints) Stoutmeister gives thumbs up to the Brown Porter, noting it is a unique hybrid of traditional smoked porter and nut brown flavors.

News: Marble’s holiday gift packs ($19.95) are now available at all of their locations. Choose from Imperial Stout, Chocolate Cartel’s Red Chile Chocolate bar and dark chocolate macadamia nuts OR Imperial Red, a leather pint koozie, and green chile pistachios. They also have brown and black hoodies ($30) back in stock in all sizes at their Downtown Pub and their Westside Taproom.

All Marble locations will be closed on Tuesday to observe the holiday season.

Events: Check out Marble’s cask (or “real” ale) selection on tap this Friday at their downtown location. This week Marble IPA will be in cask. Marble is also doing their Annual Coat Drive through December.

Nexus Brewery — 242-4100

(Mon–Thurs 2 p.m.–10 p.m., Fri–Sun 11 a.m.–midnight) Beers: Chocolate Porter, Maximus (Double) IPA, Imperial Cream Stout, Barley Wine, Equinox Spiced Brown. At 9.2-percent ABV, Nexus’ new Barley Wine packs quite a punch. But be warned, Nexus has a way of brewing high alcohol content beers that go down smoother than a pilsner. Make sure to order a hardy meal with this bad boy. Derek and Stoutmeister sampled this one recently; both labeled it “dangerous, since you don’t taste the alcohol, just the sweet.” The Chocolate Porter was popular among the entire Crew, who had a rare meeting of the minds this past Saturday at Nexus. News: Nexus will be closed on Monday and Tuesday to observe the holiday season. Events: Nexus will be have Ladies Night on Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. featuring $3 pints for the ladies. They will also have NFL Sunday Ticket and $7 wings starting at 11 a.m. on the final day of the regular season. Sandia Chile Grill — 798-1970 (Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun 8 a.m.–6 p.m.) Beers: IPA (6.5% ABV, 100 IBU), Hefeweizen, ESB, Amber Ale (6% ABV), Irish Red Ale (6% ABV). SCG has made an IPA especially for all you hopheads out there. At 100 IBU, SCG’s new IPA is sure to give your taste buds a dry, bitter experience fitting for any Burqueño. While you’re there, grab a meal smothered in red and/or green chile. It doesn’t get more New Mexican than that. News: At Sandia Chile Grill you can enjoy great New Mexican food with your beer such as their $10 double chicken enchilada and beer special served with beans, potatoes, chile, and a 16-ounce beer. SCG’s Milk Stout (with added malts and hints of smoked flavors) should be on tap shortly after the new year. Tractor Brewing Company — 433-5654 (Nob Hill Tap Room)

(The tap room opens most days around 3 p.m. and stays open as late as 2 a.m.; it opens earlier on weekends)

Beers: Roasted Nut Porter, Man Der Damm Lager, Turkey Drool, Milk Moustachio Stout, Adebisi (black lager), Lunas De Los Muertos Imperial Stout. Man Der Damm Lager is group-effort brew dedicated to the late Javier Garcia. This year’s Turkey Drool checks in lighter in alcohol (6.5 percent vs. 7.8), with a more subtle opening, but still that multi-flavored finish that makes it so unique. Stoutmeister tried it and found it an improvement over last year’s more powerful version.

News: Tractor will close at about 6 p.m. on Monday and will be closed on Tuesday to observe the holiday season.

Turtle Mountain Brewing Company — 994-9497

(Kitchen hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.)

Beers: Hoptimus Prime (Double IPA), Molasses Porter (6.3% ABV, 30 IBU), Imperial Baltic Porter (7.6% ABV, 25 IBU), 3-Galloot’s Pale Ale, Collateral Damage Barley Wine, Honey Wheat, Texas Twister Brown, Milkshake Stout, Golden Ale, Hybrid IPA, Cabo Lager, Red Rye, Collateral Damage Barley Wine on cask. Hoptimus Prime (7.0% ABV, 125 IBU) is one of TMBC’s most beloved IPAs. Only 6-1/2 barrels (13 kegs) were brewed for this most recent batch, so drop by Turtle Mountain and grab a pint (or growler) before it is gone.

News: Look for the Ironman Black IPA, one of Stoutmeister’s all-time favorites, to hit taps at TMBC in the near future.

TMBC will close at 5 p.m. on Monday and will be closed on Tuesday to observe the holiday season.

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That’s all for this week! If you have any questions or comments, leave them below or contact us on our Facebook page.

Cheers!

— E-Rock