Brewers Consolidate in Moriarty

What do Monks and Roswell aliens have in common? Both are the names of microbrews created and brewed in New Mexico. And now, thanks to the efforts of Estancia Valley Economic Development Alliance (EVEDA), Monks Ale, Roswell Alien Amber Ale, as well as several other New Mexico microbrews will be brewed and bottled (or just bottled, in the case of Monks) under the same roof in the Moriarty Industrial Park. The cooperative, launched by Sierra Blanca Brewery in partnership with Isotopes Brewing Company, helps six of New Mexico's micro-labels save money on rent, shipping and bottling. The Sierra Blanca facility relocated from Carrizozo, New Mexico in March 2006. It chose Moriarty for its proximity to I-40, its amble space for expansion, and its proximity to New Mexico's eastern plains farmers, some of whom will provide produce to the breweries. The cooperative also plans to open a retail space and tasting room, which will attract travelers on I-40. "We needed to move and the town courted us," the company says.