Ex Novo Brewing expands in New Mexico with diverse experiences

Ex Novo Brewing Company, founded in 2014 by Corrales Native Joel Gregory, began its journey in Portland, Oregon, with a unique mission: to craft exceptional beer while making a positive impact on the community. The name "Ex Novo," meaning "from scratch" in Latin, reflects the brewery's commitment to starting fresh and building a brand rooted in philanthropy and quality.

Gregory envisioned a brewery that not only produced outstanding beer but also channeled its profits toward charitable causes. Initially established in Portland as Oregon's first nonprofit brewery, Ex Novo pledged to donate all net profits to selected nonprofits, including Friends of the Children, International Justice Mission, Impact NW, and Mercy Corps. This pioneering approach garnered significant attention and set the foundation for the company's ethos: "Drink Beer, Do Good."

Expansion to New Mexico

In 2019, seeking to expand and reconnect with his roots, Gregory opened a new brewing facility in Corrales, New Mexico — his hometown. “Right around 2017 was when we started dreaming about expanding down to New Mexico,” Gregory explains. “We wanted to come home eventually and all of the things lined up to enable us to buy this property down here in 2018 and start this buildout.”

This move allowed Ex Novo to reach a broader audience while maintaining its commitment to community engagement and quality brewing. The Corrales location offers a family-friendly environment with a spacious beer garden known as "The Corral," featuring fire pits, bocce courts and ample seating for guests to enjoy a diverse selection of craft beers.

Building on the success in Corrales, Ex Novo expanded to Albuquerque in August 2024, transforming a historic 1930s Firestone tire store into a vibrant taproom and restaurant. This downtown location offers a unique experience with distinct spaces: the main taproom and restaurant, an upstairs cocktail lounge called The Bitter Nun and Sammy's Cafe & Deli.

A unique experience at each location

Ex Novo's approach to its various locations is intentionally diverse, offering unique experiences tailored to each community:

• Corrales Brewery & Taproom: A family-friendly atmosphere with a large outdoor space, food trucks and local restaurant partnerships, creating a casual and inviting environment.

• Albuquerque Taproom and Restaurant: A dynamic downtown venue combining craft beer with a full-service restaurant, offering a lively urban experience.

• The Bitter Nun: A sophisticated cocktail lounge within the Albuquerque location, providing a distinct ambiance for patrons seeking a refined evening out.

• Sammy's Cafe & Deli: A daytime spot within the Albuquerque location, perfect for those looking for a quick coffee or a delicious deli meal in a bright and airy setting.

Each Ex Novo location is thoughtfully designed to reflect the character and needs of its surrounding community, ensuring that the community benefits from their presence. The experiences may differ, but the core values of quality, community and philanthropy remain consistent.

“That's how we've evolved over time, none of our locations are the same at all and have very different vibes depending on what we feel like the neighborhood or the location needs,” shares Gregory.

Commitment to community

Throughout its growth, Ex Novo has remained steadfast in its mission to support charitable organizations. Since its inception, the company has donated to various nonprofits, including local partners like Somos Unidos Foundation, which focuses on creating positive outcomes for New Mexicans through art, sport, community and unity. Ex Novo's "Do Good Beer Series" exemplifies this commitment by collaborating with local charities, incorporating their causes into specific beer styles and dedicating a portion of the proceeds to support their missions.

For more information about Ex Novo Brewing Company, their locations or their community support, visit https://exnovobrew.com/.