New Mexico State University and New Mexico-based Bosque Brewing Co. have partnered up to bring the university its very own beer.
Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale debuted on Aug. 17 at Bosque Brewing Co.’s Las Cruces taproom. The craft beer is named after the Aggie mascot and the year that NMSU was founded. The blonde ale has a light-malt sweetness that makes the beer perfect for any Aggie fan.
The beer is not only generating revenue to help fund NMSU athletic programs, but it is also giving Aggies and NMSU alumni a sense of pride.
“The idea of an NMSU drink is really cool,” said hotel, restaurant and tourism major, Marina Downs. “This is definitely something to be proud of.”
Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale is available on tap at the Las Cruces taproom. The place has seen large crowds of NMSU students and alumni flock to the vicinity to try the university’s beer.
“It is a good classic pale ale and an even better marketing strategy,” said nursing alumna, Kailene Ruttle.
Gabe Jensen, managing director of Bosque Brewing Co. is an NMSU alumnus and he couldn’t be any more excited to partake in this event.
“Being able to support our alma mater by having this beer available at Aggie games and around town was a no-brainer for Bosque,” Jensen said. “As alumni and most of our ownership having grown up or lived in Las Cruces, NMSU has a special place in our hearts.”
(Video by Cristal Corrales and Sergio Espías)
The beer will also be available at the first Aggie football home game Sept. 16. The silver and crimson colored cans with the schools fight song lyrics printed on them will be available statewide early next year. The beer is a tool to help promote NMSU throughout the state.
“We’ve vetted this and the company,” said NMSU Chancellor Garrey Carruthers. “Of the five owners, three are Aggies, so that’s about the best credentials you can have. If marketed appropriately, this extends our brand across the state. It also shows that New Mexico State University is willing to team up with local companies.”
According to an official press announcement released by the university, NMSU is only the fifth university in the nation to have its own officially-licensed beer. The others are Louisiana State University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Tulane University and Colorado State University.
