ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The New Mexico State Fair has unveiled its official beer for 2026, partnering with Albuquerque-based Boxing Bear Brewing to introduce Centennial Lager.
State Fair officials and representatives from Boxing Bear Brewing announced the new beer during a joint press conference Tuesday. The lager was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, a milestone being recognized across New Mexico and the nation this year.
According to Boxing Bear Brewing, Centennial Lager is brewed with Centennial hops and features a smooth malt profile with a light, refreshing finish designed for New Mexico’s warm climate.
“The State Fair is all about family and friends coming together and nothing epitomizes that more than family-owned Boxing Bear Brewing,” said New Mexico State Fair General Manager Dan Mourning. “We are honored to partner with them.”
Boxing Bear Brewing, founded by Kevin Davis and David Kim, has become one of New Mexico’s most recognized craft breweries and has earned multiple awards in recent years, including honors at the New Mexico IPA Challenge and the North American Brewers Association International Beer and Cider Awards.
“We wanted something that wasn’t gimmicky, just a nice, easy-drinking, approachable beer,” said Dylan Davis, Boxing Bear’s director of brewing operations.
Centennial Lager will be available beginning this week at Boxing Bear taprooms and retailers throughout New Mexico. Fairgoers will also be able to purchase the beer throughout the 2026 New Mexico State Fair, which runs Sept. 10 through Sept. 20 at Expo New Mexico.
