New Mexico State University becomes the fifth university in the U.S. to launch an officially licensed beer. Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale pays homage to the Aggies’ mascot and the year the university was founded. The cans will feature school colors and the fight song.
“As alumni and most of our ownership having grown up or lived in Las Cruces, NMSU has a special place in our hearts,” said Gabe Jensen, managing director of Bosque Brewing Co. “When the call came in for us to consider brewing an NMSU licensed beer, we geeked out. Being able to support our alma mater by having this beer available at Aggie games and around town was a no-brainer for Bosque.”
“While many ales are developed as a complement to food, ’88 ale will also complement whichever Aggie sports team you’re rooting for,” the university said.
“’88 captures everything we love about balance,” Jensen said. “With a brilliant pale straw-color, this blonde ale has a light malt sweetness and just enough late addition hops to add flavor and aromatic nuance. Whether you’re new to craft beer or are a seasoned connoisseur, a couple of ’88s is the perfect complement to whatever Aggie game you find yourself watching.”
Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale will be available on tap at the brewery’s Las Cruces taproom, and at the first Aggie home game on Sept. 16 at Aggie Memorial Stadium. Cans of the ale will be available statewide early next year.
It will help promote the university throughout the state. Proceeds from each purchase also helps NMSU athletic programs become financially independent.
“We’ve vetted this and the company,” NMSU Chancellor Garrey Carruthers said. “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.”
The ale’s brilliant silver and crimson cans were designed at NMSU and feature the lyrics of the Aggie fight song. Boxes containing the ale were also designed at NMSU and are adorned with the Aggie and Bosque Brewing logos in crimson and white, along with the ale’s ’88 nickname and Pistol Pete icon.