Local Boys Make Good (Beer)

Ex Novo Brewing took the spotlight at a press conference at its Corrales taproom Wednesday announcing its latest brew, Dusty Spur, will be the official beer of this year’s New Mexico State Fair. 

The theme of the 2024 State Fair, which runs from Sept. 7-17 at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque, is “Fair Famous” and the artwork adorning the can of the American pilsner incorporates a film reel above the branding “New Mexico State Fair.”

Expo New Mexico General Manager Dan Mourning said the new brew exemplifies New Mexico, and Ex Novo was a perfect choice. “The State Fair represents our industries and culture, and the craft brewing industry is a big part of that,” he said.

While the State Fair doesn’t start for a few more weeks, Dusty Spur will be on sale in stores, starting Monday, Aug. 13, Mourning said. He then introduced the stars of the show, brothers Joel and James Gregory. “This is such a no-brainer for us to come alongside the State Fair,” said Joel, who founded the brewery in Corrales. “We’re proud to offer what we can at the State Fair.”

Gregory said his family has lived in Corrales four generations and he’s proud the village will be represented. “It’ll be nice to see it in people’s hands at the State Fair. It’ll be like my two worlds colliding,” he said.

James Gregory described the beer as crisp, clean, slightly bitter but less so than Pearl Haggard, a German pilsner Ex Novo brews. “I think our brewing team knocked it out of the park,” he said.

James said Dusty Spur will probably be a one-off and will disappear after the fair. Only a limited amount was brewed and “it will sell out in a short time.”

He later added, “As far as being never seen again, I don’t know.”

Dusty Spur is 5.1% alcohol. Its IBU is 22, he said.

Mourning said the State Fair’s partnership with Ex Novo began after Premier Distributing recommended the Corrales-based brewery for the signature beer. “A light bulb went off in my head. Yes, this is where we need to go,” he said.

Mourning added that the beer goes good with State Fair fare. “It pairs well with a green chile cheeseburger,” and with corndogs and turkey legs too, he said.