Monks's Ale during a beer dinner at Bishop's Lodge on Oct. 5, 2011. It's been a busy year for Abiquiu's Christ in the Desert Monastery. After buying out the Pecos Monastery to take full control of Abbey Brewing Company, Monks' Ale and Monks' Wit beer is now delivered to drinkers in five states outside of New Mexico. Now the monastery will begin brewing specialty beer at its rural retreat along the Chama River in addition to commercial production in its name that happens in Moriarty. Monks are also experimenting with growing their own hops.

Photo by Luis Sánchez Saturno/The New Mexican

Monks's Ale during a beer dinner at Bishop's Lodge on Oct. 5, 2011. It's been a busy year for Abiquiu's Christ in the Desert Monastery. After buying out the Pecos Monastery to take full control of Abbey Brewing Company, Monks' Ale and Monks' Wit beer is now delivered to drinkers in five states outside of New Mexico. Now the monastery will begin brewing specialty beer at its rural retreat along the Chama River in addition to commercial production in its name that happens in Moriarty. Monks are also experimenting with growing their own hops.

Photo by Luis Sánchez Saturno/The New Mexican