Kilt Check, (formerly Drafty Kilt), is a local craft brewery located in Albuquerque, NM. Privately owned and family operated by Mike and Sheryl Campbell, Kilt Check Brewery's namesake gives homage to the couple's Scottish heritage, and renowned sense of humor. In reference to being newly introduced, Mike is often heard joking, "Don't you know who I am?!"
Our Story
Mike Campbell has launched 3 breweries in his 20+-year, decorated career as an award-winning brewer.
Photo by Mike Hartranft, Rio Rancho Observer of Mike while at Cazuela's.
After several years as a decorated home brewer, Mike began his professional crafting career at Wolf Canyon Brewery in Santa Fe, NM as well as at the Rio Grande Brewery in Albuquerque, NM, both as an assistant brewer. He then moved up in the ranks at the original Rio Bravo Brewery* in Albuquerque, NM as head brewer 1996-1997.
In 1999, Mike became co-owner and head 'beer farmer' of Tractor Brewery located in Los Lunas, NM. The company was distributing in 5 states and were operating at 2,000 barrels annually, at the time of his departure from the company.
Mike was then contracted to create and launch Ghost River Brewing Company in Memphis, Tennessee, establishing Boscos' Restaurant's own private label and micro brewery for its customers. Owner Chuck Skypeck, a world-renowned figure in the brewing industry, selected Mike from a short list of skilled craft-brewers able to execute the task. Mike created several beers while at Ghost River, distributing to multiple restaurant sites, and producing 1,500 barrels annually.
As current head brewer for Cazuela's Restaurant and Brewery in Rio Rancho, NM, Mike created the brewery and launched the private line of beers for the company, including several award-winning selections. At the NM State Fair 2014, the, “Inebri-ator,” a doublebock, was awarded a gold medal as well as named Best Lager (Pro-Am Competition), “Acapulco Gold,” a classic American Pilsner, was awarded a gold medal, and “Piedra del Fuego,” a cream ale, was awarded a sliver medal. Additionally, “Beer for My Horses,” was awarded a NM State Fair gold medal, as well as a bronze medal in the 2014 World Beer Cup’s Oatmeal Stout category.
Of Piedra del Fuego, “I named it 'Rock Of Fire' because I use a traditional method of dropping red-hot rocks in it on brew day,” Campbell said. “It caramelizes it and gives it a toffee, nutty-like flavor. I’m very proud of it."
– Mike Campbell
Friday April 25, 2014, Albuquerque Journal.com
Photo By Michelle Lemons, private collection