August 15, 2024 –
2024 marks the 11th year in business for Kaktus Brewing, a nano-brewery founded, owned and operated by Dana Koller. In what was originally a two-car garage in a trailer park on the outskirts of Bernalillo, Koller has created a vibrant community space that always has something special taking place.
A nano-brewery is more, and smaller, than a typical craft brewery. Kaktus Brewing only has two barrels with which they brew on location. This set-up allows for a high level of control and creativity with each batch of beer. In turn, Kaktus Brewing has been nationally and locally awarded for not only its beer, but also its food and its level of sustainability.
The brewery has an almost entirely organic menu that features many interesting and local ingredients, including elk sausage, duck and New Mexico hatch green chili. All of this can be enjoyed inside or on their large patio with almost nightly entertainment. Kaktus keeps a consistent line-up of local musicians and dancers, including The Kaktus Kats Jazz Jam, Got Soul, The Desert Darlings, Flamenco d’Aki, Joe Daddy Warner and Friends, Dust Devils, and the Kaktus Kats Blues Band. They also offer yoga sessions and other special events throughout the year.
Koller uses Kaktus Brewing to build community in Bernalillo and beyond. In 2023, after the tragic fire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Kaktus Brewing raised over $6,000 in a two day fundraiser to help affected families in need of housing and assistance.
