History

Algodones Distillery is described as "The Arts & Crafts Distillery" and builds on the idea from the Arts & Crafts movement that something handmade enriches life and shapes how one lives and relates to the world outside. At Algodones they handcraft spirits that reflect their time and place. They use traditional pot stills, artesian spring water and their bosque location for aging, and they distill and use local ingredients—from blue corn to juniper and piñon—to create "The Spirits of New Mexico". Distribution occurs via two Tasting Room locations (Algodones and Ruidoso) and through fine retailers, bars and restaurants across the state. Tours are available, and the company encourages advance reservations.

Production / Manufacturing

Algodones Distillery delivers small batches of spirits handcrafted using classic methods and focusing on locally produced ingredients. They use: - Traditional pot stills and artesian spring water - Bosque aging for aging the spirits - Local ingredients such as blue corn, juniper and piñon - Bosque Rickhouse and a unique microclimate as part of the wow factor in maturation - A Hoga still from Spain for double-distillation in the production of their moonshine and other spirit variations - Armada Gin, which is barrel-aged navy strength gin, aged in used bourbon casks to add oak and whiskey residue to the botanicals Algodones also describes their philosophy as small batches, locally sourced and friendly craftsmanship.

Products / Whisky Series

LUNA (Blue Corn Moonshine Whiskey)

• 80 proof / 40% ABV
• Starts with roasted blue New Mexico corn, which is mashed and fermented on-site and then double-distilled in their Hoga alembic still from Spain
• A reinterpretation of Atlantic Blue Corn in a new form

NIÑA (Baby Blue Corn Bourbon)

• 88 proof / 44% ABV
• LUNA Blue Corn Moonshine Whiskey placed in new American oak barrels and aged in the bosque Rickhouse for 6–30 months
• Oak and bosque microclimate working together to give a unique approach to an American farmhouse-style spirit

MAÍZ (Single Barrel Whiskey)

• 88 proof / 44% ABV
• Starts by filling individual used bourbon barrels with LUNA Blue Corn Moonshine Whiskey and aging in the bosque Rickhouse to capture characteristics from each barrel
• Released in smaller, individually numbered batches

PACANA (Pecan Flavored Whiskey)

• 88 proof / 44% ABV
• New Mexican pecan nuts give Algodones’ craft touch to the whiskey
• In development

Note: In addition to these whiskey products, Algodones also produces other spirits such as Claro Vodka and Ginebra Southwestern Dry Gin, Enebro Juniper Liqueur and Armada Barrel Aged Navy Strength Gin, but these are not marketed as a Whisky series in themselves.

Visits / Experiences

• Tours: By appointment; Saturdays 12:00–16:00 or by arrangement on weekends Friday–Monday in most weeks. As the distillery is small and private, reservations are required, and details can be sent by email.
• Tasting Room / Locations: Distillery/Tasting Room in Algodones: 15 Calle Alfredo, Algodones, NM 87001. Ruidoso Tasting Room in collaboration with The Perfect Gift: 2501 Sudderth Dr., Ste. G, Times Square Shopping Center, Ruidoso, NM 88345.
• Special Events venue: A unique venue for weddings, reunions or corporate events, with the option to offer NM beer, wine and spirits and catering space; can accommodate up to 100 guests. Located between Albuquerque and Santa Fe with easy highway access.

Philosophy

Algodones Distillery embodies the spirit of the Arts & Crafts movement and believes that something handmade enriches life and humanity’s relationship to the world. They handcraft spirits that reflect time and place using traditional methods, artesian spring water and their bosque location for aging. The name "The Spirits of New Mexico" reflects their focus on local ingredients and the local climate, and their approach is small-batch, locally sourced and friendly craftsmanship.