Red River to host ‘Spirits Showcase’
The Red River Chamber of Commerce and New Mexico Restaurant Association recently partnered with the New Mexico Distiller Guild to stir together Red River’s “Mardi Gras in the Mountains” celebration and the “Spirits Showcase.”
“As a guild, we’ve been trying to have more activities away from Albuquerque [and Santa Fe], where most of the distilleries are concentrated,” said Scott Feuille, the president of the New Mexico Distillers Guild. “We really want to branch out and get to some of the more distant regions of the state.”
Naoma STaley, CEO of the Red River Chamber of Commerce, suggested the guild come to Red River so that guests at the Mardi Gras event can also enjoy local spirits. It will begin as a trade-only event for local restaurants, of which 13 are expected to be present. After this initial phase, which will last one hour, the event will be open to the public. To spare guests from the harsh cold, the event will be held indoors.
“Partnerships like these have tremendous benefits for local New Mexico restaurants,” said Carol Wight, CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association. “The New Mexico dining scene is a unique and diverse community. Being able to add locally-crafted spirits not only supports our New Mexico restaurants and adds to their bottom line, but benefits everyone — from the distiller crafting their product, the waitstaff closing higher check purchases, the customer receiving an elevated dining experience and everyone that is part of that supply chain.”
The Spirit Showcase began as a trade-only event for restaurants to sample local spirits to consider while diversifying their drink menus. The showcases began in 2020 after the passing of House Bill 255, which allowed restaurants to carry novelty and locallydistilled spirits alongside A-license libations.
“As an advocate for our members,” STaley said, “Red River Chamber is always looking for opportunities to highlight the best of what our members — Red River, the Enchanted Circle and the state of New Mexico — have to offer.”
“It would be fantastic to get some folks in Taos and up around the Enchanted Circle to come into Red River to take part,” Feuille said. “It’ll be a fun festival. We’re gonna show them what New Mexico spirits have to offer. We’ve come a long way.”