Tractor Brewing Company

Tractor Brewing Company

Company type	Private
Industry	Brewing
Founded	1999 in Los Lunas, New Mexico, U.S.
Founder	Herb Pluemer
Headquarters	Albuquerque , United States
Area served	New Mexico, Oklahoma, New Jersey, New York (distribution states)
Key people	Skye Devore (co-owner), David Hargis (brewer), Carlos Contreras (cultural programming)
Products	Beer (including Double Plow Oatmeal Stout, Farmer's Almanac IPA, Sod Buster Pale Ale)
Number of employees	80 (2014)
Website	www.tractorbrewing.com

Tractor Brewing Company is a brewery originating from New Mexico, established in 1999 in Los Lunas before moving its operations to Albuquerque in 2014. The firm manages a taproom and dining venue situated north of downtown Albuquerque, along with a second taproom located in the Nob Hill district close to the University of New Mexico. Tractor Brewing has received accolades at the New Mexico State Fair Pro-Am Competition, underscoring its influence within the market and the quality of its products.

The brewery’s lineup features signature beers such as Double Plow Oatmeal Stout, Farmer's Almanac IPA, and Sod Buster Pale Ale, complemented by seasonal selections like Tractoberfest and Winter IPA. Tractor Brewing prioritizes community involvement by showcasing local visual artists, live musicians, and poetry events, reinforcing its brand image and strengthening its regional market foothold.

History

Founded in 1999 by Herb Pluemer as a "beer farm" in Los Lunas, New Mexico, Tractor Brewing began with Pluemer restoring antique tractors to draw visitors. The brewery bottled and distributed its beers across several states including New Mexico, Oklahoma, New Jersey, and New York.

During the 2008 economic downturn triggered by the Great Recession, the company ceased bottling operations. To rejuvenate the business, Pluemer enlisted MBA graduate Skye Devore and brewer David Hargis. Together, they spearheaded growth efforts and penetrated Albuquerque’s craft beer scene by opening a taproom in Nob Hill in 2011. This location operates without a kitchen but collaborates with local food trucks to provide dining options.

Bottling resumed in 2013 through Premier Distributing—the largest beer distributor in New Mexico—allowing production to surpass the limits of the Los Lunas facility. Devore and Hargis transitioned into employee-owners, revamped the brand’s packaging, and tackled capacity challenges.

In early 2014, they shuttered the Los Lunas brewery to inaugurate a combined brewery, taproom, and restaurant near downtown Albuquerque. This new site is equipped with nine fermenters of thirty-barrel capacity plus five fermenters of fifteen-barrel size. It rapidly became known for fostering local artistic and musical talent. Carlos Contreras was appointed to oversee cultural programming including art exhibitions, music performances, poetry readings, and charitable events—enhancing community ties.

Tractor Brewing actively participates in prominent industry gatherings such as the Taos Ski Valley Annual Brew Master’s Festival and the New Mexico Brewers Guild’s WinterBrew event held in Santa Fe. The company also backs community projects like a 2015 pilot bicycle-sharing program in downtown Albuquerque, reflecting its dedication to social engagement alongside business expansion.

Production

From a modest start with two founders producing approximately 350 barrels annually in 2008, Tractor Brewing grew substantially to nearly 4,000 barrels per year by 2014 with a workforce of about 80 employees—highlighting considerable operational development.

Core offerings

Tractor Brewing’s regular lineup includes seven main beers:

• Double Plow Oatmeal Stout – an English-style dry stout featuring chocolate and dark roasted malts at 5.2% ABV.
• Farmer's Almanac IPA – a golden-hued India Pale Ale with 72 IBUs and an alcohol content of 6.5%.
• Farmer's Tan Red Ale – a blend between Irish red and Scotch ale styles at 6.5% ABV; recipient of Bronze at the 2014 State Fair Pro-Am.
• #15 Pilsner – a German-style lager named after the malt quantity used per fifteen-barrel batch.
• Haymaker Honey Wheat – an American wheat ale brewed using eighty pounds of honey sourced locally per batch.
• Milk Mustachio Stout – a milk stout carrying an alcohol volume of 6.0%.
• Sod Buster Pale Ale – an American pale ale featuring 45 IBUs.

Seasonal and Limited-Edition Brews

Among the seasonal selections are distinguished entries such as:

• Javier Lager, a high-quality American lager recognized with a Silver medal at the 2014 State Fair Pro-Am.
• Tractoberfest, a European-style amber lager awarded a Silver medal in 2014.
• Tractor ESB, an extra special bitter that received a Bronze medal in 2014.
• Tractor Maibock, a helles bock honored with a Bronze medal in 2014.
• Wagon Wine, an American barley wine which earned a Silver medal in 2014.
• Winter IPA, an India Pale Ale noted for its seasonal appeal.

Accolades

Tractor’s premium lager, Man Der Damm, achieved first place at the 2013 New Mexico Beer Cup, also securing both the People's Choice and Celebrity Pick honors within the lager division. Additionally, their Farmer’s Tan Red Ale was awarded third place in the red ale category.

In the 2014 State Fair Pro-Am Competition, Tractor Brewing Company garnered three silver medals across light lager, European amber lager, and strong ale categories, alongside three bronze medals for bock, English pale ale, and Scottish and Irish ale styles.

See also

• List of breweries in New Mexico
• List of microbreweries

Further reading

Interviews

Reviews

• Analysis of Farmer's Tan Red Ale.

External links

• , footage showcasing the canning process.
• Self-Employed Happy Hour Podcast: Skye Devore, Co-Owner