A Visit To Wolf Canyon
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Sandy James

Two weeks ago a gang of us went to Wolf Canyon to eat and sample Brad Kraus'
latest brews. Naturally I had the sampler, a small glass of each brew, a
great bargain at $5. The ambiance was very nice, I liked the copper tables.
Its clear no expense was spared in the design and decorating. The building
is new but already has a comfortable feel to it. I hate to disagree with
our illustrious head kahuna but here are my comments on the beers:

      Aspen Vista Golden Ale - very crisp and pale, it should appeal
      to the BudMillCoors public. Wish I had brewed it, but I don't
      care to drink it, unless of course, I have a few lawns to mow.

      Copper Mesa Amber Ale - an altbier style and by far my favorite
      of the bunch. I would have liked more body from a microbrew,
      St. Stans from Modesto still gets my vote on altbiers.

      Piņon Nut Brown Ale - This too was low in body and I couldn't
      detect much piņon flavor.

      Lobo Negro Porter - Chocolate, chocolate but not enough
      body to balance it. I admit to not being a porter fan but
      this one seems brewed to appease the adventurous few in the
      BudMillCoors crowd.

      White Wolf Wheat - what can I say about a beer that had so
      much banana the waiter served it apologetically and tried
      to convince me it was that way on purpose?  Perhaps it is
      on purpose but remember how everyone laughed at my "banana
      Xmas" beer last year? Remember the picture of John Stewart
      holding his nose while drinking it? I didn't drink this one
      but tried twice. Everyone at my table tasted it, the tiny
      glass was still 3/4 full when we left.

      Ojo Rojo Raspberry Ale - This one is a delightful, crisp
      natural raspberry tasting ale. I hope it is to be a regular
      part of their offerings, especially in the summer.

      Wolf's Head Root Beer - The greatest root beer in the world.
      Craig's glass was refilled repeatedly, much to his delight.
      This alone is worth the trip, be sure to take the kids.
      Why isn't it part of the sampler?

Now for the food...this was by far the best part about Wolf Canyon. I even
went back again last week, ate the food but skipped the beer. Rare for me
as most of you well know. My tortilla burger was fabulous, smothered in
mild green chile and cheeses. Craig's BBQ chicken sandwich was even better
with a housemade chipotle BBQ sauce that was to die for. The beer battered
pub fries were spicy, crisp and not to be missed. I suggest you go with a
friend, order side SFe Caesar salads, split a sandwich but order extra fries.
I wouldn't want you to fight with your date over the nummy fries (although
Craig raved about the grilled new potato salad). Rumor about town is that
you should skip the fajitas, they arrive pre-assembled for you, that approach
should be left in Texas.

All in all, the only beer I ordered more of was the Copper Mesa Amber ale,
but don't take my word for it. I highly recommend that everyone go taste the
sampler for themselves on a regular basis (and be sure to eat). I expect the
beers to change as the brewery matures, it will be interesting to try them
once a month and watch their progression. Wolf Canyon should definitely be
commended and supported for their undoubtedly supreme efforts in persevering
through the licensing, inspection and construction laissez-faire that is
thankfully unique to Santa Fe. Kudos to Santa Fe's first brew pub. Now if
only Second Street and Blue Corn Cafe will start their taps...