Central New Mexico Students Create Seasonal Beer with Flock of Moons
On August 29, 2023, a new beer crafted by students from Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) debuted at Flock of Moons Brewery Company in Nob Hill. The class of ten brewing students collaborated to create a saison beer named Citrinitas, characterized as a Belgian-style farmhouse ale featuring fruity and spicy flavor notes with a crisp finish. Designed to complement the transition from summer to fall, Citrinitas embodies the essence of seasonal brewing, reflecting its name, which is derived from the French term for “season.”
Elena Mattson, a brewing student at CNM, expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “I think the biggest challenge was just learning the new equipment, because it was a little different than what we do at CNM.” She noted the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, which added to the learning experience.
Citrinitas is expected to remain on draft until October, and its initial reception has been promising. Jeff Tomlinson, co-owner and head brewer at Flock of Moons, reported that it outperformed most of their IPAs on the day the first keg was tapped. “It’s been well received, and I’ve heard it’s a very good summer saison,” Tomlinson said, adding that the beer is well-suited for the current weather.
This collaboration marks the first project between CNM brewing students and Flock of Moons since the pandemic disrupted such partnerships. Tomlinson emphasized the significance of collaboration within the brewing community, stating, “One thing I love about brewing and the community here in New Mexico is the sense of collaboration.” He highlighted the mutual learning experience that such projects provide, encouraging other local breweries to engage in partnerships with educational institutions.
Growing Opportunities for Aspiring Brewers
CNM’s Beverage Production and Management program has gained recognition as a training ground for future brewers in New Mexico. The program boasts a brewing lab with 16 stations, providing hands-on experience crucial for students. Ebbie Edmonston, executive director of the New Mexico Brewers Guild, remarked on the program’s impact, saying, “This is where a lot of the new generations of brewers are coming from.”
Leading the program is instructor Antonio Fernandez, who joined CNM in 2022 after a successful tenure at Ponderosa Brewing Company. He noted the considerable demand for skilled workers in the brewing industry in New Mexico, stating, “To this point, since I’ve been here, we’ve been able to place 100% of our graduates in breweries.” This statistic underscores the program’s effectiveness in addressing workforce needs in the growing industry.
Victoria Martinez, associate dean of the business, hospitality, and technology school at CNM, highlighted the importance of connecting students with real-world experiences. “Be connected is one of our values here at CNM,” she remarked. This commitment ensures that both faculty and students maintain strong ties to industry practices.
For students like Mattson, the practical experience gained through the program is invaluable. “With something so hands-on like brewing, you’re not really going to understand what it’s like until you’re out there working the job or making your own recipes,” she explained. Her aspirations to open her own brewery one day are fueled by the skills and experiences she is acquiring at CNM.
The collaboration between CNM and Flock of Moons Brewery not only enriches the educational experience for students but also strengthens the local brewing community. As the program continues to evolve, it promises to produce a new generation of skilled brewers ready to make their mark in the industry.
