La Cumbre x Cannonball Creek Brewing, 'Spectator Sport' West Coast IPA Beer, New Mexico

Concentrated hop aroma, firm bitterness, and a dry finish define this deliberately classic West Coast IPA. La Cumbre x Cannonball Creek Brewing, 'Spectator Sport' West Coast IPA Beer, New Mexico brings together two breweries with formidable hop credentials for a one-time 2026 release celebrating the Great American Beer Festival season. Inspired by the familiar brewery ritual of a few people working while everyone else offers very important advice, it reflects both producers’ shared affection for precise, unapologetically bitter IPA.

Product Details

• Producers: La Cumbre Brewing Company and Cannonball Creek Brewing Company
• La Cumbre Owners: Jeff and Laura Erway
• Cannonball Creek Owners: Brian Hutchinson and Jason Stengl
• Collaboration Brewer: Producer Team
• Cannonball Creek Head Brewer: Brian Hutchinson
• Style: West Coast IPA
• Release: Limited 2026 collaboration
• Alcohol: 7.2% ABV
• Bitterness: 90 IBU
• Packaging: Cans and draft
• Availability: One-time release

Sensory Description

Concentrated hop aromatics rise above a lean, restrained malt frame. Firm bitterness drives the palate, with its 90-IBU structure remaining clean and deliberate rather than coarse. The body stays focused at 7.2% ABV, leading into a dry, brisk, and persistent finish firmly rooted in the West Coast IPA tradition.

Producer’s Background

Jeff and Laura Erway founded La Cumbre Brewing Company in 2010 with an emphasis on technical precision, high-quality ingredients, and expressive hop-forward beer. The independently owned brewery has since become an important part of New Mexico’s modern brewing identity.

Cannonball Creek Brewing Company was founded in 2013 by Brian Hutchinson and Jason Stengl. Its small, hands-on brewing program is especially respected for clear West Coast IPAs and traditional lagers. Cannonball Creek has earned medals at every Great American Beer Festival since its opening year, while Project Alpha 81 received a gold medal in the West Coast IPA category at the 2026 World Beer Cup. Spectator Sport channels the two breweries’ complementary experience into a fleeting collaboration intended to be enjoyed fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve at 45–50°F in an IPA glass or nonic pint to preserve its hop aroma and brisk bitterness. Pair it with a green chile cheeseburger, tacos al pastor, grilled sausages, spicy fried chicken, or aged cheddar. As a limited, hop-driven release, it is best consumed as fresh as possible.