E-Malt.com News article: USA, NM: Four friends working on opening new brewery in Albuquerque

Four friends with a shared love of home brewing have decided to go into business together.

The story behind Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. sounds like one we’ve heard at least a few times during Albuquerque’s recent wave of beer-trepreneurship, the Albuquerque Journal reported on November 6.

But it turns out that Bow & Arrow — one of about a dozen new breweries currently in the works around Albuquerque — boasts a particularly interesting cast of characters. Its founders include Mark Stone, a water resources engineer and University of New Mexico professor; Asako Stone, Central New Mexico Community College psychology professor; Missy Begay, a resident physician at UNM; and Shyla Sheppard, a Stanford graduate who previously worked in venture capital.

Bow & Arrow — now under construction inside an old warehouse near 6th Street and Interstate 40 — will reflect their shared appreciation of “culturally-inspired food and drink” but also their diverse backgrounds, Sheppard said.

“We all kind of bring a specific skill set to the table,” she said.

Mark Stone, for example, understands beer-making — and the science behind it — and will work closely with Luke Steadman, the head brewer the team recruited from Pennsylvania. Asako Stone will spearhead the planned craft beer education programming. Sheppard said Begay will steer the branding and design.

Those three will keep their day jobs. Sheppard, though, will make it her full-time gig. She will serve as CEO.

“I’ve always wanted to start my own company; it’s always been a plan of mine,” she said.

Bow & Arrow is among 12 new breweries planned for the Albuquerque area, according to Chris Jackson, editor of the local beer website, Dark Side Brew Crew. That’s on top of the 25 already in operation.

But Sheppard said she expects Bow & Arrow to set itself apart in a number of ways, from Steadman — who has what she calls “field to glass” experience from his previous job at a farmhouse brewery — to the housemade kombucha it will have on tap. The brewery will also work on educating consumers about beer. Sheppard said the manager, Joslyn Hidalgo is currently seeking “Certified Cicerone” status, which requires knowledge of beer styles, beer storage, ingredients, beer-food pairings and more.

As for the beer itself? Bow & Arrow describes its eventual output as “full-flavored, yet approachable brews infused with elements of the Great American Southwest.”

Patrons will get to see it being made — the 100-seat taproom will have views into the production area. There will also be a patio.

It will not have a commercial kitchen but will sell snacks and host food trucks.

Bow & Arrow is using Mullen Heller Architecture and Vision Build Inc. for the renovation of the old warehouse. Sheppard estimates it could open as early as January.


08 November, 2015