Albuquerque, New Mexico is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking natural landscapes. However, in recent years it has also begun to emerge as a hub for a growing and thriving distillery scene.

With a blend of tradition, innovation, and local ingredients, the distilleries in Albuquerque are creating unique spirits that captivate both locals and visitors alike.

If you are a visitor to Albuquerque and you want to enjoy the best that the local distillery scene has to offer, knowing where to start can be a difficult task. Navigating around strange cities is always a challenge, and finding the hidden gems of the distillery scene isn’t easy.

Luckily, Albuquerque is not only bursting with high-quality distilleries, but many of them are located in the same area!

In this article, we will explore the Albuquerque distillery scene and provide you with everything you need to know to fully immerse yourself in this exciting and flavorful world.

We’ll introduce some of the best distilleries, where they are, and what you can expect from the Albuquerque distillery scene. Let’s get started!

The History Of The Albuquerque Distiller Scene

New Mexico and Albuquerque have a long history of breweries and wineries. Although wines from New Mexico are often overshadowed by wines from other states such as California, the state has been producing high-quality wines for years.

With such a background in producing wines and beers, it should come as no surprise that Albuquerque has now embraced distilleries as well.

The oldest distillery in Albuquerque is Left Turn Distilling . This distillery has been winning awards for its gin and whiskey since 2014 and is one of the most popular stops for anyone in Albuquerque who wants to sample the local distillery scene.

With a taproom and kitchen onsite, you can enjoy the handcrafted spirits and food offered at the distillery.

The main distillery is located on Girard Boulevard, making it ideally located for anyone who wants to visit. You will also find Left Turn Distilling products available in stores and bars around Albuquerque, and the distillery takes pride in using New Mexico ingredients for that authentic New Mexico taste.

Since Left Turn Distilling opened in 2014, Albuquerque has seen an explosion in the number of local distilleries. Craft distilleries have become popular all over the United States, and this is never more evident than in Albuquerque.

Throughout the borders of the city, there are now over 40 different distilleries that all offer their own unique handcrafted spirits.

Albuquerque Brewery And Distillery District

There are many different breweries and distilleries to enjoy during your time in Albuquerque. Thankfully, many of them are located in the same downtown area, and this is often referred to as the Albuquerque Brewery and Distillery District.

When you’re in this district, you will find breweries and distilleries on almost every corner. Simply walk around a few blocks and there will be another taproom ready for your custom!

If you head toward the Albuquerque Convention Center, you will find three wonderful distilleries within easy walking distance. These are Downtown Distillery, Still Spirits, and Hollow Spirits Distillery. Also within the area are Left Turn Distilling, 505 Spirits, and Albuquerque Distilling.

If you don’t have a particular distillery in mind and just want to get a feel for the distillery scene in Albuquerque, this is the area to head for. Take a look at the taprooms of each distillery and the drinks they have on offer to see which will best sate your thirst.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we took a closer look at the Albuquerque distillery scene. We introduced the oldest distillery and some of the other options in the city. We also spoke about their location and transportation options.

We hope that you have fun in Albuquerque and enjoy the distilleries in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Albuquerque and the distillery scene.

What Is Transportation Like In Albuquerque?

If you’re thinking of sampling some of the distilleries in Albuquerque, then driving is not advisable. Leave the rental car at the hotel and get into the city in a way that is comfortable and safe for yourself and the other drivers on the road.

Albuquerque has a robust public transportation system, and buses cover most of the city. You can access the bus schedules from the City of Albuquerque website or download the Transit app for real-time information.

The city is also well-served by private hire services such as taxis, Uber, and Lyft. Take the worry out of finding your next distillery by getting a local to drive you!

What Drinks Are Popular In Albuquerque Distilleries?

All distilleries have their own specialties, but whiskey, gin, and vodka are especially popular across the different taprooms and distilleries. Expect to see many interesting flavors of gin and vodka and a variety of cocktails.

Most of the distilleries proudly use ingredients sourced in New Mexico, so don’t be surprised if a few drinks have a spicy snap to them! If this isn’t to your taste, don’t worry, as there are plenty of drinks made with fruits as well.

What Are The Most Popular Sights In Albuquerque?

A visit to Albuquerque can’t be about distilleries alone! If you find yourself with some spare time while you’re in Albuquerque and you want to visit some of the tourist attractions in the city, then you have plenty of options.

No visit to Albuquerque is complete without a walk through the Old Town district, where you can see the history of the city come to life. Some of the buildings in the district are over 300 years old. If you’re more interested in museums, try The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History instead.

The city is also surrounded by stunning natural views. We recommend heading out to the Petroglyph National Monument or Sandia Peak.