DATE: 11/11/2020
WRITER: Justin Bannister, jbannist@nmsu.edu

New Mexico State University and Dry Point Distillers have launched Pistol Pete’s Six-Shooter, the first collegiate-licensed whiskey in the country. The whiskey will be available for purchase beginning Nov. 12 in and around Las Cruces. A portion of the proceeds will go to support NMSU’s more than 400 student-athletes.

“We’re so excited for this opportunity to work with New Mexico State University,” said Chris Schaefer, owner of Dry Point Distillers and a graduate of NMSU. “Craft distilling is an emerging industry in our state, and our business is still relatively new on the scene. This collaboration will help put us in front of a lot of new customers.”

Pistol Pete’s Six-Shooter is a rye whiskey that has been aged for three years and is Dry Point’s fourth whiskey to be released. The label design pays homage to NMSU’s history and the university’s founding more than 130 years ago in the Old West. The spirit will be served in craft cocktails at Dry Point’s location in Mesilla, New Mexico. Bottles of the whiskey will be available at stores around the area.

“This is a win-win-win for everyone involved,” NMSU Director of Athletics Mario Moccia said. “So many small businesses have had a rough road during the pandemic. With Pistol Pete’s Six-Shooter, we’re able to work with a small business, owned by someone who graduated from NMSU, and help them launch a product that benefits the university and our student-athletes.”

Last month, NMSU announced a collaboration with Lescombes Winery for the creation of Pistol Pete’s Crimson Legacy, a cabernet sauvignon available for purchase at locations around the state. Additionally, in 2017, NMSU worked with Bosque Brewing Company to create and launch Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale. The beer won a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival.